Respect for language

Technology can be wonderful, but often it simply serves to exacerbate the idiocy of our times. While I may have the tendencies of a Luddite I am by no means averse to new revolutionary ideas… when they actually serve a purpose.  This afternoon it is not three-dimensional television that I abhor but abbreviation. I could assail the young and the socially addicted but I also take note of those who simply create acronyms and abbreviations to seem “hip.” This has been primarily put forth by the advent of the internet and our zealous attempt at shortening all aspects of educated society.

First among my annoyances are acronyms such as “POTUS” and “SCOTUS.” In this day and age is it really that difficult to type out “President of the United States (of America)” of “The Supreme Court of the United States (of America)” ?  When I look to read up on the daily occurences in this great nation I seek insight and thoughtfully arranged arguments. I am not looking for headlines and catchphrases.

I suppose the thing that bothers me most about these instances is that the people behind their use are actually somewhat smart. They obviously have a grasp of politics and the functions of our government. This makes their use of such all the more painful to read. I concede that things could be worse, I have not yet been forced to read any articles with “LOL” and other such affronts to the language (though they do exist and tend to be written by Helen A.S. Popkin). 

Yes language is an ever evolving beast, but to me this notion of shortening words and creating needless new ones is devolution.  This could be seen as a larger commentary on society as a whole and the subjects (“famous people”) that we choose to idolize. I suppose that I should stress that my hold on the language is not the same as Garrison Keillor’s and I often make mistakes, but I do not willing participate in the destruction of it.

I guess I can get back to reading the newspaper now.