The Editor, Sir:

There are such things as 'bad' words. By them, we have their counterparts which are 'good' words. Not only are there bad and good words, but there are also 'pleasant' and 'unpleasant' words. A bad word may be unpleasant, as well as a good word may be pleasant.

For those who believe in the Bible, there is proof there that all words are not the same, and the distinction is made in Proverbs 16:24: "Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones." Reason would have us believe then that unpleasant words are not sweet to the soul and may be unhealthy as well.

Not just words

Words are not just words. If a man thinks he is going to score with a woman by telling her how ugly she is, he is one who is not of sound mind. In fact, he had better prepare a glossary of complimentary descriptions if he intends to get to first base.

Choosing one's words carefully is a gift and an art. In defence of those who use so-called 'bad' words, Yannick Nesta Pessoa in a letter to the editor (August 30) did not use a single 'bad' word, in my opinion. All words were carefully and eloquently chosen. 'Bad' words or 'good' words have no power as long as they are not sung, written or spoken. As long as they remain in the realm of the silent, they are powerless, they are just words. But once they are used, they have the character of being neutral or 'bad', 'good', 'pleasant', 'unpleasant', 'harmful', 'joyful', 'uplifting', 'depressing', and so many other adjectives that add the quality they deserve.

By the profane, we decide what is not profane. Beauty is measured against ugliness; outer beauty against inner ugliness, etc. Is a beautiful woman whose language is full of profanity as beautiful as a homely woman whose speech is like that of the honeycomb?

How often have we acted in remorse for things we've said, but it's too late to take it back? Words are not just words. Our words are as serious as our signature; we're known by it, can be forgiven for it, praised for it, sued for it, or prosecuted for it. It should be part of our educational system to instil in young people the value of words.

I am, etc.,

Common Citizen

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