The Profanity That Has Invaded My Vocabulary in 2018 | Darian Salehi | TEDxTheBenjaminSchool

Summary

In this speech, 12-year-old Darien reflects on the power of words and the impact of profanity in society. He highlights how public figures, such as activist Emma Gonzales, have used strong language effectively for positive change, while criticizing President Trump's coarse use of profanity, which he believes normalizes inappropriate behavior for children. Darien argues that leaders' words influence society, especially younger generations, and urges everyone to choose their language carefully, emphasizing that children are always listening and can be deeply affected by the words adults use.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The power of words: Profanity can be used powerfully, as demonstrated by Emma Gonzales' speech advocating for gun control.
• 🔥 Impact of speech: Emma Gonzales' use of the phrase 'We call BS' effectively rallied support for gun control legislation.
• 📈 Legislative changes: The speech influenced significant gun control legislation in Florida, including raising the minimum age for gun ownership.
• 👎 Negative use of profanity: The script contrasts the positive use of profanity with the President's coarse use, which can degrade his message.
• 🏈 Sports and profanity: The President's use of profanity regarding NFL players kneeling during the national anthem was highlighted as an example.
• 🌍 Geographical bias: The President's comments about immigrants from certain countries were criticized for normalizing derogatory language.
• 🚫 Avoiding explicit language: The speaker chose not to repeat the President's profanity to make a point, similar to Gonzales' approach.
• 👶 Influence on youth: The President's language normalizes profanity for young people, which could encourage bullying and acceptance of such behavior.
• 👂 Children are listening: The speaker emphasizes that children are affected by the language used by leaders and it's crucial to be mindful of this.
• 💡 Call to action: The script concludes with a challenge to choose words carefully, as they can significantly impact others, especially children.

Q & A

Who is the speaker in the transcript, and how old is he?

The speaker is Darien, and he is 12 years old.

What major event does the speaker mention regarding Emma Gonzales?

The speaker mentions that Emma Gonzales is a 17-year-old survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Parkland High School shooting, which occurred on February 14th, 2018.

What advocacy group did Emma Gonzales help to found after the shooting?

Emma Gonzales, along with other students, helped found the 'Never Again MSD,' a gun control advocacy group.

What rhetorical device does Emma Gonzales use in her speech, according to the speaker?

Emma Gonzales uses the rhetorical device of anaphora, where a phrase is repeated for powerful effect. In her speech, she repeatedly says, 'We call BS.'

What is the central argument of Emma Gonzales' speech, as described by Darien?

Emma Gonzales calls out the hypocrisy of politicians and others who oppose gun control, using the repeated phrase 'We call BS' to emphasize her points.

How does Darien compare the use of profanity by Emma Gonzales and President Trump?

Darien argues that Emma Gonzales used profanity cleverly to effect positive change, whereas President Trump uses profanity coarsely, degrading his points and normalizing inappropriate language for children.

What specific example of President Trump's profanity does Darien mention?

Darien mentions a speech President Trump gave in Alabama in 2017, where he used profane language to criticize football players who kneeled during the national anthem, calling them 'sons of b****es.'

What concerns does Darien express about the impact of President Trump's language on children?

Darien is concerned that President Trump's frequent use of profanity is normalizing such language for children, potentially encouraging a culture of bullying and disrespect.

How does Darien suggest people should respond to the use of profanity by public figures?

Darien suggests that people should choose their words carefully, understanding that the words they use can have an effect on others, especially children who are listening.

What is Darien's overall message to the audience at the end of his speech?

Darien's overall message is a challenge to everyone to use their words with care, emphasizing the responsibility adults have in setting a positive example for children.