I rarely start threads, but something came up for me after seeing "Transformers" and "Live Free Or Die Hard", which were both PG-13. There's been plenty of discussion on the pros and cons of the rating, and here's another issue for your dissecting pleasure.
The clever use of half of the word "Motherfvcker".
I've heard that the word "fvck" can be used once (or maybe twice) in a PG-13 movie, and only in a "damnit" kind of way, rather than to imply fornication. Ostensibly, this is to protect our children from any horrible thoughts of fornication to interrupt their innocent forays into worlds of gunfire, murder, and mayhem.
What I find particularly disturbing (and I imagine that I may be lambasted for such "sensitivity") is that the filmmakers can get away with the use of the term "motherfvcker" as long as it doesn't contain the word "fvck".
Why does this disturb me? Well, let's take a look at the word "motherfvcker". It's been argued before (i think even in a movie, though I can't remember which) that this is the WORST insult that can be hurled. Think about it - it's someone who "FVCKED" your mother. Less of a big deal in modern times where Mom's get divorced and do their thing with whomever they feel like. And where casual sex is no big deal.
I'm all for casual sex and Moms getting their groove on, but the origins of this word suggest it was reserved for the lowest of the low scum. Those individuals who disrespect, rape, or otherwise defile that which we all hold most dear - our mothers.
But thanks to the puritanical MPAA, now when someone is confronted with a complete and total scumbag, or with a situation that is so horrible, it requires the ultimate epitaph, do our heroes call this scummy person or situation what it is? Do they refer to it as the defiler of all that gives life?
No. They call it a "mother".
Now, before everyone jumps down my throat, rest assured, I'm not saying that you or I (or even the teens of today) will confuse the two, or won't realize that the insult is merely being truncated to placate the puritans.
It's just interesting. And I can't help but find it a bit disturbing that with a mere linguistic flick of the wrist, the holy has now been the named the defiler.
Lambast away. Or as you were.
Cheers,
Cutt-
The clever use of half of the word "Motherfvcker".
I've heard that the word "fvck" can be used once (or maybe twice) in a PG-13 movie, and only in a "damnit" kind of way, rather than to imply fornication. Ostensibly, this is to protect our children from any horrible thoughts of fornication to interrupt their innocent forays into worlds of gunfire, murder, and mayhem.
What I find particularly disturbing (and I imagine that I may be lambasted for such "sensitivity") is that the filmmakers can get away with the use of the term "motherfvcker" as long as it doesn't contain the word "fvck".
Why does this disturb me? Well, let's take a look at the word "motherfvcker". It's been argued before (i think even in a movie, though I can't remember which) that this is the WORST insult that can be hurled. Think about it - it's someone who "FVCKED" your mother. Less of a big deal in modern times where Mom's get divorced and do their thing with whomever they feel like. And where casual sex is no big deal.
I'm all for casual sex and Moms getting their groove on, but the origins of this word suggest it was reserved for the lowest of the low scum. Those individuals who disrespect, rape, or otherwise defile that which we all hold most dear - our mothers.
But thanks to the puritanical MPAA, now when someone is confronted with a complete and total scumbag, or with a situation that is so horrible, it requires the ultimate epitaph, do our heroes call this scummy person or situation what it is? Do they refer to it as the defiler of all that gives life?
No. They call it a "mother".
Now, before everyone jumps down my throat, rest assured, I'm not saying that you or I (or even the teens of today) will confuse the two, or won't realize that the insult is merely being truncated to placate the puritans.
It's just interesting. And I can't help but find it a bit disturbing that with a mere linguistic flick of the wrist, the holy has now been the named the defiler.
Lambast away. Or as you were.
Cheers,
Cutt-
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