Ryan Bridge: Is swearing really that bad?

Swearing. Most of us do it.

Unless you're a Bishop (or maybe they do it in private, too?).

Especially in New Zealand. 

We all know what a GC is and it's nothing to do with the white sandy beaches of Queensland. 

You don't say them in front of mum, and you shouldn't shout them in anger at people, unless they really deserve it. 

But have you noticed the media's obsession with calling out people for swearing, lately? 

Exhibit A: furious Benji Marshall's (Wests Tigers coach) expletive-laden presser.

The media had been saying he was in a spat with a now former player, and they were at war, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. 

None of which, according to Benji, was true. So, he responds and they say he's ranting and swearing and 'going nuclear'. 

Isn't that what they used to call gaslighting? 

Then there was Winston Peters...

Media called that one a foul-language outburst. How can a word so many people use be so offensive or worthy of mention? 

Christine Fletcher, Auckland Council, complains about swearing in the council chambers. The Dunedin council boss was done for swearing about councillors and calling them bad words behind their backs. 

Who hasn't done that?

The truth is most Kiwis don't mind, occasionally. Too much and you sound like trash. Too little you sound too cautious. Directed in anger? Never a good idea and should not happen at work. 

The obsession with people using it from time to time, especially in the age of the internet where people do and say what they want? 

Waste of f***ing time. 

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