That GCSE drama script is littered with the f word

[Sidelook]

Ds brought his drama script home to revise. I said that I would help him with it. He starts to read it out and the second sentence in says “who gives a fuck” followed on by “oh fucking hell”. And so on.
As a rule we do not use swear words, never have. It’s a personal preference. I am not naive in thinking that DS does not do it outside of the home. However, he has never used swear words in front of me. He knows that I do not like it and will not tolerate it. No matter how old he is.
He said that he has to read the script out in school in front of the teacher, using the f words!!

What is the play?

What's the play?

Sorry @ScreamingValenta I didn't see you ask!

I think we x-posted!

The script in his bedroom where he is fast asleep at the moment.

I seem to remember one of DDs gcse pieces having quite a few Fs.... the thing about acting is that you're playing a part. Your DS may not be someone who habitually swears, he's playing the part of someone who does. The script DD had, the swearing was 'in character'.

Many great plays have murders in them - far worse than swearing - would you object if he had to play e.g. Macbeth?

I think if your DS is studying drama, he will have to accept that writers usually try to make their dialogue realistic, which often means including swear words.

I think you need to differentiate between your DS using language which is considered offensive in your family; and quoting the words of others - it's a different thing.

There might be grounds to argue that the swearing in this particular play has no artistic merit, but without knowing what it is, I can't comment. Even so, if he wants to work in theatre/film, he'll have to get used to working with material he privately dislikes.

Well if you’re worried that acting isn’t the same as real life I think you’re going to have a hard time with him doing a drama GCSE.

My sisters are doing GCSE drama at the moment they're very proud that the play they're currently doing starts of by yelling impressive obscenities (stuff they'd get told of using).
They're relishing rehearsing their lines, but GCSE is old enough to know the difference between words in a play and using the words independently.
What do you want your DS to do? He's not been given a choice, he has to revise and do that play and that involves a play with foul language.

Not sure what your AIBU is here. You may not like swearing but those words are in his script. He's not going to suddenly become some sort of hooligan or something.

He's sixteen, he can legally have sex, I'm sure he's ok saying fuck in a play

Not really swear words are they. YABU

Maybe it would be best if you don't help him with his drama script, OP, given your rooted objection to having swearing in the home. Nothing wrong with that but as you say yourself you're not naive enough to think he has never heard/used the word among his peers so it's hardly corrupting him in any way and since he's uncomfortable saying the word in front of you best have him revise this subject with someone else.

Not sure what you think is going to happen here beyond that, they're not going to withdraw the script because a 16 year old candidates's mum is too busy pearl-clutching to help her son revise for his exam.

YANBU OP. Most will disagree (trendy parenting). But, I agree with you.

Don't see the issue. I'd take pride in the fact that at this age he's getting involved in a play - see the many positives, not the minor negative.

What's your AIBU? At that age he'll be well aware that these words exist.

What's your fproblem?
Some people don't speak the same language as you.

It's likely a script with swearing is used to engage the kids. You may not like it, but if it makes it a bit more interesting and increases their interest in the play that can only be a good thing.

Also, he 16. Not 6. He's almost an adult. TV and films geared towards him will contain swearing as commonplace. This is not a big deal.

Since it’s associated with school it should be appropriate for general viewing.

One of my dds friends chose to take part in a different play to hers due to its more mature content. Wasn't as good a character though and I think he regreeted it a bit when they did their final performances.

Back when I was that age we studied Kes. Class the split into groups and had to write our own scenes. I remember my group being the only one not to latch onto the bad language aspect and each mini script was littered with the f word. Was quite funny in a very proper 1970s convent school.

Just remember that he's playing a character, and if he's taking his drama work seriously, he should also be able to express an understanding that when he is speaking those words, he is not "himself", rather a character he is inventing using the materials provided.

We have similar issues in English teaching. We still use Of Mice and Men with Year 9, which contains multiple uses of the N word, swearing, and derogatory language towards women and disabled people. Doesn't mean the source material isn't bloody excellent, one of the best books written in the 20th century, and engages kids, however! What it does do is facilitate good conversations around the evolution of language, and how attitudes towards minority groups have changed over time. Even my low ability set can grasp that.

Approach your son's script in the same way, as an opportunity for him to recognise the language patterns of social groups different to his own home environment.

Blood brothers? YABU, it's an excellent play

A few swear words is hardly a big deal these days.

Have you read much Shakespeare, OP? Chock full of filth, and Chaucer would probably give you apoplexy.

Not really swear words are they. YABU

Umm I think that the vast majority of the population would think that "fuck" is indeed a swear word