May Inspiration ~ Using Clean Language (Free Printable!)

We use my iPad a lot for homeschool.  Every morning, we watch the CNN Student News (so awesome) and often times we watch YouTube videos related to whatever we’re learning about (Queen Elizabeth, the Inquisition, whales, etc.)  One of our favorite things to watch on YouTube as part of our scripture/value study are the Mormon Messages for Youth.  The church puts together such inspirational, thought-provoking, and conversation-starting videos.  There might be a few that would be a little confusing if you weren’t Mormon, but most of them could be applicable and inspirational to any one, of any faith.  ANYWAY.  What I’m trying to get at is there was this particular video that really impressed me about using clean language.  It kicked off a great conversation with my kids, and later that night I had to show it to the man, so we could talk about it together.

At first sight, I thought my kids might think it was pretty corny.  But, it’s actually way interesting.  It’s a true story of a kid who was bothered by the language he was hearing in school, so he started a ‘No Cussing Club’.  At first he was made fun of probably heard a bundle of EXTRA swear words, but eventually other kids started joining and it’s now become nationwide.  He’s made appearances on Jay Leno, Good Morning America, and many others.  Kids and adults are making a pledge to clean up their language.  Pretty cool.  But, what’s CRAZY is that for some bizarre reason, there are people trying to sabotage his mission, his website, and are even threatening his life.  A kid!?!  A kid who is encouraging people to better themselves!?!?  I don’t get it.  But, needless to say, I’m super impressed with him, his integrity, and his attitude.  He’s definitely inspired me.  See the video for yourself:

Isn’t he sweet?  I just checked out his web site, No Cussing Club.  Looks like he’s had over 20,000 people take the pledge now.  I love this quote I just found by Bob Greene of the Field Newspaper Syndicate…

“Obscenity, the open use of which used to be a mark of lower social strata, has somehow become acceptable in everyday conversation for everyday people.

“And yet, I am offended—not out of a sense of morality or of prudishness—but because foul language used casually in public comes close to the idea of a violation of privacy. I know that there are some around who feel assaulted by hearing it. I chose that word very carefully; certain language is an assault on the senses.

“Those who disagree are probably saying, ‘after all, it’s only words.’ But words are vehicles; they convey messages. And to some people, the message of profanity is a message of ugliness and aggressiveness and a disrespect for civil behavior.

“Bathroom and sexual obscenities can now be heard in certain popular songs on the radio, and even some magazines and newspapers have begun to print language that would have been unthinkable five years ago. This practice is usually defended under the name of ‘freedom.’ But whose freedom is it? If the language of ugliness becomes so much a part of our society that it is impossible to escape no matter where one turns, then who is free and who isn’t?”

Hope you have a lovely Sunday.  In parting, I’ll leave you with this free printable.  It’s taken from a quote by the famous English poet, Percy Shelley.  The images and background are from my favorite digital artist, Carrie from Fish Scraps.

Download the May 2013 Printable Here.

For more May inspiration, check out A Mouse In My Kitchen, Dreaming About Someday, and Girl Loves Glam.

Unfortunately, I have to say this: rude comments are always deleted from my blog.  That’s all.