Sun-Times Breaks Cursing Rule

The Sun-Times published the words "fuckin'," "shit," and "ass" on its website, which is big news for those of us obsessed with media self-censorship. (They've published "ass" before, when Lacy Banks wrote that "if death shows a hint of coming near me, I'll kick his ass, in the name of Jesus.") In recent months, the print version of the Sun-Times wouldn't run the word "asshole", the Trib translated a Chinese curse as "something-something-mama," and the Daily Herald wouldn't publish the phrase "hand job."

But Mary Mitchell's blog post yesterday republishes Tim Wise's article about white privilege and includes the paragraph

White privilege is when you can call yourself a "fuckin’ redneck," like Bristol Palin’s boyfriend does, and talk about how if anyone messes with you, you'll "kick their fuckin' ass," and talk about how you like to "shoot shit" for fun, and still be viewed as a responsible, all-American boy (and a great son-in-law to be) rather than a thug.

Here's to the end of prudishness in traditional media!