In this day and age, we hear a lot about intolerance; we hear a lot about offending others. We have this thing called "political correctness," so that we don't accidentally offend or insult anyone.

But I see a double standard in our culture regarding curse words, swear words, "four-letter words" -- whatever you want to call them.

Yes, times are changing, and many people are no longer offended by the use of such words in everyday language.

However, some people still are; many people still are.

Over the years, I've been seeing an increase in such words on T-shirts that people wear out in public places. I see this not so much as a sign of rebellion as it is a sign of total disregard for others. It is rude and inconsiderate, just like it would be inconsiderate to wear a Nazi symbol just because you thought the design was cool.

I personally am not offended at all when people around me curse. It usually doesn't bother me -- though there are exceptions.

(As an aside, one problem I do have with vulgarity is just that -- the words are literally vulgar, that is, "common". If every other sentence you use has to contain a meaningless -- and most "four letter words" really are meaningless -- word, I am not likely to find you very intelligent. I believe that overuse of curse words dumbs down our language. And I believe that how we talk has an effect on how we think.)

But I am very bothered when I hear inconsiderate adults dropping the f-word when other people's children are present. I am angry for the sake of others when people wear offensive T-shirts, even though the words themselves may not offend me.

Some may say, "People just need to get over it! They are just words." Would you respond the same way if I told you you were stupid? Would you just "get over" the offense I caused you? Would you say, "It's just words."

Maybe you should just get over it, but that's not the point. The fact is that you will feel an unwanted emotional response, whatever that may be. Maybe language is a foolish thing for people to be offended by, but how does that justify your lack of concern for the feelings of others?