No Place for Profanity in Emails
Why do some people feel the need to use profanity in their emails? Especially when there are always other words one can use.
Swearing may get attention, but not in a positive way. Communicating in this way only negatively impacts the perception of who they are, what they feel is important, and their level of education.
And it certainly is not a classy move.
Swearing = Negative Impression
I see it in emails, forums, social media, and even from those who use my contact form on this website. Who would have thought the topic of email etiquette would get some so riled up!
If you disagree with using technology properly or communicating with courtesy, why would they need to contact me using four-letter curse words? Folks who do this pretty much reinforce the need for a site like this, right?
Does a profanity-laden approach make these online users feel better about themselves? Could be.
But I bet they wouldn’t talk that way if they were face-to-face. By the way, I didn’t make up the concept of email etiquette. Intel did that way back in the day. So why “kill the messenger?”
Based on my experience, those who communicate this way are the minority. However, occasionally, I get emails from my readers about what to do about those who send them emails that include profanity.
Communicate Like an Educated Adult
Profanity is the effort of a feeble brain to express itself forcibly.
Spencer W. Kimball
If you disagree with the opinions or writings of others, you are welcome to let them know. That is part and parcel of being online—comments, feedback, forums, and contact forms.
But why not communicate based on the issues while having a constructive conversation where ideas and viewpoints are shared? That’s how you do it!
Using profanities indicates that you are not interested in sharing ideas or having a conversation. In most cases, it is a sign of someone who is not open to different points of view or understanding others, and it indicates that they are bullies.
When I receive these emails, I always shake my head and wonder what is happening in the sender’s head. Why are they so angry? Why are they lashing out so viscerally — about email etiquette?
Typing those words takes an exceptional level of animosity. Consequently, I wonder how they communicate in the rest of their lives. What is behind their negative and destructive communication style?
Dealing with Potty Mouths
Do not take their attacks personally. They must be unhappy and lonely people to feel the need to send an email with that type of verbiage.
If you are online, you will inevitably see or experience these types. By hiding behind these screens and name-calling the moment they run into a different opinion or something they don’t like, in some way, emboldens them. Pretty sad if you think about it.
When you encounter this type of onliner, you have the opportunity to set an example. Then, if you do feel the need to respond, treat them with the level of courtesy they could not offer you.
