What’s in a word?
Don MISCHER’S use of the dreaded “f-word” dropped like a lead balloon during the Democratic convention’s final moments on TV (“100,000 Balloons a Trial for Producer,” by John Horn and Elaine Dutka, July 31). Sandra Tsing-Loh’s accidental use got her canned. Bono’s usage at the Golden Globes is now the stuff of legend. The Federal Communications Commission is urging fines of up to $750,000 per “f-word.” By this calculation certain rap songs would owe fines equal to the GNP of small nations.
Considering the litany of the world’s more pressing problems -- terrorism, poverty, disease, pollution, global warming -- why is our society in such a lather over a word that’s uttered reflexively each time a person gets his income-tax bill or drops a heavy object on a toe? Maybe it’s time to loosen up and accept the “f-word” as part of modern life. After all, our own very conservative vice president thought the word was suitable for use in the hallowed halls of Congress.
Maybe he’s onto something. Perhaps our society should just take a deep breath and relax -- after all, it’s just a four-letter word.
Kenny Feuerman
Beverly Hills
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