Why do people swear, and how can we stop it?

Don't listen to those trying to make you accept it. I personally believe in maintaining a strict caliber of intelligence when it comes to language. Swear words are simply fillers for ignorance. Those that do swear typically lack self-control and somehow believe cussing compensates for their lack of intelligence or vocabulary. As for action you can take, this is a touchy subject because many will be quick to pull the whole "freedom of speech" card. But like you, I don't consider it acceptable when it disturbs others.