Jane Fonda, the Today Show, and the C-Word

Jane Fonda appeared in a segment on the Today show this morning. She was speaking about the play Vagina Monologues when she mentioned she was asked to be a in a play called "c---"(a vulgar term for vagina). Meredith Vieira appeared in a following segment and apologized to viewers for Fonda's slip and use of the inappropriate term.

It's hard to understand why Fonda would think it was appropriate to use the C-Word on national television, especially in a post "wardrobe-malfunction" world. It was inappropriate to use the word even in the context of discussing the Vagina Monologues. Surely Fonda would realize FCC regulation on words that can be used on live television; her word choice shows that she lacks basic manners when appearing publicly. What a celebrity does in private is their own choice, but when appearing in public, that person should be aware of their actions and words.

However, Today Show host Meredith Vieira should not have to apologize for Fonda's use of inappropriate language. Jane Fonda should take responsibility for her own actions and issue an apology to any offended viewers. She said the word and damaged her public image; she should take responsibility to make her own apology.

It's important to filter our words around others because you don't know what words may be offensive to some people and not offensive to others. Being considerate of co-workers is important for keeping a decent work environment. I once had a friend that substituted the word "crap" for the F-Word in the phrase "What the f---" She was a nice, Christian girl so it was extremely funny to hear her say, "What the crap" because even the word "crap" was out of character for her. After this, I had a sign in my cubicle that read "WTC". A supervisor had me take the sign down and throw it away after several co-workers had complained it was too similar to the phrase, "What the f---".