27 February 2008

Bad language in meetings

The groups in one of the Districts in our Area are having trouble finding locations in which to meet. They've been kicked out of certain churches and the word seems to be spreading among those churches that we're not very good tenants. The two primary issues are (a) too much bad language and (b) smokers congregating around the entrances and leaving butts lying around.

My home group has a requests in our format bearing on these issues and we have [usually] dealt with abuses as they come up. It's something I highly suggest that other groups consider with regard to what their group conscience should be. Every time I hear someone using language generally considered impolite I shudder, imagining some pillar of the church congregation passing by in the hallway at that moment and overhearing us. Personally I have little objection to people using whatever language they wish, but I also think it's important that many people do take offense at such language and that we need to be especially wary with regard to our landlords.

Not too long ago I heard something that covers my feelings on this subject very well:
The absence of profanity offends no one.

8 comments:

dAAve said...

Respect for others is important as part of my recovery. I doubt I'm alone in this theory.

Mel said...

Very well put:

The absence of profanity offends no one.

indistinct said...

Thanks for the reminder. I sometimes get a little excited when I share and swear.

As daave said, being respectful is an important part of my recovery.

Anonymous said...

I HOPE SOMEONE READS THIS. I'M A 45 YEAR OLD MALE,MARRIED 18 YRS, 17 YR OLD SON,12 YR OLD GIRL, EDUCATED, PROFESSIONAL, ELECTED OFFICIAL WHO CAN NOT QUIT THIS F-ING DRINKING. I DRINK 10 BEERS EVERYDAY. MY COMBINED INCOME IS WELL OVER 100K AND I FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY ON MY OWN. MY WIFE TOLD ME BASICALLY TO F MYSELF. I FEEL I MUST BE MOST MISERABLE MAN ON EARTH. I HAVE THOUGHT OF BAD THOUGHTS. I HAVE TRIED AA, OUTPATIENT, AND READ MANY BOOKS. I NEED TO TALK ONE ON ONE EITHER THROUGH THIS BLOG OR TELEPHONE TO SOMEONE I CAN RELATE TO. I FEEL LIKE A COMPLETE FAILURE. PLEASE RESPOND ONLY SERIOUS PEOPLE ONLY

Namenlosen Trinker said...

Why don't you e-mail me directly, Anonymous? At namenlosen dot trinker at gmail dot com.

Danny S said...

Alcoholics using bad language and smoking? You're shittin' me!

Meetings are for newcomers - for those who have not yet recovered from alcoholism so they can be taught the twelve steps and recover - this is the ONLY purpose of a group and why they are supposed to be holding meetings at all.

How many un-recovered alcoholics still in their cups don't smoke and don't curse?

Maybe you should limit your meetings only to those who are handsome and pretty too. :)

Peace and Love,
Danny S

ella said...

I agree that this is a common practice now a days which should be taken care of.
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Ella
Alcohol Treatment

ella said...

I agree that this is a common practice now a days which should be taken care of.
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Ella
Alcohol Treatment