Jane Fonda's Valentine Gift to America

According to the on-line encyclopedia Wikipedia, the "C-Word" is an English vulgarism. "Calling someone a c--- is generally considered impolite at best, and often as extremely offensive, though this varies between countries and social groupings." While sitting for a routine interview on the Today Show, Jane Fonda spat out the offensive word on network television this morning, during one of the most popular "breakfast-time" talk forums.

Co-Host Meredith Vieira and Jane were discussing a play called "The Vagina Monologues." Apparently Jane Fonda has no more sense of proper conduct at age 70 than she did 35 years ago when she sat laughing with North Vietnamese soldiers in a bunker where they shot down American planes. Veterans and active duty personnel have never forgotten her faux-pas of 1972. She's the butt of decades of hate and distrust for many patriotic citizens of that era. How will America judge this woman today?

I confronted my son's school principals (both high school and elementary) over a situation where a young teacher persisted in using the "F-Bomb" when he became frustrated in band class. Imagine my amazement when I was informed that I simply did not understand the language of today's youth! Figure this one out: students could be punished and even suspended for use of that particular expletive in the proper context, but an instructor was allowed to mouth off profanities in class. I disagreed, and persisted with my criticisms.

I'm no blushing virgin, but a professional setting demands a certain code of conduct. Since the band option was expanded to include younger students, the elementary school principal (and older, more conservative woman) seemed to understand my concern for the students. Teachers need to work to set a positive example and using the "F-Bomb" in school should be avoided.

Other memorable experiences came during my military days. Two days after my 18th birthday, I headed off to Basic Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Back then, I attended the very last class of Womens Army Corps training at a brand-new facility. I remember one particular drill instructor who was serving a punishment during our training for her continued use of foul language. She was a senior drill sergeant, but had to observe our training from a distance. My own drill sergeant (Sgt Marieta Wickenheiser) explained what had happened, and why the older woman was being punished. Apparently, the US Army was trying to improve their image and started with the troops at the basic training units first.

I remember Drill Sergeant Wickenheiser asked for special permission, which was granted, in order to allow her old boss to help teach us marching techniques. It was obvious the other instructor was very talented, but she did slip with one minor profanity during the course of our marches. We all felt so sorry for her and it was never reported. Personally, I believe she was learning her lesson. It's extremely hard to stop using swear words once it's started.

I didn't have to wait much longer for an even more remarkable episode. After Basic Training, we moved across the post to the US Army Military Police (MP) training facility. Here, I was one of only a few women in a predominately male career field. One of our flight's trainee leaders was a staff sergeant who was cross-training from some other job specialty. He had an extremely foul mouth and had to be warned several times over his use of profane language. Finally, toward the very end of our school, during an early morning formation, he spouted off with the unthinkable.

If you've ever seen the movie Johnny Dangerously, you'll remember one character who used a lot of profanity, but mispronounced the words. In this case, the word would have been "cork-sucker." Back then I really was a naiive and blushing virgin! To this day, I remember how horrified I was by that particular word being used by a guy in uniform. The regular instructors had enough at this point. This staff sergeant received an Article 15, an administrative punishment that cost him some money and a temporary demotion in rank. He was sent to yet another career field and never seen again. The guy was abusive and rude. I was glad he was gone.

During my experiences in the US military (both Army and Air Force,) I've heard it all. Like the old Kim Carnes song, "It's enough to make a crow blush." During combat, or intense operational situations, four letter words erupt from the mouths of unlikely candidates. Even me! I admit it, I was once counseled for using a four letter word in an inappropriate situation. Let me tell you, I learned my lesson! Using profanity is like cigarettes in that it's an extremely difficult habit to break. Once the words become part of your everyday vocabulary, it's tough to stop. For me, it was my son who ultimately broke me of the bad habit of using swear words.

When young Vincent was 2 years old, I remember being at a Walmart Store. My husband is a very tall man, but those tall shelving units blocked my view. Finally, in frustration, I quietly said "SH-T!" Vin was in the shopping cart and apparently loved the sound of this particular word. "SH-T!!" He announced the word over and over in his clear voice, projecting my offfense to all the middle aged and elderly shoppers in my vicinity. I was absolutely mortified!

It took several years, but Vincent became my own personal assistant in my quest for proper language. He's a tough task-master and neveronce hesitated in confronting me about my mistakes. I credit him entirely with the dramatic improvement in my written and spoken word. Using four letter words is not acceptable and should be avoided at all costs. Appearing on television, and as a professional actress, Jane Fonda (whether she likes it or not) is a role model for young people. Expletives should be avoided by her and others in that position.

Maybe I should hire my son out to train Jane Fonda! If she's comfortable using the "C-Word" at professional interview during the morning hours of Valentine's Day, she needs some help. Obviously, if she has the self-discipline to maintain such a gorgeous figure at age 70, then it's possible to imagine her doing an interview without such reprehesible language. In this case, it's time to finally grow up and act your age, Jane!