WRITING FOR NEW MEDIA
Module 2: The Value of Words
Objectives
- Contextualize word-use in the present historical moment.
- Establish the value of words.
- Discuss the importance of thoughtful word use.
Methods
- Active reading.
- Critical analysis.
Introduction
This class works with the words you already have, but also seeks to broaden your use of those words as it introduces you to different kinds of writing, but more importantly, to various ways of thinking. After all, at a time when words can be used as weapons through propaganda and troll farms, at a time when even we have the tendency to use words thoughtlessly, what seems important to learn is how to use words well.
This is to say that we need to value words again. It’s not just a matter of using words, as it is a matter of using them well, given who we’re talking to (audience), what it is we want to say (content), and the medium we will use to say it in (form).
If it seems complicated, it’s because we are at a time when these things aren’t really thought about or considered anymore. We would like to change that.
Social Media Engagement
Social media platforms encourage us to shoot-from-the-hip, which is to say to post without thinking. Given the state of governance, soundbites seem to be a way of pushing us in this direction: our leaders say one thing, and we’re all just ready to pounce. So many issues are being thrown our way, and the easiest way we can engage in those issues is through social media.
There isn’t anything wrong with this of course. Social media is a platform, and the material we produce on it are different forms of “new media” writing. What is important though is to realize that what it encourages us to do—posting without thinking much about it—is not really best practice as far as writing (and thinking) is concerned.
Go Back To Valuing Words
Common sense tells us to be thoughtful about what we say and do, and this is just as true for what we write. Whether we’re writing something for social media, for a website, or for a project; whether it’s a 280-character tweet, or two sentences of a Facebook status, or just a caption for a photo on Instagram; whether it’s writing a letter to your teacher, or asking something of your parents, or taking part in a discussion in a comments section; writing is an act that is careful and thoughtful.
If this seems like hard work, it’s only because there’s been a tendency to write (and speak) thoughtlessly, to use words without double-checking if it might mean other things, or be taken the wrong way. But there is no time like the present to go back to words, and see the value in careful and thoughtful choice.
This is after all especially important to realize at a time like this one, when words are used against us, when words are enough to inflict pain and encourage violence. At no other time have we been made to realize how powerful words are. And this is why we’re taking time to think about words. How we use them, where we use them, what it requires of us to use them well.
Active Reading Exercise
Read “The Children’s Story” by James Clavell. Take note of the following:
(1) The amount of time that lapsed from the start of the story to the end.
(2) The difference between the way the two teachers dealt with the children.
(3) The way in which the symbols of nation were put into question in the course of the story.
Reflection
After reading the “The Children’s Story” analyze it by thinking about the following questions. You can take down notes if you wish, for when we discuss this in the next synchronous session.
(1) This story was written in 1981. What about it makes it important reading for the present?
(2) The setting of this story is a classroom. Why was it important that it happened here? What parts or the classroom were crucial to the telling of the story.
(3) What is this story teaching us about words and its power?
(4) This story has a subtitle that says “(But not just for children).” What do you think does this mean? What did the author seek to do by putting in that subtitle? ***
