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     Allen Ginsburg influenced a generation of poets. Ginsburg opened the way for obscenities with his now infamous “Howl”. Pushing the limits of “free expression,” having become the object of an obscenity trial, it became legal to express profanity in print.

     Profanities were expletives meant to be deleted. From the beginning of the use of profanity the vulgar colloquialisms were meant to shock and insult. Then as profanity crept into ones vocabulary it would cry out upon a misdirection of the hammer. Today vulgarity is used by poets to awe their like-minded audiences but it alienates much of our modern society.

     Allan Ginsburg’s influence has given the younger generation legitimacy to their cursing. Although believed to be free expression, its use fails to express much more than, just, profanity. Many of our youth seem unable to express a thought without some use of vulgarity. Ginsburg has done much disservice to our youth. Rather than remain as a craftsman of language he inflamed social decency. Although the popularity of profanity permeates the entertainment industry it still has not penetrated into the official workings of the corporate board rooms. When a person uses profanity on a habitual basis it becomes difficult to suppress the expletives when in more proper surroundings. A job applicant who allows profanity during an interview will place himself a step or two below another of equal qualifications.

     Greatness has been lost in the new “free expression” of profanity. Although the vulgarity of colloquialism has become popular among the poet communities of the large cities it has subjugated itself to obscurity among the greater society. Ginsburg’s Howl became famous because of the controversy, just as “Filthy Words” of 1973 with its controversy and judgment by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) boosted comedian George Carlin’s career. The general public has shrugged off poetry leaving it mostly to those who write poetry.

     The use of profanity in poetry is an easier approach rather than the use of more creative expression. It is even in one’s subconscious to suppress profanity when writing a serious piece for a wider audience. Walking down our city streets profanity is heard on every corner. Profanity is the “dumbing” down of creative expression.

© 7-25-08 – Roger W Hancock

Profanity in Poetry
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