RE: Profanity in the workplace

["Leonard C. Porrello" <Leonard -dot- Porrello -at- SoleraTec -dot- com>]

You may want to check out the following:
http://www.fcc.gov/owd/understanding-harassment.html.

Apart from that, I differentiate between vulgarity and blasphemy. I read
a study a while back that indicated that men sometimes use vulgarity as
a means of bonding. The use of vulgarity may imply intimacy and trust.
But even this is problematic as it seems to me that what may create
intimacy for some would create a hostile work environment for others. In
short, I think vulgarity, if used at all, should be used very
judiciously (one on one and definitely not in a group). In contrast, I
cannot see that there is ever a place for blasphemy (against any creed)
even if it is used in attempt to create intimacy or make managers feel
all grown up. "GD" is a deal killer for me.

Leonard (who doesn't object to vulgarity on the battlefield and who uses
vulgarity unrestrainedly when he has smashed his toe or slammed a hammer
onto his thumb)



-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- c
om] On Behalf Of Kat Kuvinka
Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 11:06 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: OT: Profanity in the workplace

Is it not a big deal in an office environment? Or should we always err
on the side of manners?

My office is multi-cultural. What is more, we are trying to instill Core
Values, which include Integrity, Respect, and People.

However, yesterday I was in a meeting with some managers, and I heard
"GD", which I find really offensive. I made a comment ("please do not
say that") and it was laughed off.

I believe people don't want to have to think about cleaning up their
language. I actually heard someone say, team members that can swear
around each other actually work better together.

Am I being too fussy? I'm no angel, I just think there is a time and
place!

Thanks,

Kat
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