Expert Says Cursing Hurt Blagojevich

Did Profanity “Seal the Deal” in Illinois Governor’s Downfall?

James V. O’Connor, author of “Cuss Control, The Complete Book on How to Curb Your Cursing”.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich who’s accused of attempting to sell the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama probably never thought twice about his language as recorded by corruption investigators, but an expert on cursing says he should have.

“It’s not that he would be in any less trouble than he is now,” author and public relations professional James V. O’Connor said during a telephone interview, “but it’s a reflection of character that didn’t help his situation at all.  It strengthened the argument against him.”

O’Connor points out that there are more than 900,000 words in the English language, and fewer than 30 are swear words.  Moreover, the tendency to use foul language may be an indicator of a person’s general state of unhappiness.

While interviewing people for his book, “Cuss Control, The Complete Book on How to Curb Your Cursing,” O’Connor noticed a trend among those who have foresworn swearing.  “In general, non-cursers had greater emotional control and contentment,” O’Connor said.  “But they also had tolerance of those who swear as a matter of free choice.  [Swearing] wasn’t for them, but they seemed to be happier and more content than the people who did swear.” 

O’Connor admits to cursing on occasion, but he’s taught himself not to do so in the presence of others.  Controlling profanity is a matter of controlling emotions, and he has a number of tips for people interested in doing so at his online Cuss Control Academy. 

The arguments against cursing are numerous and persuasive.  Among some of the tips at O’Connor’s site are: 

• Swearing doesn’t get you hired, promoted or romantically connected. 
• Cursing contributes to the decline of civility. 
• Cussing reduces respect people have for you. 
• Foul language betrays a lack of control. 
• Profanity can be interpreted as a sign of hostility and lead to violence. 

Blagojevich was already in trouble for corruption and bribery, but his now famous cursing not only didn’t win any support or sympathy, it has become an object of public ridicule.  President-elect Obama declined to discuss the content of the investigation’s tape during a press conference yesterday, because he said, “This is a family program.”

Laughter wafted across the pressroom.  Blagojevich officially became a public laughing stock in a brief moment that may in fact define his entire career.

There doesn’t seem to be an upside to swearing.  From a personal level to a larger societal context, the use of lazy and crude language does nobody any good from the person who uses it to the people forced to hear it.

“They’re not just words,” O’Connor emphatically said.  “They’re offensive and abrasive.  We have freedom of speech, but we also have civility and manners.  We don’t pick our noses, because it makes us look bad.  So does swearing.”