In Defense of Civility

Yesterday, I found myself in an online conversation actually defending my opinion against profanity.
     Here's the backstory.
     Sundays belong to me and Len. We choose very carefully the spots where we land. After a bridal show in Dahlonega and since we were in the area, we decided to go to an Irish pub in town, one that had been called the best one in the state. We consider ourselves somewhat of a pro at this. Having traveled to Ireland several times - and upping the count this fall - we know about pubs. Their ambience. Their food. Their charisma.
     Seated, we scanned the menu although we all know the only thing you order is Guinness. For what seemed like a long wait, the waitress showed up, took our order and within five minutes, we had our coveted black ale.
     It's what happened next that changed the tale. At a table to the left of us, a restaurant worker (hence the labeled t-shirt) was chatting it up with a table of four. Somewhat young but not on the twenty-side, she spoke in steams of four-letter words, punctuating her tale with f-bombs, c-bombs, d-bombs. Loudly. Proud. I finally looked at Len and said, "Can we leave?" Without finishing our drinks and food, we walked out the door.
      On the drive home, we talked about how life has changed. Neither of us grew up in a home surrounded by foul language or even raised voices.  It wasn't until we both were well into our 20s that we heard the possibilities and even then, they were random. It wasn't a declaration of power or youth but of filth and trash, of ignorance and want.
     My "What Would Jesus Do" turned into "What Would Juette So." In fact, what would I have done had my mother been sitting beside me in the restaurant? I scream at my children when they say these words. They tell me, it's different now. It's acceptable. Not by a long shot.
    And yes, we're all human and there are moments when we all let them fly. Hopefully, it's not in a setting where people from all walks of life gather. Assuming it's okay with everyone is as ignorant as the words themselves. In private, do as you wish. In public, take the high road. It has nothing to do with taste. My view is not discriminatory or prejudicial but my opinion on the way I live my life. I might be older. I might be a little wiser, come to think of it. That happens when you've been taught high standards and values by America's Greatest Generation.