In-Class: Why Write?

We can learn almost anything from books, articles, and documents. We can provide others with our ideas and thoughts in various styles, as well. It is obvious that writing is an effective form of communication. More so, however, I think writing is a form of expression. Poetry, novels, speeches, letters; these things can give us much insight to a person’s beliefs or personality - as we discussed some last class with the Obama speech. Writing can be therapeutic, too. Keeping a journal, putting down on paper what you couldn’t possibly say out loud. With the growing popularity of social networking sites and online journals, however, communication and expression are coming together in a whole new way. Books, speeches and other types of writing have communicated ideas in an expressive way for a long time. However, we haven’t seen published diaries and private thoughts portrayed quite the way they can be now through blogs and status updates. We can connect with others with similar experiences and beliefs around the world. Today, this is why many people write: to connect with others.