Shit Happens

Tonight, on the prime-time network presentation of Chicago Hope, one of the characters mutters the phrase, "Shit happens", an old biker saying that spread across America on bumper stickers, T-shirts, graffiti, and even tattoos. Forrest Gump, in the movie of the same name, took credit for the saying a few years ago. Realistically, the phrase is an overworked cliche now, which tells you just how much these television executives are out of touch with the masses. But it's not so much that the censors (both network and sponsors) are going to allow them to say the word "shit" on TV. This is nothing new. The US Supreme Court reviewed these vulgarities in the early eighties when they allowed no less than seven examples of the vernacular to be permitted on the air waves. The most common uses of bitch, bastard, and their variations have been spoken countless times in the day and night time soaps and if you want a list of the infamous seven words, just listen to Howard Stern any day of the week.

The issue here is not that the words will be spoken, but that we make such a big deal about it. I recall watching an HBO comedy special a few years back featuring Rodney Dangerfield, a comedian who had, by that time, become famous for television appearances, a successful standup comedy act in the best clubs across this land that we love, and star of a number of movie comedies. Yet, on this special, he used the most crude and vulgar comments and sayings, not so much to accent his jokes (which were somewhat lessened by his terminology and anatomical descriptions) but, more likely, to be accepted by an audience who seemed utterly aroused by them. This was no Lenny Bruce, defying the laws of the land with words so frequently spoken in public, but a witty comic who, in my opinion, was knocked down a few pegs for using the words for mere shock value.

The power of words is not in the direct punch that they deliver. Their power truly is displayed when the words imply actions or descriptions that entice the imagination and seduce our thoughts. Chicago Hope will probably get a rousing audience share tonight, much like NYPD Blue did a few years ago when we got to see David Caruso's bare butt. The point is, who cares? When it comes down to it, any show, group, or comedian who resorts to profanity, public nudity, or any other gimmick to get people to pay attention, is probably not worthy of our attention in the first place. To put it mildly in the vernacular, who gives a shit, anyway?