What do you think of schools removing cursive writing from their teachings?

I suppose you can argue that of the 3R’s, (w)riting can be deemed “communication”, and maybe they’ll replace hieroglyphics in grade four curriculum with a course on emojis.

I’m reminded of a card I gave to young, family member heading off to university last fall.  I dropped over to say “good luck” with a financial gift inside my sentiments.  She opened the card and marveled at my choice of greeting then stumbled as she attempted to read my message (confessing they no longer use cursive in school.)  I asked, “Would you like me to read it to you?” 

Now I’ll admit that my handwriting has deteriorated over the years so oftentimes if someone can’t decipher my creativity, I simply say, “Make something up that puts a smile on your face”. 😊

Being pushed to become tech-dependent doesn’t sit well with me, though.  Plus, Graphology – handwriting analysis - can reveal much about your personality and traits.  It’s like studying body language; adds validation to what your instincts tell you about another.

Cursive is like a lie-detector; in fact, I’d be a fan of people having to write job applications with a pen and paper, and in person.  You can determine if they have attention to detail, finish what they start, the intensity of their emotions, independence and tendencies to be shy or outgoing.  Can you see how much can be hidden on a computer-generated application likely assisted by A.I.?

At what point do we push back on this railroading towards “online” and a cookie-cutter approach to celebrate and express our divine human uniqueness? 

Aha! ~ Continue to click “NO” in answer to the question, “Are You a Robot?”

(Strange that a bot is what asks if we are human).

Technology is a wonderful servant but can strip us of sensory expression.

I called a shop today because an order of edibles was delivered poorly; the contents of the box strewn across the porch (likely fell from the ledge it was left on).  I was on hold for a few minutes with the auto attendant repeatedly suggesting that if I wanted to check a delivery, create an order or any other number of things, I could do so on the website.  Eventually the message stopped looping and the computer simply flipped me into voicemail.  No, I did not receive a return call. 

Cursive’s loops, dots, crosses and flair reveal much about an individual; more importantly, writing with an instrument causes thinking. The tactile pen (pencil, crayon, brush, chalk) requires the engagement of different muscles.  It’s sensory. The expression is distinctive, too – like a fingerprint – and creates a level of independence like sewing, carpentry, cooking and other life skills that, in the bigger scheme of things, behooves us to own.  Technology has its conveniences but we need to put the brakes on when it does our thinking for us.

I’m of the mind to send that edible shop a handwritten note.  

As we are in the thick of Mercury Retrograde, technology and communication can go awry.  We need to have lots of patience and be super clear to move through it. It goes without saying that there has never been a better time to take A Human Approach.  Check out more on this conversation on YouTube and join the family in Human U to participate in the discussion