One should learn writing, because it is one of our primary forms of communication outside of the spoken word. We write business letters, personal letters, text messages, journalistic pieces, scripts, essays, prose, poetry, religious books, and manifestos, all as a way to communicate ideas, concepts, and thoughts to one another. Learning these different styles and forms of writing gives us insight in to the ways we can use them to better express ourselves to one another. But also looking at the way things are written, analyzing the words used, and the way they are structured, or expressed, also teaches us to look beyond what’s at face value.
Anyone who has ever worked in a field where there is a lot of written communication knows that not all “professional” correspondence is inherently objective and without double speak. Being able to read between the lines in such professions is the difference between keeping your job or loosing it. The amount of passive aggressive emails I have received from customers, or co workers while working in administrative positions is simply staggering. All the many ways a person can say “fuck you” without actually saying it is quite frankly awe inspiring. Part of being able to read between those lines is experience, but more importantly an understanding of the way we use words.
Studying writing provides us the framework necessary to develop literacy in those styles. For instance once you know the rules for different forms of journalistic writings- their purpose and the limitations set upon them in order for them to achieve those purposes- you will be able to see where and when an article is being subjective or objective when they are or aren’t suppose to be. You can better analyze and critique what is you are reading and sus out the bullshit. On the flip side if you practice these you can learn which styles cater to you or the message you want to send.
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