Cursing in YA Literature

To cuss or not to cuss -- that is the question.

This is actually a highly controversial topic.  There are those who say they don't want to see cursing in YA literature at all, those who don't want to see it in ANY literature, and those who feel not cursing is unrealistic (particularly in the YA age group).  And, I'm sure, there are plenty who fall into another category of opinion all together.

My personal opinion is that it depends on the story, and the characters within that story.  I don't want to see EVERY character cussing up a storm, what's the difference between their mannerisms at that point.  But, if it's forcibly steered clear of, it can come off as unrealistic.

I've said it once, and I'll say it far too many more times to count, every single word in any book should be deliberate, purposeful, chosen.  This, for me, includes any word we consider a curse word.  Every word, but especially those we count as "foul" or "taboo", has an impact on the reader.  Every word will paint a certain picture, develop a certain character, speak to a certain audience.

Words have power.

"Bring it bitches!" has a far different feel, a different impact on the reader than, "Let's fight!"

A battered-wife type character, who has been meek throughout the story, suddenly screaming "Fuck you!" (sorry if that offended anyone) at her abuser, before fighting her way out of the situation, will have far greater impact than the character simply leaving (though that still shows great strength, don't get me wrong).

With all that said, I do feel that cursing should be used sparingly.  If the F-word is on every single page, it loses its impact.  It no longer shocks, or comes across as something necessary to convey the level of rage, or fear, or (fill in the blank) for a particular scene. 

Still, if you have one particular character who is supposed to come across as foul-mouthed at every turn, cursing on every single page could prove to be a necessity.  It all depends on the story, the character(s), the situation(s).