My husband came home from the library yesterday with some “guy” movies. (his term, not mine) Among the stack was the movie 48 Hours. Remember that one? Nick Nolte? Eddie Murphy? It was pretty popular at the time.
Now, for some reason, our library got it in DVD. Hubby brought it home. We tried watching it tonight, and all I can say is…what? The acting is horrible, the writing even worse, and the language? Can we say lots and lots of unnecessary bad language?
Were standards really that bad twenty years ago, or did this one just slip by somehow?
(Oh, and sorry to any of you who are fans. This is, of course, my very personal opinion.)
But that brings me to the subject of bad language in books.
When I first began the Stella Crown series, I peppered it with bad language. Lots of the “s” word (Stella is, after all, a farmer), some of the other words, and even the f-bomb. Not many people have said things about it, but I have gotten some scolding e-mails (”I thought you were Mennonite!”) and it’s made me a bit uncomfortable at times when recommending my book to people.
With each book in the series I have used profanity less and less. Why, you ask? For a few reasons.
First, Stella herself is mellowing. While she has certainly not become what anyone might call sweet, she has become slightly less abrasive.
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I bet I’m using less with Maddy, too.
I do use “bad words” more in my non-mysteries. Still, I think the fewer the better. They mean more that way.
by C.R.
on July 3rd, 2008 at 10:06 am
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I’m not a fan of foul language, but as writers, we have to recognize that that is the way some people talk. If we’re going to be true to our time, and true to our characters, we sometimes have to use “bad” words. But I’m with CR, the less the better. Much more powerful that way.
by Casey
on July 3rd, 2008 at 10:37 am
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Four senior citizens at last night’s Jersey Boys performance in Chicago walked out. Lots of f words, s words and other colorful words that boys from the streets of Jersey used. The play ( the story of the Four Seasons) is great despite the language.
by don
on July 3rd, 2008 at 11:19 am
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An oldie but goodie……geez, thought this was going to be a “RobRoast”….teeheyukyuk.
Happy 4th to all you Americans out there.
Zz
by Zorro
on July 3rd, 2008 at 11:56 am
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Talking about “48 Hours” reminded me of “Beverly Hills Cop,” also an Eddie Murphy film, and the first movie I ever ordered on Pay Per View. I was still living at home at the time, and here come all these f-bombs out of our faithful Zenith console. Mom was not amused.
by Steve
on July 3rd, 2008 at 12:07 pm
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Ah but Don . . . when that guy walked out of Jersey Boys, did he walk like a man?
by Casey
on July 3rd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
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I just hope he did’t cry-yie-yie
by C.R.
on July 3rd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
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It was Eddie Murphy. I don’t think he had a movie where he didn’t swear until Dr. Dolittle (and I can promise my memory on that!)
Your reaction to recommending your book to others is the same reason I will never write a sex scene while my parents are alive. It’s just… ugh. I’m a full believer in the Stork Story, and I’m sticking to it!
by Marissa
on July 3rd, 2008 at 2:06 pm
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That should read “can’t promise my memory on that”.
by Marissa
on July 3rd, 2008 at 2:10 pm
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At least Beverly Hills Cop was funny.
Yes, Marissa, those sex scenes are embarrassing, too, aren’t they?
by Judy
on July 3rd, 2008 at 6:17 pm
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Casey, as far as I know, my mother never had it. Ever. I was found under a rose bush, my brother was a Summer Blowout Sale at Target. When I have kids, they’ll be the ones I got from the PX. 
I just don’t want my mother (or worse, my grandparents) to pick up a book with my name on it and go “Oh, Lord, she’s talking about a penis!” I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to go home again after that.
by Marissa
on July 4th, 2008 at 7:00 am
