There are Fellowships that have signs posted discouraging foul language. Tonight is our monthly business meeting and I will be there, serving as a trusted servant. I am going to propose that a sign be made to discourage bad language. When I hear people constantly cursing, I wonder if their education was limited or if they are using it as a defense mechanism. I used to curse in defiance, because I wasn’t supposed to, because I could; I had no respect for myself let alone anyone else. Sometimes cursing is used to shock others, or as a means towards humor. Most members have heard it all before, and so we are not so easily offended – but in the Program we strive for a “higher road.” It used to be that cursing was not as common as it is today, watch any movie and you may find words being used that were never heard in days gone by. The World is changing, and not always for the better.
It’s not that I am adopting a “snooty” attitude. I know where I came from, I know what my world was like before recovery. But the fact is I am in recovery, I work towards living by spiritual principles. I strive for that “higher road.” What disturbed me further is that the woman has over twenty years in the Program. But that’s her issue, not mine. I try to stay on my side of the street, and for the most part accomplish this. . . but I also have opinions and I’m not above voicing those opinions, on occasion. The thoughts and opinions that I have expressed here are solely my own. I just think that the message I carry to the newcomer is heard more clearly when I stay away from profanity. I say leave the street talk where it belongs, in the street. Of course, this is only my opinion . . .
THIS24 
rule 62, page 149, 12×12
From: “Mike”
(heat_cool2004 at yahoo.com)
In the April 1944 Central Bulletin in an article titled “Group Behavior”, it says in part: “We believe that obscene or off-color stories as well as foul language are entirely out of place in our meetings which are opened and closed with a prayer. It is scarcely believable that such incidents are customary in any group and we feel sure that abuses will be corrected by the leaders of the offended and offending groups.
Co-Founder Bill Wilson addressed the topic when contemplating new stories for the 2nd Edition of the Big Book, he said: “Since the audience for the book [Big Book] is likely to be newcomers, anything from the point of view of content or style that might offend or alienate those who are not familiar with the program should be carefully eliminated . . . Profanity, even when mild, rarely contributes as much as it detracts. It should be avoided.” It’s impossible to believe that he didn’t feel the same about what’s said in A.A. meetings.
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From: John Moore (contact.johnmoore at gmail.com)
Sign on wall at Wilson House, East Dorset Vermont:
“The absence of profanity will offend no one”
My home group reads this statement as part of our meeting format.
John M
Burlington, Vermont
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At the start of each Sunrise Group meeting we read, “Absence from the use of profanity is a very good way of demonstrating spiritual growth and we ask that we refrain from the use of profanity and forgive those who haven’t reached this level”. – Or something like that! 🙂
Thanks for your post and I think your recommendations are good. No “potty mouths” allowed! It’s something I have to think about and it can become a habit and similar to using the word “like” in conversation.
A great recovery book about steps 6 and 7 called Drop the Rock equates avoiding profanity as a part of the action of becoming willing to have defects of character removed. For me profanity comes from anger, resentment and fear.when I swear I am usually reacting to something I have a problem accepting. At meetings not swearing is a conscious act of respect for people who do not like curse words. I do not notice if someone swears. That is their journey.
Love that quote by Mr John Wilson. I’m sure there was time when i still wreaked of arrogance and used profanity but it’s pretty rare if at all anymore. I don’t hear anyone, with any time in, use profanity at our meetings but to be honest there is a fella who occasionally sent me dirty emails and one time sent me a link to a pornographic site. I didn’t tell him i was offended a bit and just thought, wow, is this where you’d be comfortable with your daughter being on this site. H’es around 70 years old and still apparently watches porn but personally I find women more attractive with their clothes on. I was surprised to get these emails from a man with more years than I and now keep my communication with him only in relation to service work which he’s quite good at making meeting lists, unity council meetings and helping group to group relations.i don’t wanna get into a long winded post but it’s harder for me to speak highly of him nowadays or look up to him for guidance. I think he knows now that he wasn’t carrying the message I was looking for because I didn’t encourage him to continue sending me those emails. I pray for him because i think i’d probably be getting drunk if i behaved this way today. I was a predator far too long and committed my self to not hurting anyone again and just strive to be happy joyous and free from self. I try to start each and every day with positive thoughts, readings and prayer! Glad you all are here and may God bless your day.
Lotta sobriety here; good place to hang out first thing in the morning.
I’m on the other side of the world (New Zealand) so because of datelines and time zones I read your postings well after most elsewhere have completed morning routines and gone on well into the day. My 6:30 a.m. Thursday is late morning, early afternoon Wednesday for most Americans and late afternoon early evening for Western Europeans. Anyway I am usually presented a full suite of sharing upon awakening. Quite a gift to begin my morning reflection, meditation, connection, contemplation time. Thank you.