Friday, July 1, 2016

Abusive Language in our Writing

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007


Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (Ephesians 4:29 NLT).

Last month, this verse prompted me to write a miniseries on graphic description and abusive language in Writing Against the Grain. Today, let’s discuss the popular belief that we must use foul language to sell books because, “That’s what the public wants.”

“It’s how people talk.”

Sometimes it’s better not to give the public what they want.


If we hope to make the world a better place, we can’t keep doing what we’ve done in the past. We must raise our standards, and the expectations of our readers. Filling our lives and manuscripts with four-letter words is not the way to do it. Omitting forces us to become better communicators.

Could this cost us sales? Yes. But if sales are our greatest motivation, then we’re probably writing for the wrong reason. Few write well when money is their main consideration. And fewer get rich from it.


Are we writing for fame?
Are we writing for fame? Authors do have followers. Their adoration feeds our egos. And that feels good. They follow us because they love our stories or envy the carefree life they believe we live. But fame is fleeting unless we can give our devotees something substantial—something meaningful. Consistently.

What about conflict? A good story must have conflict. I understand the ideal world will not exist until Jesus returns. So until that happens, there will always be competition for what seems to be limited resources. There will always be selfishness. There will always be those who use fear and bullying to get what they want.

I realize that the “bad guys” use expletives and base language to express themselves and intimidate others. However, let’s remember some of the most intimidating lines in stories are delivered without profanity or rage. Here are some samples from film:

  • “It’s a flesh wound. But if you don’t get me what I need, the last thing you’ll see before I make your children orphans is the bullet I put between her eyes.” (Spoken by Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills, after shooting Jean Claude’s wife in the arm — Taken)
  • “There are two types of people in the world – those with a gun, and those who dig. Now dig!” (Clint Eastwood as Blondie— The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly)
  • “I know what you’re thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself a question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?” (Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry — Dirty Harry)
  • “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” (Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone — The Godfather)
  • “None of you seem to understand. I’m not locked up in here with you. You’re locked up in here with me.” (Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach — Watchmen)
  • “Forgiveness is between them and God. It’s my job to arrange the meeting.” (Denzel Washington as John W. Creasy — Man on Fire

We can find words that work without
the use of obscene language.
These lines were very effective as intimidation tools and they don’t include vulgarity. There are many more examples of inducing fear without the use of obscene language.

Some of the most intimidating words I’ve heard in a movie came from Hannibal Lecter in Silence of the Lambs. Hannibal was an imprisoned, cannibalistic serial killer. The following lines were delivered by Sir Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter in a calm, soft voice when talking to FBI agent Clarice Starling.

  • “A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti.”
  • “I do wish we could chat longer, but... I'm having an old friend for dinner. Bye.” (Ending a phone conversation)
  • “Yes or no, Clarice? Poor little Catherine is waiting.” (Catherine Martin is the kidnapped daughter of U.S. Senator Ruth )
And if these aren’t chilling enough for you, how about what he said in conversation with Senator Martin:
  • “Amputate a man's leg and he can still feel it tickling. Tell me, Mum, when your little girl is on the slab, where will it tickle you?”
Everyone I know who’s seen Silence of the Lambs agrees this story is horrifying. The main reason being the soft-spoken forensic psychiatrist who enjoyed killing and eating people.

When I first submitted myself to God, I was a young man who cussed like a sailor. I expressed myself through profanity because I had no interest learning a less-offensive way to relate my feelings. So I know desire for graphic violence, explicit sex, and foul language comes from self-centered motives. I also know that when I do use these lazy tricks, it’s because I write or speak before I think.

I want to please the Lord in all I do, so I accept—and even invite—the chastisement of the Holy Spirit. I need to be reminded to think before I act; to consider the effect my words may have on others.

As responsible writers, let’s hold each other accountable for the words we use. Let’s emphasize positive ways to expresses our feelings. Let’s remember that whatever we write, it could be seen by children.

Let’s strive to ensure that everything we write is “good and helpful,” so that our words “will be an encouragement to those who” read them.

As my friends, I ask you to hold me accountable for the words I use on this site, and any other media through which I communicate. I’d rather you hurt my feelings than allow me to produce less than my best.

What are your thoughts? Let’s keep the conversation going through comments.


TWEETABLES
Abusive language in our #writing - @BDBrady007 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Abusive language: often it's better not to give the public what it wants. @BDBracy007 (Click to Tweet)


Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.

When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.

“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”

33 comments:

  1. Thank you, Bruce. Great topic. I asked this question at a Christian writers retreat. The faculty member's answer was the same as yours. I admire and appreciate godly writing and writers. My son used profanity. I told him he was more intelligent and needed to find better words. Now I see his brain engage when he gets frustrated. God bless you. I will pray for all of us to glorify God is our writing.

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    1. Thanks, Cherrilynn. I envision a world whit less stiff because we all communicate better. God's getting a hold on me, and calling me to teach and write for children has really pressured me to learn a better way to express myself. Abusive language usually incites anger and violence. I'm glad He has a good grip on me. Have a blessed weekend.

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  2. Thanks for your post. This was a topic recently discussed in a Christian readers/writers FB group I belong to. Someone has posted a meme about it. Folks were offended because the quote indicated profanity was a lazy writer's way to build character. They felt it was a harsh judgment. I was disappointed so many people calling themselves Christian writers felt that way.

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    1. While I too am disappointed in Christians who use profanity, I am reminded by God that we are all products of our Satan-controlled world. And I must admit that I sometimes slip back into my old self. So, I'm learning a lesson in forgiveness. However, that doesn't mean we condone abusive language. Being human is NOT an excuse for offending our Father. Thanks for responding, Linda. Have a blessed weekend.

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  3. Well said. I've always thought that the felt need to include profanity and vulgarity in one's writing is the sign of a limited vocabulary. It isn't necessary. And it's completely out of line for one who claims the name of Christ.

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    1. I agree completely, Dennis. But I'm reminded that I didn't see a problem until the Holy Spirit pointed it out. Have a blessed weekend.

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  4. Great info. I tell people all the time, especially romance writers, not to use curse words like they do. Unfortunately, most are not only using it in dialogue these days, but in thoughts as well.

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    1. I understand, KJ. Sadly, "romance" has been reduced to the pleasures of the flesh without really addressing the more important emotional aspects. While there are certainly some authors who do focus on love more than lust, they are few by comparison. Eva Marie Everson reminded me of the movies made in the '40s and '50s, how they expressed the physical aspect of love by having the man carry his wife off to the bedroom, closing the door with a kick. We know what happened next. We don't need someone to draw us a picture. In fact, I feel that explicit sex or violence robs me of using my imagination to complete the scene. it's as if these writers assume I don't have the wherewithal to envision what happens next. Thanks for your input. Have a blessed weekend.

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  5. I agree with you and one of my favorite reviews came from a reader who said it was nice to not be assaulted by bad language in my book.

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    1. Thanks, Ane. The Lord has so changed me that I'm also offended by bad language. And I've noticed how much better those stories could have been without obscene words or acts. As believers, we have to decide to honor the world or honor Him. He hates fence-sitters. Have a blessed weekend.

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  6. Right on, Bruce! I feel the same way, even though I'm not a writer, but a reader. "He used a string of expletives' is enough for me and paints the picture. I wish all authors felt the same way, but sadly, some Christian ones do not.

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement, Susan. I can't take the credit. It was the Holy Spirit who prompted me to write these posts. I only hope they challenge us all to thoughtfully replace our expletives with well chosen words that more effectively convey our messages. Have a blessed weekend.

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  7. Richard Peck is in my top 5 intermediate/young adult authors. When I heard him speak years ago, he said that he doesn't give kids what they want in a book... he gives them what they need. Although not a Christian writer, it sounds a little like Jesus, doesn't it?
    And, as a Christian, given the voice of the written word, my mission is to write what people need - what I need - and not always what we want...
    Thanks and blessings... Nancy

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    1. Thanks, Nancy. Very well put, and an excellent mission. Have a blessed weekend.

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    1. You're welcome, Marggie. And thank you for taking the time to read my post. Have a blessed weekend.

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  9. Bravo! When we are assaulted with expletives throughout a book or movie, it gives the vulgar language validity or sanction. Not a good standard to set for ourselves.

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    1. Amen, Janet. I only hope enough of us will write against the grain and turn our culture around. Thank you. Have a blessed weekend.

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  10. I thank you, Bruce. Well said, well done. May I also say that in romantic fiction novels, a similar sentiment can be adopted with love scenes. The graphic sex we often see in movies and now on television is not necessary to express lovemaking. Often, it is not love that is expressed but fulfillment of human desires that were always meant to be private. One of the ways this can be fully realized is in the classic film noir example, "Double Indemnity". A lady shows up at a man's apartment to seduce him in order to involve him in her husband's murder. After a pause and fade, we see the aftermath. She is applying fresh make-up and he is lying in her lap smoking a cigarette. The old days of film making can teach us a lot about what can be shown and what is not to be displayed. Naturally, I do not recommend the film or even laud it as a great example of love. It was not about love; it was about a set-up to a murder plot. And yet, the screenplay adopted the best device to reveal what really happened without showing what really happened.

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    1. I'm with you, Tom. I addressed this issue more specifically last month. Please take a look. You can find the link in the second paragraph of this post. I appreciate your taking the time to read and respond. Have a blessed weekend.

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  11. Good job, Bruce. In my inspirational fiction instead of using curse words when I know my hero pirate would probably let one fly, I write instead: Luke cursed (or swore under his breath) and stomped across the deck to face down his first lieutenant before he started a mutiny. OR later, Luke bit back words he was trying to eliminate from his vocabulary since becoming a Christian.
    Have a blessed safe Fourth! Elva Cobb Martin, Pres. ACFW-SC Chapter, www.elvamartin.com

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    1. Thanks, Elva. I appreciate your feedback. You have a blessed weekend as well. And please give my love to my friends in ACFW.

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  12. Another excellent post, Bruce. I've seen many a movie (and book) ruined with a couple of words thrown in that were totally unnecessary, and even out of place. I know the Christian market has become a little more lenient, but we need to make sure it doesn't cross the line of decency. We are, after all, primarily writing for an audience of One.

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    1. Thank you, Andrea. I read a short story last night that was pretty good. However, the author threw in one expletive that wasn't even necessary. It didn't enhance the story or the character. It was apparently just thrown in because "it's the way people talk." I appreciate your validation. Have a blessed weekend.

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  13. Awesome read, Bruce. Amen! Since this post is about wisely choosing our words, here are the words (yours) that meant a lot to me in this post, Let’s strive to ensure that everything we write is “good and helpful,” so that our words “will be an encouragement to those who” read them. A scriptural reminder from God's Word that our words are important. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks, Karen. The message I'm receiving from the Lord is that we can still write about evil characters without using abusive language, and even make them more evil in the process. You and Mike have a blessed weekend.

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  14. I came face to face with this very issue at a Christian conference last year. I personally do not care to hear or read profanity & have unfriended, blocked & stopped following people because of it on all my social media outlets.
    I was told, to my face, to 'lighten up & get with it-it's everywhere.' My answer was, & is, "You're a WRITER-you can't come up with a better choice of words to express yourself?"
    I was then told a "well-placed **** or a ****** is very effective in making a point in comedy." I would add there was quite a bit of passive aggressive 'joking around / digs' by the staff & conferees.

    I wondered how these people make peace with Ephesians 4:29, among other explicit scriptures regarding personal responsibility of our speech.

    As for me, it's not welcome within my hearing/reading distance. I don't want to have to explain to Jesus why I allowed it when I could have done something about it.

    Thanks for giving this subject some much needed exposure!

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    1. Thanks, Cyn. You're right. We writers can accomplish much more through innuendo and insinuation, then leaving the rest to our readers' immaginations without offending them. There's no reason to spell out every detail. To do so, limits our readers' engagement in our stories. Have a blessed weekend.

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  15. I appreciate your insight, Bruce. I wholeheartedly agree that our writing should be great without profanity and indecency.

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    1. Thanks, Marjorie. It's something I believe we all need to strive for. Have a blessed weekend.

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    2. I'll add a different take. Those scenes you quoted use foul and abusive language just not profanity. They talk about murder, sadism, torture, and a host of other sins. We are put off by profanity but not by sadism and torture? I'm not objecting to the scenes you quoted. (They are excellent examples of good screenwriting.) Those scenes are more disturbing to me than a foul word or two. I'm interested in hearing disagreement.

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    3. Thanks Lora. I can't disagree with you. However, the bad guys use fear and intimidation as their tools (when they aren't using weapons). And whether we like it or not, there will always be evil in this world until Christ returns. My purpose here is to encourage us to find creative ways of expressing evil without the use of profanity or explicit descriptions. I used the above examples to illustrate this. My personal choices would be the quotes of Don Corleone, Rorschach, and John Creasy because they imply evil without spelling it out. I like these because IF a young child happened to see or hear these scenes, that child would probably not know what those implications are. Have a blessed week.

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  16. Bruce, Late to the party (as usual), but had to join in. I believe that it takes more talent to write "around" profanity than to use it--yet it's just as effective. Besides, as I once answered a query as to why I write Christian fiction, I don't want my name on a book or article that I'd be embarrassed for my wife, mother, or daughter to see. Thanks for the post.

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