I have a not-so-secret confession: I used to be a grammar enforcer on social media. I know, cringe-worthy, right? Whenever someone whose views I disagreed with made a typo, I would dismiss their entire argument and leave a sarcastic comment correcting their grammar. My message was clear: If you can’t even get your grammar right, your opinion isn’t worth my time.
Of course, I only targeted those whose opinions I truly found intolerable. For instance, when someone would rant about how “libtards” were going to take “there” guns, I felt justified in pointing out their grammatical errors as a way to insult their intelligence. But let’s be honest: nitpicking their grammar didn’t change their stance on gun control. In fact, attacking someone’s intelligence is rarely an effective debate strategy. It’s more about belittling others and asserting superiority than fostering genuine discussion.
Even if your intentions are good, if you’re not specifically asked for feedback, correcting someone’s grammar is often unwelcome. If the conversation isn’t centered on grammar, bringing it up only derails the dialogue or makes you seem condescending.
Why Do We Care About Grammar?
So why do we even care about grammar? Why should someone’s ideas be dismissed simply because they lack formal education in grammar? For many, learning grammar isn’t straightforward, and it can be overwhelming. Even experienced writers make mistakes, and numerous respected publications occasionally miss the mark. If the likes of The New York Times or Stephen King can slip up, why expect flawless grammar from everyday social media users?
The most frustrating aspect is when people insist on perfect grammar from those advocating for marginalized communities. Take Alex Rivera, a trans activist raising awareness for trans issues. Recently, Rivera shared on social media how tired he is of being corrected. He left school at a young age and learned everything on his own, which means he never had structured grammar education.
“I know many think they’re being helpful, but it’s damaging,” he explained after receiving multiple messages critiquing a minor error. His work is crucial; it literally saves lives. So why focus on grammar when the message is what truly matters?
Lessons Learned
I’ve learned a lot since my grammar-policing days. I’ve come to understand that I still have much to learn about writing. Who am I to judge others when I’m also a work in progress? Ultimately, the message should take precedence over grammatical perfection.
If you’re not a professional editor, it’s best to refrain from correcting others. Instead, focus on what they’re saying. If you want to learn more about home insemination or pregnancy resources, check out this insightful post on Home Insemination Kit, or visit Intracervical Insemination for expert guidance. You can also explore this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination at Drugs.com.
Conclusion
In summary, grammar policing on social media can do more harm than good. It’s important to prioritize the message over the medium. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their grammatical skills.