Politics and the English Language

Everything is consistently changing. I would like to think in most cases the changes are positive to our society . I agree with Orwell that language has not developed positively in the last decade. The boring, indirect style of writing that was specific to politics is spreading. When completing formal writing assignments kids are beginning to add unnecessary fluff to enhance their work. This normally has the opposite effect. Big words and corny metaphors, unless used properly, take away from the purpose of a written piece. They can also hide the truth, or portray false intelligence. Besides being an extravagant mess that needs to be dissected for truth and meaning, political writing is becoming the norm. It has replaced the art of language, and the beauty in expression through thoughtfully chosen words. This change from crafty to easy in some ways defines our generation.

Language's Re-evolution

Politically correct language has lost its place, today the mess we know as the English language is a clusterf#%k. It is a self created issue, tools like spell check has allowed everyone to click and forget. It has become a case of if it looks good use it. But thanks to Orwell, we have rules to prevent our common mistakes.

1) --Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

2) --Never use a long word where a short one will do.

3) --If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

4) --Never use the passive where you can use the active.

5) --Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

6) --Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

But, who is going to bother to use these rules to better themselves? When we write for an audience, we use what sounds good. The future is fast paced; we’re using words like lol and omg. This isn’t Shakespeare time, light from which yonder window breaks, that language has dead. Now the English language has gone through a re-evolution, language has started to resemble Orwell’s 1984 written language. It’s not about proper language anymore; it’s about abbreviation and lingo.

Language is regressing and we are the reason.

Apparently, our generation killed English: So what language is this?

by Amanda Schroth

The English language is not dying because of texting, Facebook, or even blogging. What is killing the English language is the one shared voice that students must take up in their work. I am one of them.

I have gone through several drafts of an essay, reading each sentence and wondering if it is sophisticated enough. What the hell? I’m a freaking writer, and I’m censoring my own work just to get a damn A. But, I have to do this.

What is to be expected of us children? We’re constantly in the classroom being forced to write the most dreaded piece of writing to ever exist, the “Five-paragraph Essay.” We have to think of transitions and correct word choices that are mature and smart. It’s like the paper has been placed in front of us and we’re being told to write like a Greek philosopher—long sentence, big words, and vague meaning. What happened to our voices?

Orwell’s right—we’re trained to give formal, pre-prepared sentences to write down on to the piece of paper. As a writer, I cringe at the dreaded “blue as the ocean” metaphor. Everyone knows the ocean is blue, but no one gives a damn. Pick something else that creates a different image. Tell me it was as “blue as the Pepsi slogan’s background.” Something different, something original…something that is yours and free of other’s thoughts.

That right there is how we’re going to keep the English language alive.

Even with texting and blogging, the quick and unedited forms of writing that some claim to be garbage—the English language is not dying with our generation, but changing and evolving along with the rest of our culture. If anything, our language is spreading and expanding and being used more often than ever before. So forget writing that essay in the exact wording and phrasing that your professor is demanding. For once, use your own fucking voice. Don't try to be fancy or over the top, just be yourself and write that paper in a way that only you can. Maybe it will pay off and get you that A, and if not, well…there’s always the next essay to say what’s on your mind. Eventually, your teacher will get the hint.

sweet street art

so I noticed that our next class discussion is on the relationship between public art and rhetoric, and then I came across this link on stumble which has some of the coolest street art i've seen- had to share I couldn't help myself.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/ATpD9I/www.streetartutopia.com/%253Fp%253D2014

A Short 24 Hours.

   I, for my twenty-four hours without communicative technology, I figured I could either keep my phone with me for reminders and calendar appointments, or I could turn it off (If I wanted to, I could also put it into airplane mode, leaving the functions available without network communication.) For a more reputable experiment, I decided to turn off my phone and leave it on my desk. 
  In regards to facebook and other internet based means of communication, I was concerned because I planned to allow myself use of the internet for non communication-related resources. As it turned out, I had more than enough self control to avoid the sites that breached the premises of this experiment.
  The experience for me wasn't much to write home about. I don't think I'm too consumed by social media, because it was really only a minor irritation in terms of organizing with friends. I didn't try to gouge my eyes out with a spoon or anything, which is probably good.
  An interesting point, however, is that I currently have a shitty burner phone, and recently ordered an iPhone. The iPhone hasn't arrived, and it would be interesting to see how reluctant I would be to give that up, even for just 24 hours.

They have done bad Things

Wow, cell phones make life possible I am convince. On the other hand I was stoked to get off facebook and online connections to the world. No emails or facebook to look after I actually liked it. The issue is that when I did not have my phone I felt like a part of me was seriously missing, the connection that it provided to everyone I needed is comforting but being without it was a test. Second hand information is how doing everything socially or communicating with a friend in a different dorm. Without electronic devices people rely on each other so much more and I think that one of the reasons people are not as “close” anymore is because of globalization. There is no need for direct communication face to face anymore. We can now text or call someone taking the personability out of the intent of the conversation or purpose. Years ago before cell phones and endless possibilities on the Internet when people had a question or anyting they would talk to the person next to them to solve the problem. Now people take matters isnt their own hands, bashful to talk to the person next to them, so they would pullout their Iphone. Now honestly I think cell phones are great pieces of technology but living with out it was a little stressful knowing it was for a class and there was a reason I could not use my perfectly good cell phone.

Technology... kinda suck sometimes !!!!

To be honest I have stayed away from Facebook for more than a day. First of all, because it is really boring, and also I am a little tired reading people's life journal, or looking at their album photo. Who cares where you are going this week-end, who you get to hang out with, or what you have been doing. It is a little bit weird when I see posts like "going home for this week-end," "I have the best roommate ever," or " I aced this math quiz," or any other stupid looking post. Well, if there was an award for that, I guess I would be awarded thanks to these weird posts.
My phone was not a big challenge. Sometimes I don't use it not because I don't want to but because my dad haven't paid it yet or some other inconveniences. However, staying away from it when I know I am receiving texts was little bit challenging. When I woke up yesterday and knew that I was not allowed to use my phone, I was a little bit sad. Most of the funniest things that usually make my days are from either a text message or a phone call. During the day I was always tempted to text back or to call a friend. I finally realized that tuning it off and putting it on my bag-pack was the solution, so that what I did. It was a little funny that I thought I lost it when I got to my room after school in the afternoon. I guess I used it before I went back to sleep, but I did stay away from it during the day.
Since music is a big part of my life, staying away from my Ipod was a BIG CHALLENGE. I always have my earphones on; I even sleep with them. I guess that was the only technology utensil that I did not stay away from yesterday. I really can't imagine my life without music; it's really funny since I don't play any instrument. That's what I do all day long even when I am taking a quiz, writing an essay, doing my homework, working out, having fun with my friends, I always have it with me. So, yeah I love musics.
If we really think about it, technology is really important but it is really suck at the same time. Do you ever realize how many time you spend social networking while this time could be used more importantly. Do you ever realize that, we really can stay away from it and use it not for bullshitting but for accurate purpose? Well, do you also realize what would be the world without it? What about going back to the homo sapiens' world? I really want to try it.
Billy St Louis