by Ryan Tinder
Special to the Ledger
Most people have stubbed a toe and let out some form of profanity at a point in their life, but cursing in the classroom is not quite as commonplace. With the current generation of students and faculty, however, that may be changing.
Samantha Bell, associate professor of English, does not prohibit cursing in her class and is becoming more accustomed to it in the classroom. She believes context and intention are two major factors when students use the language and believes that it is acceptable when used in proper context.
“… If [students] feel they are making a point and they are emphasizing something, then occasionally someone will swear,” Bell said. “The climate of my classroom while I have taught has become more open as I keep teaching. Some people prefer not to see that sort of language in any form. For me, I am not offended by it. The intention of the language is maybe the power behind the swearing … the context for sure is important. If you are in an environment where it’s not a typical usage, it might have more weight.”
Cassie Nelson, a non-traditional student at the college, has yet to hear a professor use profanity and feels there is no need for them to unless they are quoting written work. She does feel swearing is more common with the current generation of students, however.
“Some students have [sworn in class] … not to the point of being belligerent or disrespectful though,” said Nelson. “It is often when someone doesn’t have the vocabulary to express their thoughts in the way that they want to.”
Student Luis Avela believes that instructors should mirror the current generation, whom he finds more accepting of profanity in a variety of contexts. “Teachers need to be more out-there and talk to you like a friend instead of someone who is getting paid to be there … they should be less monotone,” said Avela.
While it is unlikely to to become a regular occurrence in the classroom, students and faculty do seem to recognize that hearing it in the modern classroom isn’t quite as taboo as it once was, and may even have the potential to help students drive a point home.