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| I AREN'T Worried, Not At All
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It has come to my attention that the American education system may be worse off than I thought. I am deeply ashamed to see people claim they went to a prestigious college, graduated with honors and/or made the dean's list yet fail to type a simple post here without mispelling words or using bad grammar. When someone who is from the far east--like the Philippines?!--is learning English in high school or college and can type better than someone raised to speak and write the language...that is rather bad. Am I wrong? Or is every natural born American using this site oblivious/ignorant of the fact? It seems people don't care.
Now, it's not like anyone is being graded here. Of course not. So, we feel free to let our belts out and undo a few buttons as we let our our thoughts. But, if someone has to reread something just to make sure they read it right because of poor writing, what is the sense of that? What if what you wanted to convey is misunderstood and a debate ensues? You might have avoided the argument had you written more clearly. Am I really the only one seeing this? Am I being too picky/paranoid?
Another peeve I have is a chat favorite. ALL CAPS. Why in the world do people think typing in ALL CAPS is pleasant to read? It might not be so bad in a single sentence. But, a whole paragraph of that? No way. It's like reading bricks.
Now, I am hardly perfect by any means. I don't judge myself better than someone else. I don't have a prestigious degree. But, I can write and speak English--my native tongue--rather well. At least, people here--some--have said I am a very good writer.[See, I am even humble/modest/hesitant to acknowledge such a compliment.] And, isn't that a good thing. Because someone might have to defend this country's intelligence someday. People make fun of GWB for his speaking/spelling skills. Isn't THAT a shame?
I felt I had to write about this issue. It created quite a storm in my mind just recently. And so, I let the lightning flow.
They say practice makes perfect. They say to learn from example. They say a good writer must be a good reader first. I am not a good reader, and look what I can do. I just hope those who read this who can admit they are not writing at their educated best will see the light and work on their skills. Otherwise, do NOT pitch your diploma to anyone. They may just laugh in your face. Or, is it just a matter of time before English becomes worse then Ebonix and an endangered language? Maybe WE Americans will become the poorly educated saps striving for a better education from some other foreign body.
I just can't stop shaking my head at this...how foreigners are walking all over this country yet we claim to be the supreme power/nation. Land of the free to be ignorant? Freedom of poor speech? I feel like the USA has become the mentally challenged kid on the street corner handing over his money to the wallet inspector.
I just hope my brain does not melt as well. Peace.
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Posted by brainstormer on 2008-02-19 02:16:14 | Rating: | Views: 205
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I agree 100%; however, bright yellow text on a black background isn't easy to read either :)
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Posted by nadira
on 2008-02-19 09:22:25
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well I usually spell pretty good. and I am an excellent reader. but I am also into learning other languages and get confused from time to time because of that. the grammar is wildly different in other languages. also I usually don't care/lazy to be grammatically correct unless I'm in a language class. I'm not bragging but I am trying to get you to see a different perspective because we all need different perspectives.
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Posted by zypvashna
on 2008-02-19 11:07:03
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I agree that people should clean up their comments, out of courtesy to their readers. I've written about it as well. So no, you're not the only one. I don't consider it being picky.
By the way, it's "worse than", not "worse then"; and it's Ebonics, not Ebonix. You also misspelled "misspelling", a common error. There were also other minor typos and a missing capitalization; however your point comes shining through.
One point of disagreement: I think it is true that the more you read, the better you will write.
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Posted by GhostOfDerekD0min0
on 2008-02-19 12:43:00
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True ignorance is hatefulness, grammar has no bearing on a human life.
Hmmm?
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Posted by DifficultSoul
on 2008-02-19 13:00:17
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You should come and grade my grammar on my new entry.
I would really like to see my grade.
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Posted by DifficultSoul
on 2008-02-19 13:01:36
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I can feel the sting,ouch!I know I fall in that category,and so it goes.You spoke your mind good for you.Wow! you sure ruffled some feathers.
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Posted by pitapie50
on 2008-02-19 14:51:13
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I think Brainstormer's point is good. He is trying to encourage people to write better. However, I notice that some people are bad in their language skills, but it doesn't mean that they are stupid or ignorant. It is for example some of us are good in Maths but other people are not so good, instead they are brilliant in art. Just like my own son, he is brilliant in electronics, computer hardware or anything else mechanical and technical...but when it comes to languages, he is one of the worse. Messy writing, not a perfect spelling and grammar, but for a 23 years old, he has a good job and a very good income.
So for those whe are born without a good language skill, just try your best.
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Posted by Gwatlan
on 2008-02-19 15:27:26
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I think the American school system has been going down the "tubes" for a long long time now. Also, something else that bothers me. When someone from another country becomes a US citizen they are taught and are required to know more about America then Americans. That is something else to think about
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Posted by expectingtofly
on 2008-02-19 17:29:45
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WOW, I DID ruffle a few feathers:P Or you all visited together? Must be a blog party or something:P
Ok, running down the list...
Necronomismoconundrum(gosh that's a mouthful to spell:P), she is bitter at me and made a few threats. I won't antagonize her more.
Thank you, nadira, and I will fix the color just for you:P
Zyp, I was totally aware of other perspectives and expected others to write in on that angle. Thanks for the input. That was a bit of my point as well. That was the foreigners taking over America bit. But, there are also Americans learning other languages and confusing themselves. I would think it wise to master one's own language before tackling another:P Unless you are becoming a citizen there and don't care about the native tongue anymore. I took a few years of Spanish in school...have yet to master it by far. Someday perhaps. I don't think I can learn too many languages. I am motivated by love. With all the people in the world, I would rather someone invent a translation gizmo.
Ghost, I am not familiar with you...nor did I seek out your post on the matter. I know many of us repeat the same thoughts/ideas. I have seen a dozen posts about Soul Mates and Depression/Boredom. Well done finding the errors in my post:P I was wondering if anyone would spot them:P Yea, that's the ticket:P And, like I said, I am not perfect myself:)
Difficult, darling, looking lovely as ever:) Thanks for the prose. If that was a genuine invitation, I might consider it:P heh. Eh...or not:)
Hi, Pitapie. Didn't mean to prick you with my quills. Just take it in stride and see what you can do to make your words clearer for others. All in the mission of eliminating misunderstanding.
Gwatlan, thanks again for your support:) You are right. There are different kinds of smarts. And, even Einstein was bad at Math. But, since only writing applies here at the site, I made that the issue:P And, yes, this was both to encourage self-improvement in others as well as to make people aware of the problem in this country.
Expectingtofly, you are right about how long it seems to have been worsenning. And, that issue about foreign learning has been discussed repeatedly in That 70s Show...which really pushes the matter back in time.
Thank you all so far for the commentary. Keep up the good thinking:)
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-02-19 18:55:14
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remind me later and i will look for errors.. i am good at finding them....
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Posted by styrafoamcup
on 2008-02-19 22:51:16
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oh yeah and you have been flagged as inapropriate..(leave my spelling alone.. lol) you naughty boy...
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Posted by styrafoamcup
on 2008-02-19 22:51:59
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Let me make something quite clear before I am ejected from this site for something I consider so minor and insane to argue. Do I really need to make another post about how only--as DS puts it--"honey-laced" positives are accepted while constructive or even mildy objectionable comments are hissed and booed at? I am getting such a headache from people flipping out on me! FIRST I cannot speak my mind openly in others' posts. THEN I find someone trying to clone me to harrass me and those I associate with here. NOW I have what might as well be a lawsuit against me from one fragile soul having an episode. She responded to an email of mine while we were both online. I responded back. A volley began before she shortly switched from suggesting deep down I might be a good person to GET LOST! STOP EMAILING ME OR I WILL REPORT YOU! I even said here that I did not want to antagonize her anymore after that. I am sorry if she is going through a hard time. I did not know anything of that. That is no reason to eject me after all the good writing/work I have done here.
If you all want to rally around her, one person out of thousands here who just happenned to be extra fragile under one of my potentially critical statements and a simple exchange of emails(which really is not something to freak out from--I will even show you the emails if you don't believe me), you go right ahead. But, it won't solve anything and will only make me madder at the world. I have come to like and value this place. I have just as much right as her and have not gone out of my way to harrass anyone. You all say get a life? Psh, that is like calling the kettle black isn't it? We all make our choices of what we give our time and talents to. For all those who would rather pick a fight with me than take my words with a grain of salt, lay off ME--okay? Go back to your own meandering and indulgences...or thoughts, if you will.
If it is so necessary for your well-being, I will refrain from commenting on any of your posts(I will even make the effort to make a list of all those who reacted so strongly to this matter--including DS). I will try not to "harrass" any of you ever again. Oh perish the thought. I am not the enemy. And, this post was NOT all about "poor" necro. Simple as that.
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-02-20 01:01:35
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I like your sense of humor, and ability to express yourself. Have a good one...
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Posted by GhostOfDerekD0min0
on 2008-02-20 12:48:32
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One of my pet peeves is bad grammar and spelling, as well, but with blogging, it seems to fit. Not sure why, but it works for me. You sure ruffled some feathers out there! Goodness! lol! The color ink with dark backgrounds tend to upset me more though since I am old and don't need the new wrinkles I'm getting while squinting to read the blogs!
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Posted by Ellie2008
on 2008-02-21 19:08:44
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I did not realize writing on thoughts was some kind of english test. I have alot of problems with misspelling and frequently have to ask how to spell something. I also relax my grammar when I am on here. School was a long time ago & I have done alot of drugs and drinking since then and I'm sure some of this perfect grammar and spelling I am supposed to have retained has leaked out of my brain. VERY SORRY TO HAVE OFFENDED YOU. What is you problem?
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Posted by Faith
on 2008-02-22 14:37:40
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Oh Brainstormer...I don't think you'd mind if I'd mess up my spelyng, wood you? We bonded, remember? I don't want to believe you meant any harm to anyone. I just like your stories, so keep writing them. OK...and I'll keep hiding in your closet. :)
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Posted by keepdreaming
on 2008-02-23 00:34:47
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Ok, back in business. Now then, for those who make such comments with animosity or confusion from this post, let me make it clearer(if that is possible). First, try reading it again. I don't think you grasped all of it. Second, the key notes/points in all of it were that 1)yes, bad spelling and grammar irk me if it is so noticeable(it is not an offense) and 2)it is more annoying when someone claims to be educated and makes the mistakes. I don't care what is in your "beehive". I don't care how emotional you are or what is going on in life. If you claim to have had an extensive education and cannot write properly, you are out to embarrass yourself. And, now that I think of it...sure. You could be smart in something other than writing, but I think in all fields of life, the written word comes into play sooner or later. You write letters/resumes to friends/co-workers/bosses/employers you want to hire you. Eventually, you will show your mistakes...and don't you think that affects anything? Sure, this is just a "blog" site where people come to relax everything.
I thought I made it so plain and simple. Everything is written there, yet I am re-explaining myself. If you truly grasp what I wrote, it would not offend or upset anyone. It should just inspire you to sit upright and clear your throat a little better. And, it helped to express a little peeve of mine just as many of you express in your own way. So, no reason to get mad at me. My problem is people having a problem understanding me and accepting my words.
Keepdreaming, too bad things were not different between us...then I might not mind you hiding in my closet:P
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Posted by brainstormer
on 2008-02-23 01:38:33
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See...I was right about you! Not only are you sensitive, you are also a funny guy! I like you Brainstormer! :)
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Posted by keepdreaming
on 2008-02-23 21:28:33
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