I have a confession that I’m not particularly proud of. I used to be a grammar enforcer. Yes, I was that person who would dismiss someone’s opinion if they made a typo while expressing it. My corrections were often laced with snark, sending the message: If you can’t even get your grammar right, why should I take your opinion seriously?
To be fair, I only targeted those whose views I found utterly intolerable. For instance, when someone would rant about how “libtards” were trying to confiscate their guns, I figured a little grammar correction was the least I could do to express my disdain. Clearly, if they lacked the sense to support common-sense gun legislation, then perhaps they’d appreciate a little insult to their intelligence. But let’s be honest—harping on grammar likely didn’t change their stance on gun control. Insulting someone’s intellect rarely wins debates; it’s just a low blow that says, “I’m smarter than you and therefore I’m right.”
Even when your intentions are pure and you aim to educate, correcting someone’s grammar can be damaging. If someone hasn’t asked for your input, it’s usually a sign they don’t want it. This is especially true if the discussion isn’t centered around grammar or writing. Bringing grammar into unrelated conversations only sidetracks the topic and positions your knowledge as superior rather than fostering a genuine exchange of ideas.
So what’s the big deal about grammar, anyway? Why should someone’s insights be deemed less valid simply because they didn’t have the opportunity to master grammar? And let’s be real: acquiring grammar skills outside of a formal education can be daunting. If you grow up without learning the intricacies of grammar, picking them up as an adult is no easy feat.
Even the most seasoned writers make mistakes, and renowned publications are not immune to typos. I find errors in major outlets like The Washington Post and The New York Times regularly. These places employ multiple editors, yet perfection remains elusive. So why would we expect everyday social media users to have flawless grammar?
The worst offenders are those who demand perfect grammar from marginalized voices. Recently, Alex Jordan, a transgender activist, shared on his Instagram that he wishes people would stop correcting his grammar. Alex, who left school at 15, learned everything he knows through self-study after facing bullying in the classroom. His message about transgender issues is crucial, often saving lives, yet some feel the need to nitpick his grammar. He emphasized that while many may think they’re helping, their corrections can be harmful.
Reflecting on my own past, I realize I had a lot to learn when I thought I knew it all. As I’ve grown in my writing journey, I’ve learned that the message is far more important than the delivery. Those who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, and those without perfect grammar should refrain from correcting others. Unless you’re a professional editor, it’s best to focus on the content of what’s being shared rather than the form it takes.
So, the next time you come across a typo or grammatical error, consider what the person is trying to say instead of how they’re saying it.
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Summary
In essence, grammar policing on social media is often counterproductive and can detract from meaningful conversation. While it may seem harmless to correct a mistake, it can undermine the very message someone is trying to convey. Instead of focusing on grammar, we should listen to the content of the message and recognize that everyone has different backgrounds and experiences that shape their communication skills.
Keyphrase: stop grammar policing on social media
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