Let's break down the different components:
* Verbal Taboos: These are words or phrases that are considered offensive or inappropriate in a particular culture or society. They often revolve around topics like:
* Religion: Blasphemy, profanity
* Sex and Sexuality: Explicit terms, derogatory language
* Race and Ethnicity: Slurs, derogatory terms
* Death and the Body: Offensive references to death, bodily functions
* Social Hierarchy: Insults, disrespectful language towards authority figures
* Social Value: This refers to the positive benefits or functions that a social custom or behavior provides for a community.
Now, let's consider the relationship between verbal taboos and social value:
Arguments for the statement:
* Maintaining Social Order: Verbal taboos can help enforce social norms and expectations, fostering a sense of respect and order within a community. They can discourage behavior that is deemed harmful or offensive.
* Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Taboos can shield certain groups (e.g., religious minorities, the elderly, those with disabilities) from verbal abuse and discrimination.
* Preserving Cultural Identity: Taboo language often reflects a culture's values, beliefs, and history. Maintaining these taboos helps preserve a sense of cultural identity.
* Encouraging Thoughtful Communication: By requiring people to be more mindful of their language, taboos can promote more respectful and considerate communication.
Arguments against the statement:
* Suppression of Expression: Strict taboos can stifle free speech and limit the expression of diverse viewpoints. They can lead to self-censorship and fear of speaking out.
* Arbitrary and Subjective: What is considered taboo can vary greatly between cultures and even within societies. This subjectivity can lead to arbitrary enforcement and the suppression of harmless language.
* Perpetuating Discrimination: Taboos can be used to reinforce existing power structures and discriminate against marginalized groups.
* Lack of Context: Often, the context of a word or phrase determines its offensiveness. A strict focus on taboos can overlook the nuanced ways in which language is used.
Conclusion:
The statement "Stronger verbal taboos however have a social value" is a complex one with both valid and problematic aspects.
While taboos can play a role in maintaining social order, fostering respect, and preserving cultural identity, they can also suppress expression, perpetuate discrimination, and be arbitrary in their application.
It's important to approach this topic with nuance and consideration, recognizing the potential benefits and harms of verbal taboos in society.