The Decline of Creative Writing in Modern Education and the Rise of Corporate Email Communication

Core Concepts

The modern education system has stifled the joy and creativity of writing by prioritizing the rigid structure of the five-paragraph essay, leading to a decline in personal expression and a focus on corporate email communication as the primary form of writing for most adults.

Abstract

The author expresses a personal gripe about the modern education system, which they believe sucks the joy out of writing. They reminisce about their third-grade experience, where students were given a creative writing block for an hour a day, allowing them to explore their creativity and find their voice. The author enjoyed this period, as they could see the excitement in every student.
However, the following year, the author's class was "graduated" from creative writing and trained on the dreadful five-paragraph essay structure. This form of writing is described as an awful practice that strips away all creativity and voice, leading many people to fall out of love with the craft of writing.
The author argues that this style of writing was training students to become email writers, as 99% of adults don't write for themselves or use writing as a creative outlet. Instead, the only writing they do is through emails, which the author considers a new medium entirely, where one cannot push the boundaries or play around with style and wording.
The author suggests that if our earliest ancestors saw writing becoming this way, they might have pulled the plug on the practice altogether.

Stats

None.

Quotes

"It's an awful form of writing that strips away all creativity and voice. It's not wonder why after that point so many people fall out of love with the craft."
"The only writing they do is via emails. The adult corporate-working worlds back bone is built on emails."
"Writing an email for work is not writing at all. It's like a new medium entirely."

Key Insights Distilled From

The Email Writer

by Just Jake at medium.com 04-20-2024

https://medium.com/@Just_Jake/the-email-writer-ebb330c149bd

Deeper Inquiries

How can the education system be reformed to foster creativity and personal expression in writing, rather than focusing solely on standardized essay structures?

To foster creativity and personal expression in writing, the education system can implement various reforms. One approach is to incorporate more opportunities for freeform creative writing throughout the curriculum, allowing students to explore different genres and styles. Teachers can also encourage students to write about topics that interest them personally, rather than strictly adhering to predetermined prompts. Additionally, providing feedback that focuses on nurturing individual voice and creativity, rather than solely on grammar and structure, can help students feel more empowered in their writing. By valuing and celebrating diverse forms of expression, schools can create a more inclusive and engaging writing environment.

What are the potential consequences of the dominance of email communication in the corporate world, and how can organizations encourage more diverse and engaging forms of written communication?

The dominance of email communication in the corporate world can lead to several consequences, such as a loss of creativity, personal connection, and nuance in written interactions. Emails often prioritize brevity and clarity over depth and emotion, which can limit the richness of communication. To encourage more diverse and engaging forms of written communication, organizations can promote the use of alternative platforms, such as collaborative writing tools, internal blogs, or virtual brainstorming sessions. By providing training on effective communication strategies and encouraging employees to experiment with different writing styles, organizations can foster a more dynamic and expressive writing culture.

What role can technology and digital tools play in reviving the joy and creativity of writing, both in educational and professional settings?

Technology and digital tools can play a significant role in reviving the joy and creativity of writing in both educational and professional settings. In education, platforms like online writing communities, interactive storytelling apps, and digital publishing tools can inspire students to explore new forms of expression and share their work with a wider audience. In the professional world, collaborative writing platforms, multimedia storytelling tools, and virtual writing workshops can help employees break free from the constraints of traditional email communication and engage in more creative and expressive writing practices. By leveraging technology to facilitate collaboration, experimentation, and feedback, individuals can rediscover the joy of writing and cultivate their unique voices in a digital age.