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Originally Posted by mykalberta
Aret you infringing on someones right to not hear those words when you speak them though?
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No, because there is no such thing as a right to not be offended. Free speech is a tricky subject even when hate speech is involved because the offensive quality of words or opinions is interpreted subjectively. If somebody complains that their furnace was repaired "three f-ing days late" and two people hear it, should the more sensitive person's opinion be considered more important than the other person who is indifferent? Not when it's a matter of law.
I have a much bigger problem with people trying to constrict the actions and language of others than I do with people acting stupidly. People have to accept that there are going to be things that they see and hear, which they aren't going to like or agree with. And, if you don't want your kids to swear in their lives, it is your responsibility to explain to them and convince them why swearing is wrong and should be avoided. Changing everyone else's behaviour is impossible and unjustified.
Furthermore, it is inaccurate to describe the use of swears in the same way that you would even 20 years ago. Words that were formerly considered rude or obscene have simply been absorbed into the common vernacular. Context is what is important, not the actual words themselves.
Finally, the argument that increased swearing is evidence of a "dumbing down" of society is nonsense. That's an argument for form over content. If you want society to be more intelligent, make your argument for better schools or more educational content online or on TV, or even for parents to spend more time teaching their children manners.