As I write this, I feel vague gratitude for the concept of written language - something, I must admit, I don't feel everyday. Not a day goes by without writing something, whether it be mere scribbles or a full-fledged essay. Yet people don't always take writing seriously. Words are written down with little thought, sometimes with some dread; students often groan before composition classes and wring their hands over essay tasks. More than a few students might be happy if said writing tasks were banned forever.
But to go for thirty days without writing anything is something completely different. In this 30 Days program, the protagonist will have to endure a month without writing anything, ranging from simple grocery lists to five-paragraph essays. All kinds of writing tools will be banned, including electronic devices that can be written with, (in other words, no text-messaging or typing on computers) and any kind of content will not be allowed. All other normal activities are permitted, however.
Is this kind of program even possible? I wouldn't know, since writing is not simply what I do everyday, but what I love as well. Writing in my journal or doing writing-related club activities (such as Minjok Herald) are activities I love to participate in, and writing is deeply integrated in my future as well. Moreover, writing serves to deliver as a means of communication that serve for both the self and the community. Because of its relative permance, writing can be used for various tasks, from reminding oneself with a simple checklist to conveying opinions around the world. As obvious from writing's significance, it was only because written language was invented that human culture began to advance quickly. Without writing, "the concept of humanity," as Herman Hesse said, would be gone.
Through this program, I hope that the protagonist and the audience will realize the value of writing. Despite - or perhaps because of - its deep place in everyday life, writing is hardly valued anymore. Through this abstinence from writing for thirty days, gratitude, with luck, will be reawakened within the people's minds.
This makes me wonder about the first caveman who decided to draw a line in the sand, or wipe some blood on a wall. What did they write, why did they write it, and how quickly did it lead to shopping lists (or hunting and gathering lists).
답글삭제It would be a pretty rough 30 Days, but we would also learn a lot and think a lot as a result of unconscious compensation. Maybe if we couldn't pick up a pen we'd pick up a paint brush instead. If we couldn't text message, maybe we'd go outside, get some fresh air, and be forced to walk somewhere to communicate directly with someone face to face. Or even hear their voice over the phone.
Very interesting dilemma. Nice quote at the start and great writing as usual.
Need your Cr#5 on religion:)
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