Why are people so fussy about grammar and punctuation?
For the most part I agree with you — no need to go mental over someone’s typo or error on most social media sites. People who make comments like that make them for the same reason bullies bully people — they have other issues that only they and a good therapist can deal with. Ignore them — obviously someone writing like that is not offering any valuable feedback anyway — they’re just venting hot air. And I think, sadly, that too many teachers are way too hyped up on this issue and they fall into a category of people who like to categorize and stigmatize based on a perceived level of intelligence — it’s almost another version of bullying. (btw, I can get away with saying this, since I used to teach college writing; did my BA, MA & PhD in writing/rhetoric; was an editor for 10 yrs and now work in e-communications; I left teaching bc of frustrations w/other teachers using their status to belittle and to choose favorites, among other issues w/our education system) But (you knew there
Spelling, grammar and punctuation are indeed important. If they are not then why even bother with having editors and teachers? I do understand that sometimes people take their frustrations too far, but in reality they do matter. Resumes, job applications, letters of recommendation, and many other forms of communication are viewed everyday. Your Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter accounts (whether your like it or not, or know it) are combed over by employers and companies who have received your name. Bad grammar, spelling and punctuation are a slippery slope. I am a teacher and have seen how dependent students are becoming on abbreviations and technology to predict their errors. Learning to spell and use correct grammar is a sign of intelligence and merit. I don’t know why someone would look down upon being proficient in what some regard as the most difficult language to master.
