Removing the %&*@ in Maine will take time

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. profanity / prəˈfæn ɪ ti / (n.) – a word, phrase, or expression that’s disrespectful, especially toward a god or a religion
    Example:

    Books that contain profanities aren’t allowed in school.


  2. obscenity / əbˈsɛn ɪ ti / (n.) – a word or sentence that’s considered rude and improper especially because it refers to something sexual
    Example:

    Some teenagers were taken by the police for shouting obscenities at people in the park.


  3. lax / læks / (adj.) – not strict in applying rules or standards
    Example:

    Because of the lax security, the robbers were able to get into the jewelry store easily.


  4. salty / ˈsɔl ti / (adj.) – funny but considered a bit rude, usually because it’s related to something sexual
    Example:

    The popular actor was criticized because of his salty jokes during an interview.


  5. offensive / əˈfɛn sɪv / (adj.) – causing another person to feel hurt, angry, or upset
    Example:

    Calling someone by his or her first name can be offensive in some cultures.


Article

Read the text below.

A Maine law banning profanities from personalized license plates went into effect Oct. 18, but removing the obscenities from plates on Maine’s roads and highways isn’t going to happen overnight in a state where such regulation has been unusually lax.


Currently, there are Maine plates with salty language including f-bombs, references to anatomy and sex acts, and general insults. One license plate says simply, “F-Y0U” — except that on the plate, it’s plainly spelled out.


Now, rule-making is getting underway to ensure the law protects First Amendment rights while getting rid of obscene language.


The process could take between two and four months, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said.


Requests for so-called vanity license plates that are deemed to be potentially offensive will be on hold in the meantime. Eventually, the state will begin recalling previously issued plates, likely this winter.


A majority of states have restrictions on license plate messages that are considered profane, sexually suggestive, racist, drug-related, politically objectionable or religiously offensive. (AP)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • While a majority of states have restrictions on license plate messages that are potentially offensive, Maine introduced a similar ban only recently. Why do you think Maine decided to do this? Should offensive license plates be banned everywhere? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • According to the article, removing the obscenities from plates on Maine’s roads and highways isn’t going to happen overnight because the regulation has been unusually lax. Why do you think this is so (ex. the state wants to let people express themselves freely)? Do you think road and traffic regulations in your country are lax? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • While the rule-making is getting underway, requests for so-called vanity license plates that are deemed to be potentially offensive will be on hold. Do you think it’s okay to put those requests on hold even if there are no final rules yet? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The state will begin recalling previously issued plates. Do you think this is necessary? Why or why not? Do you think it will be easy for the state of Maine to recall those issued plates? Discuss.