Everyone Is Capable of Making Grammatical Mistakes, Essay Example

Just about everyone is capable of making grammatical mistakes from time to time because English is difficult to learn. Grammar policing is the act of correcting other people’s grammatical errors, often in public, and is most rampant on social media. In the article “Labeling Grammar Policing as Discriminatory is a Stretch” by Madeline Kim, published in March 2018, the author claims that grammar policing as a discriminatory act is irrational and irrelevant; however, I say that it is indeed rational and relevant. In addition, most of the grammar police do this to embarrass, humiliate and show their superior knowledge over the person who made the grammatical error which makes it worse, but the author sees this differently because she describes grammar policing as ” inane, childish and silly.” Lastly, the author argues that there are major discriminatory issues like elitism and racism, which have much more weight, and putting grammar policing in that category makes the other issues look silly, which is not correct because grammar policing further fuels the other discriminatory issues such as racism. It is not silly as she defines it.

Grammar policing is relevant and rational because it primarily affects people of specific demographic factors such as ethnic background, gender, and race, making them feel discriminated against. The article states, “Policing targets people of color, the poor and the disabled who are all among the less privileged people in the society.” People from different ethnic backgrounds are prone to make grammatical errors because English is not their first language, and it is difficult to learn. If they belong in the minority group, especially the black population who face poverty and cannot afford proper education, it becomes difficult to articulate themselves correctly. An individual’s accent is something they have no control over, and without proper education, their spelling and pronunciation will also be affected.

Grammar police correct others with the intent to embarrass, humiliate and show their superior knowledge over the person who made the error. Although the author of the article defines the act as “inane, childish and silly,” it is not that at all. This is because, in the process, an individual is being looked down upon, considered stupid, and a slow learner despite the fact that anyone can make the same mistake. Grammar policing causes stigma among the victims making them feel unwanted and less worthy than their fellow counterparts. It may also lower their self-esteem, morale, and self-confidence in the present and future, making them unable to participate in anything that requires public speaking. This shows that it is not silly and stupid because it leaves a permanent mark in the affected person’s life and affects the individual’s well-being in the long run.

Grammar policing fuels other discriminatory issues such as elitism and racism, which all lead to the victims’ stigma. The author states that “-isms,” such as elitism, ableism, and racism, are all legitimate problems that deserve attention. However, claiming grammar policing to be a part of any of those problems is a stretch.” Those who speak proper English are viewed as the elite in the society, and those who make a grammatical mistake, be it in their accent or spelling, are seen as inferior, thus fueling elitism. Also, most of the grammatical errors are made by minority groups like blacks and Spanish people who further face racism, especially when searching for jobs, because their worth is measured by how well they can speak in English. Thus to eliminate the major issues, the smaller factors that fuel the major issues need to be eliminated first. In addition, everyone has the right to stand up for themselves whenever they feel discriminated against regardless of the form of discrimination, whether it is grammar policing or racism because they are all forms of discrimination because that is the first step to fighting against inequality that most people face in the society.

In conclusion, grammar policing is relevant and rational, unlike the author’s view on it being a non-issue in society. It affects people of specific demographic factors facing other forms of discrimination and eliminating this one would ease their burden. Also, grammar policing does not make the other discriminatory issues lose essence; instead, it shows how various factors can fuel it and how we can be one step closer to winning the battle against racism by controlling it. Lastly, correcting people to embarrass and humiliate them leads to detrimental effects on the individual, such as low self-esteem, low confidence, and low morale.