[freedomben]

Probably because the US does have a pretty wide diversity, particularly when it comes to religion. In some areas you'll find a lot of Mormons (who are greatly offended by "fuck"), and in some Christians (where some denonimations don't even like the word "crap" let alone "fuck"), in some Catholics who generally don't seem to care (I've heard some Catholic priests let loose some pretty blue streaks lol), and all kinds of others. Then there are people who aren't offended, but don't want to talk that way in front of their kids and don't allow their kids to talk that way. In a workplace in the US (where you can't discriminate based on religion as it's a protected class), it's a very bad idea to use that kind of language unless you know everyone around and you know that they don't mind. Even then, be aware of who might be nearby enough to hear. Getting an HR complaint against you for dropping an f-bomb is embarrasing and not very fun.

[arp242]

Eh, European countries have diversity too. I've worked with religious extremists of all stripes over the years. The idea that the US is somehow unique diverse is one of those deeply mistaken views Americans have about themselves.

[freedomben]

> The idea that the US is somehow unique diverse is one of those deeply mistaken views Americans have about themselves.

I didn't say we were uniquely diverse, I just said we were religously diverse. Big difference. If you're going to shit on someone, at least shit based on accurate information, otherwise you make yourself look like a pretentious asshole.

> Partly this seems to depend on the region – in the US, in particular, it seems to be a big no-no

Having lived and worked in the US my entire life at various companies all over the country, religion is a huge factor in whether people take offense to it. It's not the only factor, but it is a significant one, I would guess the most significant one. Unless you have data showing otherwise, I would think you'd give my opinion at least some weight, but maybe thinking they have superior knowledge about US culture is one of those deeply mistaken views that Europeans have about themselves.

> Partly this seems to depend on the region – in the US, in particular, it seems to be a big no-no

So if it's not religion, then what is it?

[freedomben]

I reread this and I apologize, I feel I came off very harsh. I was a little irritated at being unfairly stereotyped as an American, and that got a little under my skin and caused me to be much more abrasive than I would normally think appropriate.