MUMBAI, INDIA, September 22, 2011 (DNA): Tired of the increasing use of swear words by youngsters, students of third year bachelors of mass media (TYBMM) from RD National College, Bandra have started a campaign called ‘No Abusive Language,’ aiming to convince other students that swearing is not cool anymore.
They are trying hard to encourage students to stop using abusive language even in jest or as a joke. If you feel the urge to swear, they advise substituting another word or phrase such as “basket of flowers”, “freak” or “fish.” [A HPI staff member noted that catchy words with plosive consonants, such as “Rutabaga!” and “Bumblebees!”, can be satisfying substitutes.]
Everly Gladros, a student involved in the campaign, noted that we use abusive language without thinking twice–when we are angry, sad, irritated or upset, or even just for fun. Even mainstream movies have characters using bad words, making them seem still more acceptable. “We want to break the myth that abusing is cool and makes one popular.”
The students have put up posters promoting their campaign on gutters, garbage bins, and other “dirty” places. “We want to tell people that swear words are dirty and they belong in the gutter. We have created garbage bins where students can throw in dirty words,” said Nupur Maheshwari, another participant.
The students have created a Facebook page, a viral video and other online activities to spread the word. They are also talking about this issue with the people in their neighborhood.