By Betselot Wondimu ‘15

Sometimes, moral sentiments get taken too far. Shortly before Memorial Day weekend, Ocean City Councilwoman Mary Knight organized the posting of signs reading “No Profanity Please” along the beach’s boardwalk. Although she may feel righteous, Knight’s decision was misguided, as many individuals disobeyed the message.

Knight did not consider that swearing has been embedded within American culture to a greater extent than it had before. It’s difficult, for example, to find one contemporary musician, comedian or even teenager who doesn’t curse extensively. With this being said, Ocean City is a popular vacation spot for a variety of people and trying to limit all of their unique lexicons wasn’t rational. It probably provoked some rebels to curse for the hell of it.

Naivety or a desire for popularity is probably to blame for Knight’s decision. If it’s the former, Knight needs to better understand modern culture. If it’s the latter, she needs to find ways to win votes besides appealing to the outdated sensitivities of a small audience. Either way, posting signs that ban profanity in public space is silly.