Awhile back I overheard a group of people belittling someone because of their improper use of a word. I just stood there, not saying anything and that has continued to irritate me. I was not only upset because of what was said, but even more so because I didn't step in to try to protect this person or at least try to deflect some of the criticism. Last night while browsing through Facebook I saw a post from a friend who had apparently been hurt by some things that were said because of his inability to write and speak in a perfect manner. I will not stand silently by again.
You people that think you're the grammar police are nothing but grown up school yard bullies. Belittling someone who maybe can't spell correctly, or who may say the wrong thing, or put the wrong word in a sentence, WHO CARES! You're no better than the school jock who picks on the weaker kid, or the popular, pretty girls who pick on the plain girl in class. You're bullies. You've finally found something that you do well and want to come down on everyone who can't live up to your expectations. Apparently there are some shortcomings in your own life you're trying to detract from. I'm not just talking about the grammar people here, but those who always have to gossip or belittle someone else.
Back to the grammar police.
Do you really think that person wouldn't enjoy being able to spell better or speak more fluently? Some people didn't have the opportunity to have a proper education. It was only recently that schools started trying to identify students with learning disabilities and to help them improve. Before it was just "Send them on to the next grade and let someone else deal with them. Maybe it's a learning disability or maybe they dropped out of school to help the family in bad financial times. Maybe their parents didn't have an education and they grew up listening to the way they spoke. Maybe even a combination of all these things. Who knows and again who cares? If they ask for help I'll be the first to jump in. You can bet I won't be publicly berating them. Maybe you think because you're not pointing any particular person out on your ignorant Facebook posts that it's just funny. Well to the people with these problems it's not funny, it's hurtful. Shame on you and as I said, enough. And to make it clear, it's not one person doing this, it's many. There are several Facebook pages devoted to hurting others such as Grammarly. Oh by the way for all you perfect grammar folks, adding "ly" to a word doesn't make it a word. An attempt at humor? Not so much. Irony? I think not.
I have friends and family who have problems with the English language. It may be writing, it may be spelling, or it may be a combination of all of them. These people are some of the best people I know. They are the first to help out at church when called. They are the ones who take an elderly lady or gentleman to the grocery store or doctor's office. They help their neighbors who can't help themselves. They give when they don't have it to give. They are the types we speak of as "salt of the earth." You'll probably have to look that up to see what it means. Leave them alone. They are my friends and they are my family. You're stepping on the wrong toes.
I was fortunate during school and English came easy to me. In college I was exempted from English because I breezed through my English entrance exam. I was allowed to take Creative Writing for two semesters instead. I fell in love with not only the written word, but the spoken word. I was the weak kid in school. The one who didn't participate in sports. And yes, I was the one who got picked on. At least until I decided it was time to fight back. I found something else I was good at, fighting. I didn't get picked on anymore and I decided to stand up for the other weak kids. I had forgotten that aspect from an earlier time in my life I had so hard tried to leave behind. I'm 61 years old now and would probably have a hard time going toe to toe with someone, but don't try me. I believe it was Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton who said, "Beneath the rule of men entirely great, the pen is mightier than the sword." When I can no longer, while standing on my feet, defend those who need it, I will defend them from this desk.
If you got your feelings hurt from reading this, good. If you want to take me off your social media lists, that's okay too. At least I'll know I reached you and you're the ones who needed to be reached. Hopefully you're not so shallow you don't realize how hurtful you're being to people. If they want help, I'm sure they'll ask. Otherwise, take a little walk in their shoes. Look deeper into this person and you might just find a few things you could learn from them.
I love you all, but please, think about what you post on social media sites.
