American Vulgarities

Abstract

A powerful point may be made from a base or offensive utterance, but a pervading stigma, rooted in the royal courts of England, exists when members of a “lower class” conveys the same point in the language of the people. This language is known as Vulgarity, and it punctuates literary works through a number of methods, such as emphasizing a thought, sentiment, or to present definitive details. Appalling, profane, and offensive language used in literary creations maintains a value beyond shock and awe, and coarseness is not the only modality of delivery. At one time, the mere discussion of bodily functions was deemed to be vulgar. Thankfully, authors have rebelliously employed a wide variety of vulgarity for over six hundred years to provide a more relatable and representational product that speaks to a wider audience. For all of the pomp, circumstance, and formality of royalty or exalted religious leaders, I have it on good authority, that their shit still stinks, just like yours or mine. This thesis is an exploration of reality, the vulgarity, or commonality in us all. The fictional stories that follow, capture more than just pejoratives. They expose a small peek into common threads of American life. These are colorful notes to a life that would otherwise be relatively bland, and dull if not included. There is irony in overbearing rules followed to a tee, and especially so when done in the middle of war. Finding sexual and relationship wisdom amongst a group of dirt-bag vagabonds, from an unexpected source, is a sweet surprise. We need to celebrate the color in our lives, not bleach the fabric.