UPIS STUDENTS AND OBSCENE

LANGUAGE

PROPONENTS:

Borjal, Gabriel

Dagmang, Nathalie

Gabriel, Allysa Lorraine

Lagman, Daniel

Villaseñor, Faye

A CA ENGLISH 10 REQUIREMENT

Prof. Ma. Lourdes Vargas

March 2010

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements.........................................................................................................ii

Abstract...........................................................................................................................iii

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION………………………………………………….…………........1

Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE………………………….……………...2

Chapter 3 METHODOLOGY………………………………………………….....…………...8

Chapter 4 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION…………………………...……….9

Chapter 5 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………..20

Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………….......22

Appendices…………………………………………………………………………...….........23

Research Proposal

Tally Sheet

Research Instruments

Transcriptions

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, the group would like to thank Prof. Ma. Lourdes Vargas, the adviser

for this research paper. She patiently corrected errors, constantly gave advices and tips, and

made consultation with her enjoyable and less drudging.

The group would also like to express their gratitude to their parents who financially and

morally gave their support throughout the process of writing this paper.

Lastly, the group would like to acknowledge the UPIS students for their cooperation in

completing the survey questionnaires and the interviewees, the guards, canteen staff, Ms.

Manzano and Aling Norma, for their time in answering the questions.

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 ABSTRACT

The thesis of the study states that TV programs promote the use of obscene

language. The research identified the most used obscene words and their meanings

and the TV programs that promote the use of obscene language through a survey on

University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) high school students; the effects

of these on children and the effects of the use of obscene language on the school’s and

student’s image through interview with members of the UPIS community.

Based on the survey results, 93% of UPIS students use obscene language and

68.3% of them heard the obscene words they know from the media. The survey also

showed that most of the students (65%) watch TV programs that contain obscene

language but most of them (86%) say that these do not influence them into using such.

Other factors that may have influenced them to use or not to use obscene language

include the student’s educational, family and cultural background. From the interviews,

the image of UPIS students as Iskolar ng Bayan is affected by this problem, the

interviewees even said that they are less willing to enrol their children in UPIS because

of the loss of their trust in the capability of the school to instill respect and develop good

manners in students.

To address this concern on the UPIS students’ use of obscene language, it is

recommended that the school rules and regulations be strictly implemented, values be

integrated more in the subjects, workshops/ trainings on handling emotions be

conducted and orientation regarding expectations from students being an Iskolar ng

Bayan be held. It is also suggested that a content-analysis of the top 5 choices of and

other TV programs be made to confirm the survey results.

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 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Obscenity is defined by the Anti-Obscenity and Pornography Bill of 2008 as anything

against good customs, religious beliefs, principles and doctrines. Thus, obscene language

consists of words that are also against these aspects and are usually offensive to modesty or

decency making it unacceptable for the society.

Obscene language has become part of the students’ daily conversations. It is either

used as an expression of emotions or as a way to make conversations casual; the prior

explained by a study conducted by researchers at Keele University in the Stafford Shire saying

that children handle stressful situations better when using obscene language.

Many UPIS students use obscene language as a normal expression. However, there is a

growing concern from the people with regards to the students’ extensive use of obscene

language

To better understand the situation, one must know the sources of obscene language and

the reasons for using it. A survey will be conducted among 200 grade 7-10 UPIS students to

find out the most commonly used obscene words, their meaning and the TV programs that

promote these words. An interview will also be conducted to 7 other members of UPIS

community like custodial workers and UPIS faculty and staff in order to determine the effects of

using the language to the school’s reputation.

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 CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The definition of obscene language is affected by different factors. An individual’s belief

system, background and culture could give rise to different meanings of obscenity.

Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar (Silva, 2008), who introduced the Anti-Obscenity and

Profanity Bill of 2008, gave definition to obscenity as anything against good customs, religious

beliefs, principles and doctrines. The US Supreme Court classified a material that an average

person, applying community standards, finds offensive, lustful and lacking literary, artistic,

political and scientific value as obscene (Deitz, 2005). Materials like men’s magazines which

contain obscenities that are only made to please or satisfy the person’s body and lusts are

examples.

Ideologies also contribute to the rise of different definitions of obscenities. Liberals agree

that using “bad words” is only the people’s way of expressing many things as they interact with

each other. For them, the obscene language is necessary and is a natural part of the everyday

language. On the other hand, conservatives think of obscene language as something against

religious and ethical values (Jude, 2009).

While the definition of obscene language depends on one’s belief system, background

and culture, profanity has a clearer definition: a language that disrespects religion. Swearing or

cursing is also interlaced with the term disrespectful or profane. Obscene language is described

as “dirty” and is usually associated with vulgarism and blasphemy (Safire, 2008). A word is also

said to be considered obscene if there is an intention to offend another person and the use of

obscenity is too frequent (Christy, 2007).

Although obscene language is generally unaccepted in our society, it is still widely-used

by adults and children alike. In fact, swearing is ‘fun’ for others simply because they enjoy doing

things that they are forbidden to do (Pell, 2009).

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 People usually associate the use of obscene words with being angry or frustrated, but

they also use obscene words for a number of reasons. For one, it can be used to assert

dominance over people and situations. Students who want a quick and easy way to elevate

social status use obscene words when talking with other students. Thus, the sudden use of

obscene words can be a signal of underlying self-esteem issues

(http://www.ehow.com/about_4577630_students-using-profanity.html). Also, using obscene

words may give rise to one’s aggression (Ani, 2009).

Obscene words are also used as an expression of dismay and anger and as an

automatic response to pain, surprise and emotions that are usually hard to contain (Foul-

mouthed Outbursts ‘Can Lessen Pain’, 2009). Richard Stephens, who led a study about the use

of obscene words being able to diminish physical pain, said that using obscene words “is such a

common response to pain that there has to be an underlying reason why we do it.” The

research stated that obscene language triggers a “flight or fight”” response, making it easier for

a person to handle pain. However, unnecessary use of obscene words can only worsen the

pain.

One could also claim that using obscene words boosts masculinity. For others, because

obscene words are considered as taboo and an ‘improper behaviour’, it is their way of showing

their rebellion. These people are considered dangerously bold for saying obscene words. A

person can also appear witty and more entertaining by using the obscene language.

Comedians, and even ordinary people, use obscene language as a part of dirty jokes and as a

way to enrich the ‘comic language.’ Obscene words add “emphasis and a touch of the

unexpected, a necessary component of humour.” Thus, swearing could also bring humour when

uttered at the right moment (Peel, 2009).

Another researcher, Clayton Hardiman (2008), said that for some people the use of

obscene word are a mere verbal hiccup, that is, the use of word does not even register in their

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consciousness. He also stated that he has heard parents use an obscene word referring to their

children and grandparents as a term of endearment.

Children learn obscene language from different sources. Dr. Fatin, psychology professor

at Sana’a University, says that children pick up these words from four main sources: street,

school, television and family (Anam, 2007).

The use of obscene language begins at the basic unit of a community: the home. A

study conducted by youngpoll.com (Ani, 2009), showed that ninety per cent of parents swear in

front of kids. An average child hears his/her parent utter six obscene words a week which

makes up eighty six per cent of the children saying they understood their parents. Parents easily

influence their children and children try to replicate what they say whether these are obscene or

not. Furthermore, gossip and insult are found among adults so it is normal to see them among

children. It was also said that the family has the biggest role in its members’ good upbringing

and in promoting the value of respect for each other (Anam, 2007).

Media also contribute to the use of obscene languages. Television in particular

influences children the most. And because children and adult alike do not fully understand TV

rating guidelines, children are exposed to adult language that may contain obscene language

and are not guided by their parents in their exposure to these languages. The prevailing culture

of adults wherein the use of language has become a habit shown in TV programs influences

children in to using obscene language in their daily conversations (Deitz, 2009). Also, the

prevailing culture of adults shown on TV programs portrays heroes or heroines for children who

use obscene language as regular words in everyday conversations (BBC News, 2008).

BBC Education News (2008) quoted that: “TV is a dominating influence in a child’s life. It

conveys messages, promotes values, encourages attitudes, in a way that marginalizes other

influences,” which clearly solidifies the influence of TV program on the children’s use of obscene

language.

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 In addition, other media such as the radio, internet, magazines, tabloids and comic strips

contain obscene language and influence children into using obscene language are (Media

exerts greater influence than schools, 1993).

Obscene language has found its way into the radio over the years mainly via artists’

songs which contain them. Elton John’s “The Bitch is Back” that became a top hit on radio is a

good example. Other examples include: “If You Seek Amy” sung by Britney Spears with lyrics

“Love me, hate me. But can't you see what I see? All of the boys and all of the girls are begging

to if you seek Amy (F.U.C.K. Me)”; “The Best Damn Thing” of Avril Lavigne with lyrics “And

yeah yeah yeah I'm a lot to handle, you don't know trouble but I'm a hell of a scandal. Me, I'm a

scene I'm a drama queen. I'm the best damn thing that your eyes have ever seen”; “Pare Ko” by

Eraserheads with sample lyrics, “Oh! Diyos Ko! Ano ba naman ito? Di ba? Tang ina! Nagmukha

akong tanga. Pinaasa niya lang ako, lecheng pag-ibig ‘to;” “Megalomaniac” by Incubus with

lyrics “Hey, hey, hey megalomaniac. You’re no Jesus. Yeah, you’re no fucking Elvis. Wash your

hands clean on yourself, baby and step down”; and “Fuck You” by Lily Allen with lyrics like

“Fuck you, fuck you very, very much. Cause we hate what you do, And we hate your whole

crew. So please don't stay in touch”.

Also, the ability of obscene words to liven up the atmosphere encourages radio casters

to include more and more obscene language in their on-air conversations. Since radio

broadcasting is a business, radio stations targeting specific age groups modify their contents

accordingly where younger age groups ‘prefer’ more obscenities, loudness and other sexual

implications than older ones (Deitz, 2009).

Among other electronic media, internet is one of the most or commonly used. It is no

question that the internet has made the implementation of laws against obscenity much more

difficult. With its accessibility to most children all over the world, the internet is proven to be very

dangerous if not used properly with guidance. Today, materials that are considered obscene

can be sent from a computer to someone across the world as fast as a click of a button. The

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Miller Test, which is based on what is offensive for a certain “community”, has been challenged

by the use of obscene words in the internet. Regulation of the internet is very arguable because

of different cultures and communities mixed inside it making the border of each different

community non-existent. Thus, the definition of obscene language becomes vaguer and making

boundaries or limitations would be too difficult. So as technology redefines our communities and

our world, the internet will be more than likely the source of more obscenity trials landing in front

of courts (Paul, 2009).

Obscene language is a part of a general term “obscenity” which at present is currently

being regulated, influenced and unknowingly taught to children through the television, radio,

internet or their own parents. Children who are in danger for hearing such words must be

protected by their parents. Parents must take an active role in what they will allow their kids to

hear (Deitz, 2004). Parents should also tell their child in clear terms what they consider

appropriate and inappropriate language for their family (Nappa). Schools also prevent the use of

obscene language through their school rules and regulations. The United States Supreme Court

laid down the principle that students in a school environment do not have the same First

Amendment rights as students or adults outside the environment. The school officials are given

the right to punish students for lewd or vulgar speech if it materially disrupts class work, involves

substantial disorder or invades the right of others (National Obscenity Law Center and Morality

in Media, 2001). Moreover, government also takes action on this matter. The Federal

Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States was given the right by the Congress

to revoke a station license, impose a monetary forfeiture, or issue a warning if a station airs

obscene, indecent, or profane material. The Commission adopted a rule that broadcasts, both

on TV and radio, that fit within the indecency definition and that are aired between 6:00 a.m. and

10:00 p.m. are prohibited and subject to indecency enforcement action (Obscene, Indecent, and

Profane Broadcasts FCC). The Philippine government also takes action through the Movie and

Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). The MTRCB reviews and classifies

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motion pictures, television programs and related promotion materials and commercials for TV

and cinema with accord to Article 201, “Offenses Against Decency and Good Customs” of the

Revised Penal Code. The classification shall be based on the treatment of theme, violence,

language, nudity, sex, horror, illegal drugs and other similar elements. In making the evaluation,

the Board shall consider the submitted material in its entirety. The review and classification

system rests on the doctrine of PARENS PATRIAE as well as the natural right of parents in

rearing their children under the Constitution. The Board recognizes the fundamental role of

parents in their children’s choice of motion picture or television program, and thereby helps

them decide what they will allow their children to watch. They also assign certain time

restrictions to shows that contain obscenity (MTRCB: Guiding Principles).

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 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

One of the research instruments in the study was the survey questionnaire. The survey

questionnaire consisted of two parts: (1) the first part, the “Use of Obscene Language” fulfills the

two objectives, which is to identify the most commonly used obscene language by UPIS high

school students and its sources; and (2) the second part, “Television Programs and Obscene

Language” fulfills the objectives, to identify which television programs promote the use of

obscene language among UPIS High school students, and the reasons why these programs

use obscene language.

Another method of data gathering used in the study was the interview. To determine the

effects of the UPIS students’ use of obscene language on the school’s and students’ image, the

interviewers were asked about their views on the UPIS students’ use of obscene language and

its effects on the students’ and the school’s image and on the UPIS administration’s actions to

resolve this problem.

For the survey questionnaire, 180 UPIS high school students, 15 per section, were

randomly chosen regardless of their gender, social status and academic performance. For the

interview, 11 members of the UPIS community namely were interviewed. Two guards, two

canteen staff, two janitors and Aling Norma, a storeowner who has been in the UPIS high

school for a long time, a Social Studies teacher, the assistant principal and the head of the

guidance office.

But the group encountered some problems after distributing the questionnaires. A

student refused to answer the survey questionnaire. Some of the students also did not read and

understand the instructions. To address these concerns, the group asked these respondents to

answer the survey again.

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CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

In this chapter, the results obtained from the research instruments explained in Chapter

3 are presented and interpreted. The data gathered from the survey are presented through

graphs while those from the interviews are categorized and presented in tables.

The survey focuses on the UPIS high school students’ use of obscene words and the

television as a source of obscene language. On the other hand, the interviews focus on the

effects of the UPIS high school students’ use of obscene language on the image of the school

and its students. Most of the responses of the 7 interviewees had similarities. Hence, their

answers are summarized and categorized using tables.

Frequency of UPIS High school Students’ Use of Obscene Words

Figure 1.0 Grades 7 to 10

Never
6%

Always
10%
Seldom
23% Often
26%

Sometimes
35%

Figure1.1 Grade 7 Figure1.2Grade 8

Never Always
7%
NeverAlways
12%
8% 10%
Often Seldom Often
22%
Seldom 18% 15%
21%

Someti Sometim
mes es
38% 49%

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 Figure1.3Grade 9 Figure1.4 Grade 10
Always
Always Never 9%
11% 3%
Seldom
30% Seldom
25%
Often Often
32% 28%
Sometim
es
27% Sometim
es
35%

According to the survey results (Figure 1.0), majority (93%) of the students use obscene

language and most (64%) of them sometimes use it. Also, the grade 7 students have the

highest percentage (12%) of students who say that they use obscene language while the grade

10 students have the highest percentage (9%) of students who say that they always use

obscene words compared to other grade levels. These results are illustrated in Figures 1.1 to

1.4. This may be because as the students stay longer in school, the richest source of obscene

language based on the survey (Figure 4), the more opportunities they have to learn obscene

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words.

Figure2. UPISHigh School Students' Sources

of ObsceneLanguage
Weight No. of Respondents exposed to obscene language

522
315 311
223 248
135 165 122
107 103
43 14 1 1

As shown in Figure 2, most UPIS students are exposed to obscene language in school

(164), then through media (123) and neighbourhood (112). It is also shown that among the

choices, they are least exposed to obscene language in the church.

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 Figure3. UPISHigh School Students'
Mostcommonlyused words
Grade 7 Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10
asshole 24 48 45 39
tarantado 32 34 41 75
ulol 84 127 102 204
GAGO 116 122 121 256
tanga 126 107 122 233
bitch 60 53 92 126
SHIT 141 131 190 246
punyeta 24 40 65 75
putang ina 94 59 135 176
puta 95 102 104 165
fuck 72 55 122 184
others 51915
11

Figure 3 shows the total frequency of obscene language used by UPIS students. The

graph showed that students commonly use the word ‘SHIT’, which has a weight number of

users of 708. But in the grade 10’s case, the students use the word ‘GAGO’, which has a weight

of 256, more often compared to ‘shit.’

A possible explanation to the results, shown in Figure 3, is that for some people the use

of obscene word is a mere verbal hiccup, which is the use of word does not even register in

their consciousness (Clayton Hardiman, 2008).

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 Figure4. WhenObsceneWordsareUsedby
UPISHIghSchool Students
others
1%
joking
17%

beingemotional
25%

surprised
23%

hurtphysically
22%
tellingastory
8%

callingsomeone
4%

Figure 4 shows that students use obscene words mainly when being emotional (25%)

and when hurt physically (22%). Richard Stephens in the article, “Foul-mouthed Outbursts Can

Lessen Pain”, said that using obscene words “is such a common response to pain that there

has to be an underlying reason why we do it.” (2009) The research stated that obscene

language triggers a “flight or fight”” response, making it easier for a person to handle pain. Also,

one can not control the words that come out of his/her mouth when in situations like this. Thus,

a person usually blurts out obscene words because he/she can easily express his/her emotions

especially in intense situations. Obscene words can be used to assert dominance over people

and situations. Students who want a quick and easy way to elevate social status use obscene

words when talking with other students. Thus, the sudden use of obscene words can be a signal

of underlying self-esteem issues (http://www.ehow.com/about_4577630_students-using-

profanity.html).

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 Figure 5: Programs Commonly Watched by UPIS Students

Others

Who Wants to be a Millionaire

Takeshi's Castle

Family Feud

Singing Bee

Spongebob

Family Guy

Southpark

Avatar

V Channel

MTV

MYX

WWE

NBA

PBA

UFC

TV Patrol
grade7
24 Oras grade8

CNN grade9
grade10
BBC

Wowowee

Eat Bulaga

Mexicanovelas

Koreanovelas

Gossip Girl

Katorse

Darna

CSI

Desperate Housewives

Bananasplit

Bubble

Ogags

PBB

Next Top Model

American Idol

Survivor

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

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 Figure 5 shows the top five most watched TV shows by UPIS students which are

Spongebob Squarepants (81), Pinoy Big Brother (81), MYX (64), TV Patrol (56) and MTV (54).

Spongebob Squarepants is a cartoon about the underwater adventures / life of a sponge

named Spongebob. Pinoy Big Brother is a reality show where a number of people live inside a

house voting each other out until only one remains. MYX and MTV are both music channels that

play, rank and discuss songs and artists. TV Patrol is a news show that provides people with

information ranging from the coming elections to the latest rumours about public icons.

Figure 6: The Use of Obscene Language in TV Programs

Others
2%

Humor
19%

Point
Anger 15%
52%
Mock
12%

Figure 6 indicates that obscene words used in shows usually express anger (52%),

humour (19%); to stress a point (15%) and to ridicule or mock a person (12%).

People usually associate the use of obscene language with being angry or frustrated

because they are used as an expression of dismay and anger and as an automatic response to

pain, surprise and emotions that are usually hard to contain.

A person can also appear witty and more entertaining by using obscene language for

swearing could bring humour when uttered at the right moment.

One could also claim that using obscene words boosts masculinity. These people are

considered dangerously bold for saying obscene words thus stressing their point more.

19
Obscene language can also be used to assert dominance over people that are being ridiculed

or mocked.

Figure 7: Do the Programs Watched by Students Use Obscene Language?

No
35%

Yes
65%

Figure 7 says that 65% of the respondents watch programs that use obscene language.

This is because most of the shows nowadays use it. Program producers and networks think that

using obscene language will appeal to viewers and will make them top the charts.

Figure 8: Do These Shows Encourage the Students to Use Obscene Language?

14%Yes

86%No

Figure 7 showed that most of the students (65%) watch programs that use obscene

language. But as seen in the Figure 8, students said that these shows do not encourage them to

use these kinds of words (86%).

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 To be able to determine the effects of the use of obscene language on the UPIS

students’ image, as Iskolar ng Bayan, seven members of the UPIS Community were asked

about their opinion on this issue. Most of them share the same views. The succeeding tables

(Tables 1, 2 and 3) indicate the following:

Table 1: Faculty Members and Guard Interviewees

Questions Respondent 1 Respondent 2 Respondent 3

Ms. Manzano Mr. Boado Mr. Rodelio Mansalinta

In your opinion, does It shows his/her Sometimes the That is where a person is
one’s choice of words economic attitude is seen in a based upon.
show a person’s beliefs, class/background and person’s choices of
acts and attitude? his/herattitudes and words.
beliefs.
What do you think of a One must first Children nowadays It shows what he/she
child using obscene understand the reason are different. sees in his/her parents
language? and context The use of obscene and the environment
They offend others language is ugly where he/she grew

Does obscene language It depends. It does affect Yes, whenever you speak
affect the school’s and The use of obscene “kulang na nga ang you should should be
the students’ image? language is idely binabaayad nyo kind and use “po” and
accepted in the school. bastos pa kayo” – “opo”
There is an effect if Admin
used very often.
Do you think a student It cannot measure the Yes, as long as the He should know how to
who uses obscene effectiveness of a child child is still young talk with humility
language can become a to become a leader he/she will gain
great leader and role He/she can’t be a role knowledge
model? model
Do you hear students use Yes Yes I have heard many
obscene language? Just in jokes The teachings in their
household is seen
They won’t be a role
model
Does the UPIS Student handbooks has It is in the student The religion used and the
Administration act to sanctions and the Curriculum guidance teaches the
solve the problem? Is it There have been no has nothing to do students proper conducts
implemented? cases that will suggest with it
that it is implemented
OTHER: Would you still --- Maybe not so that Not at all
enroll your child in UPIS he/she won’t get It’s better to enroll the
though the students use influenced child in a good school
obscene language? where good examples
are set

21
 The choice of words reflects the beliefs, acts and attitude of a person.

The choice of words reflects one’s economic background.

The UPIS Administration is taking action to solve this problem. These actions include the

implementation of rules as stated in the student handbook, instilling proper values and morals

through the guidance program and other school activities like holding special masses.

Table 2: Canteen Personnel and Custodial Workers Interviewees

Questions Respondent 4 Respondent 5 Respondent 6

Canteen Staff Mr. Eduardo Manzanares Mrs. Agnes Mercado

In your opinion, does one’s --- Maybe. It depends because
choice of words show a Sometimes the sociability there still are wealthy
person’s beliefs, acts and and principles of a person people who use
attitude? is found within this obscene language
What do you think of a It depends In my opinion, the use of “pangit un UP pa
child using obscene There is no obscene words is bad naman kayo”
language? respect in a person.
The use is not pleasant to
hear from any person.
Does obscene language It depends. Yes it has a big effect. Of course, the view of
affect the school’s and the Could have It is not accepted in our the stakeholders are
students’ image? used it for jokes society. high because the
or as an students are from UP
expression
Do you think a student who Can’t say. Maybe Yes, because you
use obscene language can Depends if Because it shows the lack can’t be sure of the
become a great leader and he/she will be of maturity. future
role model? voted
Do you hear students use Sometimes. I have heard many Seems like nothing to
obscene language? Can’t say students using it as jokes them
because I don’t and it seems to be ordinary
mingle with
them at all
times
Does the UPIS I can’t say. I The teachers could call for Maybe it lacks still
Administration act to solve didn’t study a quorum to tell the because the others are
the problem? Is it here. students to stop the use still noisy
implemented? The guidance
office helps
somehow
OTHER: Would you still Of course For me, I still need to enroll Of course, it’s in the
enroll your child in UPIS my child child’s upbringing
though the students use I will just guide him
obscene language?

22
 The UPIS Administration had programs like Good Morals and Right Conduct Subject

and holding of masses on Sundays in school which proved to be effective in deterring students

to use obscene language.

Respondent 4 thinks that a student may or may not become a leader depending on

whether he/she meets the criteria for leadership.

Children who use obscene language are considered disrespectful, undisciplined and

offensive, and show that they are not well brought up by their parents.

Table 3: Entrepreneur Interviewee

Questions Respondent 7

Mrs. Norma Castro

In your opinion, does one’s choice of words show Yes that is true. “Kasi kung makikita mo ung
a person’s beliefs, acts and attitude? mapagkakatiwala sa pananalita, basta makikita
yun sa ugali”

What do you think of a child using obscene Lack of discipline from teachers and parents
language?

Does obscene language affect the school’s and Yes scholars are role models
the students’ image?

Do you think a student who use obscene ---

language can become a great leader and role
model?

Do you hear students use obscene language? From 1970’s until 1990’s, just not now
This may be because of their TV, computer, and
cellphone usage

Does the UPIS Administration act to solve the Good morals and right conduct
problem? Is it implemented? Sunday masses like the past activities during
Sundays

OTHER: Would you still enroll your child in UPIS Of course, because it is shameful if I enter my
though the students use obscene language? child in UP then the child’s language becomes
obscene

23
 The image of UPIS and its students as “Iskolar ng Bayan” is affected by the students’

use of obscene language. UP students are “Iskolar ng Bayan” and regarded as role models, that

is, they are expected to excel academically, to be good leaders and to be of service.

Three respondents would rather not enrol their children in UPIS if its students use

obscene language. On the other hand, four respondents will still enrol their kids in UPIS but will

take extra effort in inculcating values in their children.

Five out of seven respondents think that children who use obscene language can still

become good leaders. However, they are not good role models because a good role model

displays proper behaviour and values which include using courteous words.

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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 This study was designed to prove that television programs promote the use of obscene

language. The objectives were to find out the most commonly used obscene language and their

meanings, identify which television programs promote the use of obscene language and if they

influence children to use it and determine if the use of obscene language affects the students’

and the school’s image.

According to the results, majority (93%) of the UPIS high school students use obscene

language. The most commonly used obscene words are “shit”, “gago”, “tanga” and “ulol.” Media

is the secondary source of obscene language with a weight of 315 from 135 respondents. Sixty-

five percent say that the shows they watch use obscene language; however, seventy five

percent express that these shows do not encourage them to use obscene language. Moreover,

teachers and other members of the UPIS community say that the use of obscene language

does affect the students’ and school’s image.

These findings suggest that though TV programs may have a great contribution to the

respondents’ knowledge of obscene language, they do not encourage students into using it.

Other factors like the respondents’ upbringing, family and environment may influence them to do

so.

Parents are advised to supervise their children while watching television, especially

programs which are rated with Parental Guidance (PG). The school is advised to practice

stricter implementation of the school rules and regulations, the Guidance Office to conduct

workshops on handling emotions, and subjects like Practical Arts (PA) and Health integrate

values in their lessons. Also, TV networks should be more thorough in screening the programs

they show. They should also strictly implement rules and follow set criteria.

To improve the research, it is recommended that members of the UPIS Administration

and parents be interviewed regarding their opinion of the students’ use of obscene language.

This can be used to establish more specific and accurate solutions about the school rules and

regulations’ implementation. Content-analysis of the top 5 TV programs is also suggested to

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study if these shows use obscene language and for what purpose to counter-check the survey

results concerning TV programs’ use of obscene language.

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