Sunday, August 28, 2011
The Young vs. the Old
In this skit, Louis C.K. addresses the "ungrateful generation" from the standpoint of an old timer who did not have the technology capabilities in his day that we currently possess. He discusses the fact that he had to use a rotary phone "back in his day," yet the modern teenager will become frustrated when their phone does not function quickly enough for them. This is an age-old argument that has been addressed for decades, yet his comical rendition is still unique to the point of instigating conversation. The young are characterized as being spoiled, impatient, and privileged (with no recognition of it), whereas the old are wise, calm, and grateful for the current technology. The evident collision between the generations provides a humorous and truthful skit that unites the two.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
I Never
Rule #1: Never use personal pronouns.
This is the first "rule of writing" taught in high school. It is reasonable because part of becoming a more mature, advanced writer is being able to remove oneself from a piece and remaining as objective as possible. However, being able to use personal pronouns can also allow a writer's creativity to drive the composition, rather than a set list of do's and don'ts. Otherwise, the piece can lack the writer's personality and seem emotionless.
Rule #2: Never say "I think" or "I believe."
The reasoning for this rule, as explained by teachers, is that the reader knows that what is being written is the writer's ideas, thoughts, beliefs, etc., because they are the one writing it. Usually this rule should be followed, because the use of "I think" or "I believe" can get excessive, however, sometimes these phrases can be used to emphasize a point or compare beliefs between two people, organizations, etc.
Rule #3: Never stray from the standard outline: introduction, three body paragraphs, and conclusion.
This rule is understandable for middle school students who are trying to learn to write, but by high school it should be completely abolished, because it extinguishes all possible creativity. It turns writing into a stagnant, formula process, rather than an art form. Writing is meant to be used to express the self, and at times provide communication, and if it is reduced to a set standard there can be no progression and the individuality of the writer is lost in the formula.
This is the first "rule of writing" taught in high school. It is reasonable because part of becoming a more mature, advanced writer is being able to remove oneself from a piece and remaining as objective as possible. However, being able to use personal pronouns can also allow a writer's creativity to drive the composition, rather than a set list of do's and don'ts. Otherwise, the piece can lack the writer's personality and seem emotionless.
Rule #2: Never say "I think" or "I believe."
The reasoning for this rule, as explained by teachers, is that the reader knows that what is being written is the writer's ideas, thoughts, beliefs, etc., because they are the one writing it. Usually this rule should be followed, because the use of "I think" or "I believe" can get excessive, however, sometimes these phrases can be used to emphasize a point or compare beliefs between two people, organizations, etc.
Rule #3: Never stray from the standard outline: introduction, three body paragraphs, and conclusion.
This rule is understandable for middle school students who are trying to learn to write, but by high school it should be completely abolished, because it extinguishes all possible creativity. It turns writing into a stagnant, formula process, rather than an art form. Writing is meant to be used to express the self, and at times provide communication, and if it is reduced to a set standard there can be no progression and the individuality of the writer is lost in the formula.
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