The Erosion of Civil Discourse in Modern Canadian Society
Over the past decade to fifteen years, Canada has witnessed a troubling transformation that extends beyond economic concerns. Alongside diminishing prosperity, there has been a gradual erosion of the foundational elements that once made Canadian society exemplary to the world. The decline of resilience, genuine friendship, and public service has been accompanied by a more subtle but equally damaging loss: the ability to communicate without resorting to profanity.
The Symbolic Bar of Soap
To the National Post's comprehensive "What we've lost" series, I propose adding a seemingly trivial but profoundly symbolic item: the bar of soap that parents once used to wash children's mouths for inappropriate language. This object represents more than mere discipline; it embodies the societal expectation of self-control and appropriate expression that has largely vanished from contemporary discourse.
As someone who consciously avoids swear words in both print and digital communication, I recognize the challenge of addressing this topic without examples. There are certainly contexts where strong language might be understandable—such as reacting to physical pain or discussing linguistic norms among adults. However, the current landscape reveals a troubling normalization of profanity that transcends these limited circumstances.
The Normalization of Profanity
Today's public discourse has become increasingly saturated with language that would have been considered unacceptable just a generation ago. I frequently encounter otherwise valuable observations that are rendered unpublishable due to being "smeared with dung" or consisting entirely of expletives. As I often remark about certain arguments, cow manure does not constitute valid reasoning, and mistaking it for such represents a fundamental misunderstanding of civil discourse.
Even during my youth, certain expressions struck me as representing "the epitome of mental squalor." I recall a comic where a character responded to news with profanity, and a personal memory of a friend's crude exclamation being met with justifiable contempt from a bystander. These moments highlighted boundaries that have since dissolved.
From Private to Public Profanity
The transformation has been remarkable. Historical figures like Republican Senator Eugene Millikin used mild profanity specifically to avoid being quoted by reporters—a stark contrast to today's environment where Canada's prime minister casually incorporates strong language into public statements about serious matters like fiscal policy.
This shift reflects more than changing linguistic norms. The proliferation of "potty-mouth" corresponds directly with society's abandonment of self-control as a virtue. When we examine child-rearing practices, the reference to mouth-washing soap might seem like Dickensian brutality to some, but the alternative—never establishing or enforcing boundaries—has produced its own concerning consequences.
The Connection Between Language and Values
The normalization of profanity in public discourse is not an isolated phenomenon. It connects to broader societal trends where self-indulgence frequently takes precedence over duty and responsibility. The same cultural forces that have made constant swearing acceptable have also contributed to the erosion of other social virtues that once defined Canadian character.
As we consider what has been lost over recent years, the decline of civil language deserves serious attention. The ability to express ourselves without resorting to profanity represents more than mere politeness—it reflects the self-discipline, respect for others, and commitment to reasoned discourse that underpin a healthy society. Without these foundations, the very fabric of our communal life becomes increasingly frayed.
