The undergraduate student in my seminar enthusiastically recommended a book that had impressed him. He praised its excellent illustrations, especially the photographs of relevant Civil War manuscripts. However, he confessed that these illustrations were not helpful to him because he couldn’t read cursive. This revelation surprised me, so I asked the rest of the class who else couldn’t read cursive. To my surprise, about two-thirds of the students admitted they couldn’t, and even more couldn’t write it either. They had developed their own creative signatures by combining fragments of cursive instruction with unique squiggles and flourishes. I found myself fascinated by their reflections on the role, or rather the absence, of handwriting in their lives. Instead of discussing the Civil War, we embarked on a journey exploring the historical changes surrounding handwriting.
Unbeknownst to me, the omission of cursive from the national Common Core standards in 2010 had caused quite a stir. Many articles in prominent publications like The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and The New York Times lamented the impending decline of civilization. Supporters of cursive argued that it was a basic right, a vital connection between the hand and the brain, an expression of self-discipline, and a fundamental form of identity. Its disappearance was seen as a submission to the overwhelming importance of “relevance.”
Despite the controversy, cursive’s advocates managed to pass laws requiring cursive instruction in more than 20 states. However, the decline of cursive seems inevitable. Like any other technology, writing evolves and is eventually surpassed. Tamara Plakins Thornton’s book “Handwriting in America” aptly demonstrates how handwriting has always been influenced by social and cultural changes. In the 18th century, writing was a privilege reserved for the elite. Slaves were often forbidden from learning how to read and write. By the mid-19th century, more women gained the ability to write, and handwriting became increasingly connected to identity and self-expression.
The typewriter was seen as a potential threat to handwriting in the early 20th century, but cursive remained an integral part of education for several more decades. However, with the current generation of students lacking the ability to read or write cursive, its future as an effective form of communication is uncertain. Manuscripts are becoming inaccessible to these students, who now choose research topics that rely solely on published sources. The practice of writing comments on papers and exams has also become futile, as many students find their professors’ handwriting illegible. With the rise of remote instruction during the pandemic, online grading has become more prevalent. Surprisingly, many professors may be unaware that their handwritten observations will never be read.
When it comes to personal lives, most students still engage in some form of handwriting, but it no longer means cursive. Whether it’s making grocery lists, keeping journals, or writing letters of thanks or condolences, young people primarily resort to printing in block letters or using digital devices. However, there is still a charm associated with receiving a handwritten note. It holds a certain nostalgic appeal, evoking connections between human minds and preserving authenticity. Handwriting remains a representation of presence, as illustrated by the continued fascination with autographs from notable figures.
There are undoubtedly aspects of the past that we are better off without. The devices that have replaced cursive have brought undeniable benefits. However, there are also dangers in losing handwriting. Students will miss the excitement and inspiration that comes from interacting with physical traces of the thoughts and ideas of individuals long deceased. Handwriting has the power to make the past come alive in the present.
In my exploration of Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.’s papers, I stumbled upon a meaningful fragment—a small piece of paper with his scribbled name and his father’s address. Holmes had attached this fragment to a larger page, preserving it as a relic for posterity. It was a reminder of the significance handwriting held for him and the connection it created to the past. Handwriting can breathe life into history, allowing us to engage with voices silenced by time.
In conclusion, the decline of cursive may be inevitable, but its loss comes with risks. As the world moves further away from this form of writing, we must not forget the value it carries in preserving history and our connection to the past.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
