Since when is constructive criticism violation worthy?

Question

Boy, some people on here are touchy! Someone asked what I considered an academic question about selection standards for Yale & Harvard, but his/her question contained a 2nd-3rd grade level grammar error with egregious subject verb disagreement. The question pertained to whether these schools would accept students from public schools or only private academies. How was pointing out that grammar that poor would put someone at a disadvantage for getting accepted to an Ivy League school? I would think I would be doing them a favor by either getting them motivated to get what they needed on their own or at least keeping them from getting their hopes up! I don't expect my kids to get accepted there either (and couldn't afford it if they did) but they do know how to speak proper English with their public school educations, and I expect they will go on to live successful lives without the Ivy League diploma. But since when it is an insult to try and help someone learn to do better?

Answer 1

I don't know.



I went to public school, too--didn't even apply to Harvard or Yale--and I can speak proper English. English teachers of the old variety, however, i.e. the ones who are actually familiar with the fundamentals of grammar and syntax, seem to be retiring/dying out. Their replacements went to school when it was not fashionable to be taught the basics, and consequently, their English is awful. When I was in HS (all of one year ago, haha), I knew a young English teacher with a bachelor's degree from Villanova and a master's, as well, and he committed so many pronoun mistakes that it made me cringe.



Basically, I think that many of today's kids, even bright ones, have been raised to believe that grammar is pointless. It's a real problem facing not only public but many private schools today. I'm at Georgetown now, which isn't exactly a slacker school, and it's shocking to me how many people lack basic working knowledge of their native language.

Answer 2

Although I agree with you, you were most likely doing this person a big favor by pointing out the error in his/her grammar, it may have been the way you stated your answer that received the "thumbs down" and violation of the rules of conduct. I cannot answer your question without fully knowing what it was that you wrote. Some people are very emotional though and will report you for the most minor of things.

Answer 3

People are certainly of 2 minds here on this topic. Half think that its MYOB & how dare anyone correct spelling or grammar & half think as you do. I am in your camp--I always want to better myself if I am in error & some one is more advanced. I answer in categories where I think both (grammar, spelling, thought construction) are of vital importance and maybe that's why they (sic) aren't getting jobs. My personal feeling is that you should practice your communicative & written skills all the time, and incorrect spelling is a huge problem in this country. But that's my personal belief. The only time I say something is when the person is asking for a critique on their essay, letter, etc. or asking why they haven't gotten a job, feedback etc. I don't particularly want any YA beef.

Answer 4

You make an excellent point -- though perhaps these kids will follow in the footsteps of George W. "Is our children learning?" Bush, Yale class of '68.

Answer 5

Reality bites and those bitten tend to bite back my friend. Sorry to say it is difficult to conduct serious thought in public forums, but it has always been so. I suppose a violation is better than physical impalement.

Answer 6

yes.