Taking Writing Skills for Granted

I was listening to the radio the other day, and they were having callers phone in to guess the most popular reported phobia. Of course, many wrong answers came first: speaking in public, confined spaces, spiders, snakes, heights, dying… all incorrect. What it turned out to be was nomophobia; the fear of being without your mobile phone. This should not be too shocking for all of us, as we see this every day. Simply walking through the halls of campus, you will pass countless individuals completely focused into their phones. 

Being raised in a generation where technology is in abundance, we are constantly messaging, emailing, blogging and texting one another. But do any of those writings hold any value? It is true to say we are more literate today than the past, but it seems we are getting dumber. If you need proof of that, try checking out twitter/facebook/youtube comments.

So how is it possible that a generation of technology junkies can even begin to understand Helen Keller’s experiences? To be realistic, we can’t.

As I was reading Helen Keller’s Story of My Life, I was shocked at the struggles she faced. However, what really blew me away was her optimism about life. She never allowed her disabilities to pose a barrier between herself and her goals. Helen moved herself forward in life no matter what obstacles were in her way. If it took her a bit longer than everyone else to learn language, so be it. She kept her spirits high, and went on to finish university and even write a legendary auto-biography. She was self-motivated, and accomplished everything she wanted to do, just at her own speed. And although at times she fell behind other students her age, she did not let that drag her down.

In today’s world, it seems everyone has all the means and abilities to change the world, yet no ambition to do so. It’s surprising to look back at Helen Keller’s life experiences, and how difficult everything was for her. Yet somehow she kept her passion for writing alive through it all. It really makes you think about how fortunate we are as a society to have all the luxuries we do. It’s a shame however, that these wind up making us lazy and unappreciative of them.  Helen Keller became a famous writer against all odds, yet most of us are given a clear advantage into writing, and we ignore it.

The Benefits of Anonymity

Online anonymity has clearly changed the way people communicate with each other. And although some may say that anonymity has produced harsher effects such as increased sexism, racism, or hate in general, I beg to differ. I don’t believe this has caused a change in the demeanor of those certain individuals, it has only shocked those who were previously oblivious to it. I do not support those that do choose to spread hate on the internet. I am simply looking at the larger picture, where the net has allowed for more freedom of speech and insight into all controversial topics of this generation. For every dark there is light, and we must focus on those that use this anonymity for the good of society. There are many situations where individuals can find comfort and support anonymously, where they could not do so in person. Going through puberty, coming out, any questions in general that we as a society have but are ashamed to ask in public, our anonymity on the web helps us get through those hard times.

The first thing to remember is that on the internet, you are communicating with all races, all genders, more importantly all ages and maturity levels. Therefore, some people may find humor in terrible, hateful things and post about it online for everyone else to see, fully knowing no one will ever discover their true identity. However, do we really think the internet provoked them to do so? Or is the internet just a new way of communicating their feelings about any given subject? It is still a moral decision we all must make to support this behavior or to criticize them on it. 

The difference between saying these terrible things to a few close friends and on the worldwide web, is that on the internet everyone will see what you post, even the group you are intending to insult. Instead of private conversations, they become open to the public. On forums, blogs, anywhere strangers are talking to strangers, there is always some people who will act tough over the computer and cowardly in person, or “trolls” as they are better known on the internet. But on an open discussion board, everyone can state their opinions and defenses on a topic. If you see behavior that you do no not support, it is your moral obligation to post your own thoughts on a subject. If everyone simply turns a blind eye to the hate, it will always exist. This is more commonly known as the freedom of speech. The internet gives us the opportunity to all discuss current issues together and share our opinions.

The power of internet anonymity is simply put by John Dvorak as “people can express themselves without fear”. Although some may use that power for evil, there is so much good that can come from it as well. Avoiding prosecution on sensitive issues that may not abide by societies rules can be much relieved by that anonymity. From thinking you are the only one who feels a certain way, to realizing there are thousand of you out there can save lives. Suicide prevention and outreach groups are always available on the internet and for some, its their last hope. The anonymity of the internet provides them with a safe place to share their feelings without judgement.

To wrap things up, we all know how easy it is to point a finger at the negativity on the internet. It is not hard to find hateful comments or posts on the web. However if we look a little harder, we can also see how beneficial it has been to this generation and to the freedom of speech we all have the right to. Without the anonymity of those evil-doers, the hate would not be presented so publicly and in a fashion where it is objectable. The internet shines a light on the cruelty of some so that others can step up and show them how to right those wrongs. The anonymity can also be a safe haven for those that do not have anywhere left to turn. Without the anonymity of the internet, we would have much held inside with nowhere to release it.