Strong Language in Books?

[El-kanah]

I don't think it should be restricted either.

[Donnavila Marie01]

I don't think it should be restricted either.

Well, it depends on where we are coming from. I believe it depends on the target audience.

[Manali_DC]

There should be no restriction on strong language or anything else for that matter! An adequate warning about the contents or strong language in a book is sufficient-- if it's not your cup of tea, don't read this particular book!!

[MsDree]

I agree with most commentaries that bad language should not be restricted if the book catered for adult readers.

[elderwand]

If it's a book that's clearly an adult-only book, they should be allowed to use strong language.

[IsabelMay]

It's not a problem unless there is absolutely no mention of it. Sometimes I'm surprised that some books that looked ''clean'' have a lot of strong language or explicit/graphic scenes yet there was no warning. Some sort of a disclaimer before purchase or at the end of the book summary is crucial.

[jjr200s84]

I do not think that there should be an overall restriction of bad language from books, but I do think the author should use good judgment in using curse words or vulgar phrases. Many times, those examples of bad language that make us uncomfortable build a deep view of the character that uses the words and phrases in dialog. Just like adult content or violence, I believe if the content moves the story along, builds character, or deepens the reader's understanding of the situation or world of the book, then it is acceptable. Gratuitous adult or vulgar content, however, often distracts from the reader's experience, and I feel the author should seriously consider removing it.

[bookiegalke]

I think it should be used sparingly so that it doesn't put off some readers.

[EmunahAn]

I think there should be censorship. An author has responsibility towards the reader to be sensitive. There are many ways of expression, it doesn't have to be bad.

[tamdlyte]

In real life some people use "blue" language. I'm put off if a character that would typically use harsh language doesn't. That's not to say that every *criminal, construction worker, drunkard, etc.* has to, just that it takes a very talented author to tackle one who doesn't (and it actually be readable (in my opinion)).

It would be like an author writing about an MD who never sees a patient, or a prostitute who never sees a client.
That Very Talented Author could likely pull it off, but most would come across as inacurrate and contrived.

So, yes, I think authors should include this language. Preferably only in dialogue (and the written equivalent, i.e. letters), and preferably in an organic manner.

Absolutely this... it just seems weird to me when a character doesn't swear when I imagine in real life that they would. And I'm mostly talking about the "F" this or that when they stub their toes or in frustration. The gross swearing to put someone down or show their ignorance with racists comments can only ever be used by unlikeable characters and for shock value and I typically avoid those kinds of books anyways.

[Michelle92]

There are hundreds of ways to express yourself. So if someone chooses to do it using bad language, then it's their choice. And it's ours to read it or not.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

The strong language the author uses is the badge of the book. Every story is told in a different language so i'm not really concerned about this.

[Ivan L]

I think that strong language shouldn't be restricted, but it should be used with taste. If it suits the situation use it, but don't throw them in just anywhere.

[Charissa C]

I don't think strong language should be restricted but, like with everything else in writing, it should have purpose.

There are people in real life who do use strong language frequently and that's part of their character and personality. That is how they express themselves and communicate. That's reality.

Do I enjoy books with strong, vulgar language? No. But I think it's the author's right to have it if they so wish. And my right to not read it if I find it particularly offensive.

[Ashley Crane]

Authors should not be restricted. Language is how we express ourselves and anyone who curses knows how satisfying it is. Strong is a good word for it because it does feel stronger, like more of a release, more emphasis on what you're trying to say.
Anyone who's going to use this language, will use it regardless, because they will hear it everywhere else around them even if not in books.