Texting Argument

This is an essay I wrote for AP Lang, works cited included :)

As texting becomes increasingly popular, laziness concerning proper language use bleeds into academic papers and conversations. An estimated 71% of children aged 12-17 own cell phones in the United States. Cell phone use is now engrained into youth culture, and is harming language development and communication. If texting was reduced among children and teens, standard grammar rules could replace negligent slang and shorthand.

Texting has become, in a way, a hybrid language, yet it hinders effective communication through writing outside handheld devices. A national study by the College Board reveals that "64 percent of teens admit 'Textlish' seeps into their writing at school" ("the revenge..." 1). The boundary between conventional language and cell phone jargon is becoming blurred thanks to technology- abbreviation is the very sum and substance of texting. "An ever increasing number of people are spending more hours per day using written- that is, keyboard- language rather than spoken language"(Roger Fischer qtd in Sutherland 2). Students are finding that cropping their words is becoming routine. They catch themselves (or, more frequently, accidentally let their teachers catch them), "writing 'u' instead of you"(Jokinen 1). Compressing words has become the norm for some students, who subconsciously view texting as a composite dialect. Simplified vocabulary, punctuation issues, and continual rambling assemble together to create such a language, one so much more elementary and effortless that students prefer it to the proper English language. Linguistic ability is moving towards shorthand only. Abbreviations such as "lol", "C U l8r", and the like are included in the long list of textisms teachers are seeing in academic assignments. "Rethinking what they wrote and having to write second or third drafts is beyond all but a handful. In fact, texting...hardly translates into good writing"(Welsh 2). Only "54% of children ages 10-11 with cell phones in the United Kingdom"(Allison 2) reach the required writing level, a scarily low percentage. Writing has "filtered down, and while students are still communicating...it's a completely different venue"(Jokinen 1). Texting is hurting their potential to write stellar papers, and ultimately to communicate effectively. Conveyance is only possible through correctness, and due to the abbreviations associated with texting, students are no longer sticklers for grammar.

Not only has texting taken over students' writing abilities, but over their mindsets as well. Pupils who text during class justify it with the "anxiety of disconnection"(Welsh 2), that they need to send "more than 200 texts over the course of a day"(Welsh 2) or the will feel concealed from the rest of the student population. Students say they experience "darkness, seclusion, [and] isolation" when their phones are taken away by teachers. However, the teachers make the right move confiscating cell phones- teens are at fault for disrupting their own learning, for their wits are only focused on who will text them next, and how quickly. Adolescents are living in "an institutionalized culture of interruption and attention is being fragmented by a never-ending stream of phone calls, e-mails, text messages, and tweets"(Maggie Jackson qtd in Welsh 2). Student priorities are out of whack, if learning comes second to their cell phones. They will "shy away from challenges"(Welsh 3) and will not concentrate on their education. An escalating number of students are relieved to find that texting will mask their near illiteracy, as a forgiving system. Poor spelling and capitalization do not matter in the texting world, and transferring such a mindset into the world of academics is their abysmal choice, and it hurts their learning.
Texting is even becoming a part of education itself, the part of society it should not even come close to touching. "Mobile phone use is now so much a part of youth culture that it has been incorporated into some education material, with summaries of classics such as Shakespeare plays sent to pupils' mobiles in text format"(Frean, 1). The truth is, classics are no longer classics if they are read on a cell phone- how can a student obtain some meaning from Romeo and Juliet if they are anxiously opening a text message while reading it? What's more is that pupils are actually writing less and less. They "can't imagine writing letters anymore"(Jokinen 2), and are taught how to type on schools, which has ultimately prepared current teens for the sudden explosion in texting's popularity. However, for young individuals who are still in the process of learning basic grammar, this could be taxing. Texting and keyboarding undermine their ability to learn. "One of the great ironies of the high-tech revolution is that devices meant to facilitate education are actually helping to destroy it"(Welsh 2). If young students are taught to type rather than write from the get -go, they won't know any other learning method besides the computer. If forms of texting continues to seep deeper into the education system, our society will become completely technologically dependent, when really, such innovations should be assisting us.
Furthermore, such technology veils not only writing and communication, but penmanship in general. "With the increasing popularity in electronic communication, some note a decline in the quality of penmanship similar to that brought on by the advent of printing. And when handwriting does exist, it tends to be a mixture of cursive and printing because the distinction between the two has been eroded as standards in handwriting instruction has declined"(Joiknen 1). Due to the reduction in instruction for proper handwriting, and the intensification of computer-related studies, penmanship, especially in young students, is suffering greatly. Students just use one simple font as they text, without worrying how torefine their script. Teachers no longer see "excitement in pupils learning cursive"(Joiknen 1) now that they do less and less practice with it. Previous generations were taught to perfect their handwriting for job applications and careers in general. Now, with the convenience of the internet, a student could apply at a company online, perhaps from their phone, much faster. Employers and teachers are not so much interested in the details within quality anymore, so students take advantage of texting, and handwriting must suffer.

Texting leads to another epidemic in the academic world as well: the fact that it cloaks student carelessness. While typing away, pupils access a spell-checker, and pay no mind to improper grammar. "[Texting] masks dyslexia, poor spelling, and mental laziness"(Sutherland 2). Cell phones allow students to communicate easily and efficiently, but without gaining any knowledge from it. If proper language has developed so much, the progress should not be thrown into reverse- teens should continue expanding their mastery over vocabulary and spelling, without the assistance of something that can do it all for them. “Texting is penmanship for illiterates” (Sutherland 2). Capitalization is not vital to text someone five feet away, so it generally isn't used. Students have the "expectation that [someone] will immediately respond to"(Welsh 2) their message, so they don't bother to include linguistic factors. Perhaps all too frequent texters will learn too spell certain words correctly, but texts will never be engrained on the mind- only writing and orating can successfully do that.

Sadly, texting someone five feet away has indeed become the norm. Teens become distant from their friends when they send ever impersonal messages to each other, when they are often in the same room. Face-to-face communication and relationships in general are being destroyed not necessarily because of the texts themselves, but as a result of people being ignored “by friends texting instead of talking”(Jokinen 2). Romantic relationships are sometimes ended by text, which just adds to the lack of couth in teens and adults who have forgotten how to communicate candidly and effectively.

Some regard texting as a positive tool concerning kinships and the grammar of frequent texters. Claims include “texting can increase children’s phonetic awareness and linguistic creativity” (Frean 1). Researchers go as far to say that “there is no evidence to link text messaging among children to a poorer ability in Standard English” (Frean 1). But isn’t there? Most studies warn that “writing text messages could hurt a writer’s command of [language]” (“the revenge” 1). Shorthand promotes carelessness and mistakes. Thus, the argument that slang could improve quality of writing is invalid.

Improvement in student academics is only possible if phones are put away, and pencils are taken out. Texting is, simply, a threat to society’s progress and intelligent. Linguistics of the English language is being replaced by slapdash slang, and this is carrying over into writing and conversation. Youth lifestyle is defined by texting, a definition that should be removed immediately.

Fall Fashion 2010

It's that time of year again- the fashion world is already prepping for fall 2010 trends. In fact, many clothing lines have already debuted their runway shows for next season. I will attempt to predict the latest vogues I think we'll see come September, though I may not be on the same track as some major labels.

Anna Sui's line for fall is my favorite out of the lines I've browsed so far. Most of her models has sleek, crimped hair with chic bangs, and were clad in what remind me of those '60's era paper dresses, printed tights, and earthy accessories. Like last season, designers are and will begin experimenting more and more with mix matching earthy tones- Sui went for lilac florals with brown wintry boots. And everything was ultra loose, but still fitting. Betsey Johnson mixed neon pink with yellow lace and black pumps, and always incorporated something floral. I think the idea of wearing flowers takes people's minds off of winter, as if everything is bright and fresh all year round. The pumps Johnson's models wore were quite Lady Gaga-Esq- you know, the sky high, spherical, glassy heels that are often too daring to take on. Zac Posen took the heels to the next level by adding fur and velvet to the booties his models wore. He also paired the shoes with neon tights- an '80's trend that I think is coming back. Though I don't think neon in general is going to be seen a lot- I think that's good for summer, but ends come fall. Everything is more low key now- lace and cumbersome layers paired with florals have overtaken blocked colors concerning outfits. Simplicity has always been a favorite trend of mine, and I like that designers, like Emma Watson, who now has a line for People Tree is pairing simple pieces with a hint of different. Plus, all of her fabrics are organic, which means I must buy some, as I'm an organic fanatic. Prada is coming out with a new surfer inspired line, which personally I'm not crazy about. Although the look is as low key as it gets, I prefer things that are a little more sophisticated. However, pairing a fitted surfer dress with cute heels, like model Chanel Iman does, I can tolerate. Speaking of models, Hyoni Kang, a frequent catwalker, has come out with her own line of worldly vintage, with a boutique called Reborn Press. One of a kind pieces, like oversized sweatshirts and silk skirts, are the norm. Though I really like Kang's designs, I think they are way to expensive. But, then again, so are most designer fashions. That's why I prefer little true vintage and antique shops or flea markets. I bought my prom dress from a little place called Lu's Back Door- the dresses were all faded and worn and lacey and just lovely. I think faded and distressed pieces are in- they soften any look. H&M has soft, paper-thin faded jumpers that go well with pleated floral blouses. Distressed, two-toned jeans go well with basically anything, especially layers of oversized scarves. Pieces that are street chic, yet school appropriate, are headlining major runway shows.

So, even though fall is pretty far away, gear up! Stock up on anything floral, simple, and distressed, and you'll be ahead of the game. :)

Spring Awakening

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to see the musical Spring Awakening, while it was in Rochester at the Auditorium Theatre. While it of course wasn't the original Broadway cast, I'm sure I would've preferred it that way. The likes of Jake Epstein, Christy Altomare, and Taylor Trensch blew me away as the leads. But perhaps I should elaborate on the actual story before rambling about their mind-blowing musical talent.

Spring Awakening is based off of a German play of the same title written in the late 1800's. It revolves around teen angst and sexual discovery, exploring such issues with alternative rock and a select few soft folk tunes. The actual play was banned from the stage for 100 years, for its insanely dark and controversial nature. Adolescents, forbidden from learning anything but Latin and arithmetic, have to deal with their mamas giving them "no way to handle things", and the have to figure out everything for themselves. However, wondering aloud is a sure path to damnation, so everything is kept under the carpets.
Wendla, played by Christy Altomare, is an all too innocent teenager, who pleads to her mother to tell her where babies come from("Mama Who Bore Me"). Her mother in turn doesn't acknowledge sex at all, just to protect the chasteness of her daughter. However, the end result will harm her. Meanwhile, Melchior, played by(I apologize in advance) the DELICIOUS Jake Epstein, of Degrassi fame, is another student who reflects on the shallow narrow-mindedness of school and society("All That's Known"), with an intent to change things. He knows all about the mysteries of the human body, thanks to his supportive mother, who encourages sexual discovery. Melchior implores his distressed friend Moritz, played by Taylor Treschen, to take in his erotic dreams with optimism("The Bitch of Living"), and spends an afternoon teaching him about girls and interactions with them. Other students, like Hanschen and Georg, and girls Anna, Thea, and Martha express their desire to learn about sex, and their wish to explore their bodies("My Junk" and "Touch Me"). Wendla and Melchior find each other in the woods, and reminisce about old times, when boys and girls were allowed to enjoy each other's company. They realize the physical attraction the have for each other("The Word of Your Body"), but do not act upon it- yet. Meanwhile, Moritz discovers that he has passed his midterm examinations, but is denied to move on to the next grade, since the adult teachers have debated and decide that they cannot pass everyone. Wendla's friend Martha, played by recent high school graduate Sarah Hunt, reveals to her friends that her father has been sexually abusing her("The Dark I Know Well"), and relates to Ilse, played by Steffi D, who has recently fled a home full of sexual abuse. Meanwhile, Moritz, desperate to escape the wrath of his parents, writes to Melchior's mother, asking for money to help him flee to America. When she firmly but nicely denies, Moritz is enraged at her- and himself("And Then There Were None"). Then, Wendla and Melchior meet spontaneously in a hayloft("The mirror-Blue Night"). In the original play version, Melchior rapes her, but in the musical, Wendla resists a bit, and then gives in, not knowing what exactly they're doing("I Believe"). After all, her mother never told her anything, especially not the consequences of her actions. This is in part why the musical is so controversial- sex on stage is considered vulgar by some, but in reality, it is necessary to show the dark, naive tone of the show.


Act II begins with Wendla and Melchior pondering their actions, not truly understanding what may have happened("The Guilty Ones"). Moritz ponders something darker- he's planning suicide, but then Ilse comes along, and they reminice about old times, when they played pirates together("Don't Do Sadness/Blue Wind"). Ilse begs him to come play with her one last time, but Moritz, angry at himself, denies, and when she leaves, he kills himself. At his funeral, Melchior chastises Moritz’s father for being so cruel to his friend("Left Behind"), as the other students look at Moritz’s father with disgust for pushing Moritz too hard when he was alive. However, his death is blamed on Melchior, when adults find the info about sex he gave Moritz- they claim something like that stressed him out too much and killed him. Rather than deny writing the information, Melchior does nothing to fight it("Totally Fucked"), and gladly proclaims he is the author of the essay. Elsewhere that night, Ernst is seduced by Hanschen, as they confess their love for each other("The Word of Your Body- Reprise"). On a darker note, however, Wendla becomes sick("Whispering"), and her mother is told she is pregnant, yet disguises it as anemia. Rather than care for her daughter in her time of need, and at last inform her of what sex can result in, her mother takes her to an underground practitioner to have an abortion. When Melchior hears of Wendla's pregnancy, he escapes the reform school he'd been sent to, wanting to be with her. When he returns, he sees Moritz's grave, next to Wendla's, realizing that she perished from the abortion attempt. Overwhelmed by grief, Melchior attempts to kill himself, but is confronted by his friends' ghosts("Those You've Known"), who persuade him to live on, carry their spirits. Led by Ilse, all the students get together and sing a final song of relief("The SOng of Purple Summer"). A perfect ending, to a perfect, though dark tale.


The storyline is ominous, but nonetheless phenomenal. As is the music, but in a more upbeat way. "Mama Who Bore Me”, "The Word of Your Body", and "Left Behind" leave the audience to come up with their own conclusion for their true meanings- they're just so provacative, because as characters ponder, so do you. "The Dark I Know Well", the duet about sexual abuse, is sad, yet empowering, as is "Don't Do Sadness". "The Mirror Blue Night" and "Whispering" are eerie and engrossing. And of course, the musicals true anthems, "The Bitch of Living","My Junk", and "Totally Fucked", are just as captivating. The broad range of songs is just absorbing- you barely have time to ponder one situation before another character is thrown into a harsher one. But I think that's what makes it so intriguing- the eclectic mix of far from cheesy alternative rock and an all-encompassing, morbid story, make Spring Awakening the best musical I've ever seen.