Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- Foul language seems to be taking hold, but what's behind the "trend" of foul language.
Reality TV is a prime example. But it also plays out in front of our eyes at sporting events.
We caught SU fan Kris Joseph yelling the 'F' word during an Orange game. He later apologized, but many don't, especially fans. He says it's just a natural thing these days.
"I think a lot of people just accept it," he said.
Foul language seems to be more accepted these days, whether in line at the concession stand or anywhere else in the mall for that matter. But why? What's changed since the days where the word crap would get you in trouble with your parents?
Music and television certainly didn't invent these words, but they do play a role.
Syracuse University pop culture expert Bob Thompson says, "Television comes along and they kind of start doing it. What that essentially says is, okay this is now normal. It's not contested, it's no longer controversial. If it's on a sitcom, it's now normal."
And it's not just curse words, it’s the content of discussion that’s pushing the envelope too.
"This has been the year of the V-word, and by that I mean describing a part of the female anatomy," Thompson said. "We are expanding what's allowed, and if you're a parent of young kids that's disturbing."
Foul language spills into your home from your TV and into the rest of your life.
FCC indecency rules apply to broadcast networks between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., but the rules aren’t black and white. Of course, cable TV does not have to conform to the same guidelines.
