A recent commenter made an excellent point on NASCAR's decision to dock Dale Earnhardt, Jr. 25 points for his use of the s-word during his post-race interview in victory lane this weekend. Swearing is equally offensive whether the word is used in jubilation or anger. However, NASCAR is the epitome of hypocrisy on this whole language issue.
If NASCAR is worried about FCC sanctions of some sort (ala CBS and Janet Jackson) then that can be handled via fines. After all, that's all the FCC will do. NASCAR claims that the reason they are harsh on bad language is because they want to build up a family friendly image. But, this is just plain ridiculous if you look at NASCAR as a whole. If NASCAR wants their events to be family friendly then they have a lot worse things to worry about then the occassional use of the s-word. NASCAR seems to have no problem with filling their air time with scantily clad women selling beer in commercials. That is not family friendly fare. But even worse than that is fact that they allow Viagra to sponsor Mark Martin's team.
When Mark Martin won the Dover race back in June, Viagra was prominently featured all over the hood of his car and his race uniform. So basically, NASCAR has decided that it's okay for erectile dysfunction to be a part of the post-race discourse, but the s-word gets you a severe sanction. I just find this baffling.
