Straight Talk TNT: Where does everyone stand on use of f-bomb?

Dear Straight Talk: People in their teens and twenties are telling me that the f-word is used everywhere, on TV, in everyday life, by all ages, including parents around their young children, who then use it in school. They say it doesn't mean anything anymore. Does the panel agree? ~ TerriChuck, 17, Toledo, Ohio: I wouldn't be surprised if I hear the f-word 100 times some days. I listen to rap music and attend an all-guys school, where even teachers sometimes indulge. To me the word is almost meaningless.However, I take pride in not using it. I owe much to my dad who has never uttered a single swear word. This has given me something to shoot for, confidence that you don't have to swear, and a way to practice self control.Justin, 24, Redding: You can give any word meaning and chose to be offended. The word "frack" is an f-word substitute. Doesn't it have the same connotation? In today's world, we shouldn't give words so much power. They often mean nothing. I use the f-word all the time with no second thought. Katie, 18, Auburn: It most definitely does mean something! However, the context makes it either serious or light. Any parent wanting to instill good habits in their child will refrain from using it. Did I hear it often growing up? My grandfather was a WWII Navy veteran, so yeah. But the scolding he got showed me that if I said it, I was toast. I toss it around in age-appropriate settings, but I feel sorry for kids who aren't told there's something wrong with it. Christina, 19, Marysville: I think it is vulgar and distasteful. My parents seldom curse and when they do, they rarely use that word. I hear it a lot from people my age and much younger, though, and ask them to please refrain around me and my young siblings.Peter, 24, Monterey: My dad was careful to not use the f-bomb too much. If the f-bomb showed its face, something was very wrong. Between that and attending Catholic school, I never really picked up swearing — ha! until I joined the Navy! Still, unless I've been mortally wounded, I never use the word in public. And if my friends say it around kids, it ruffles my feathers and I speak up. Elise, 20, Orlando: The f-word is used far too often, just because it can be. Personally, I see no reason for cursing. It makes you sound less educated and disrespectful. Shelby, 19, Auburn: I work with lots of parents and little kids and never hear it from either. I believe it has less meaning than it did 20 years ago, but, still, it doesn't mean "nothing." My friends and I use it when we are mad or when something is awesome. But we are careful not to say it around younger children or adults. Katelyn, 16, Huntington Beach: Overuse has technically made the f-word obsolete in meaning, but it still holds power, especially around young children. That's why I never use that word.Dear Terri: While the panelists prove that not "everyone" uses the word, and that it is far from meaningless (read f-"bomb"), they do concur that it is commonplace. Readers: Words are powerful. One proof is how habit-forming and infectious they are. Like any habit, it's easy to fall into lazy language, whereas it takes work to be creative and have positive influence with your words — as any successful adult knows. The panelists testify as to how their word-habits are tied to early conditioning. Each of us is an influence. Do a favor and avoid using obscenities around those younger than you. ~ LaurenFor more discussion, to ask a question, or inquire about being a youth panelist, visit http://www.straighttalkTNT.com or write POB 963 Fair Oaks, CA 95628. More from LAUREN FORCELLA: I don't judge people for saying the f-word. If I did, I would lose the opportunity to know some amazing beings, including plenty of loved-ones. Nonetheless, I prefer not to hear it — and think it has no place in our classrooms. I encourage everyone, at all ages, to pay attention and be selective about what comes out your body. It will benefit you the same way that paying attention and being selective about what goes in your body does. Most young people can't grock the power of the word. The more evolved one becomes, the more it is evident. The Sufi mystic, Hazrat Inayat Khan, explains the word beautifully and accurately: "The word has a magic in it, it can turn friends into your enemies, and it can make your enemies your friends. The mystery of all success in every direction of life is in the word. The word has power to turn the mind of the listener warm or cold. The word can produce the effect of earth, water, fire, air, or ether. The word can produce depression or joy. The one who knows the chemistry of the word does not need drugs or herbs. He has medicine for every disease in the world, not only for bodily disease, but also for the disorders of the mind, which still remain unexplored by science. By a constant study of life, by special thought given to one's word, by careful watching of the effects of one's speech upon others, one arrives at a state of realization where one can heal hearts." —Lauren