Really interesting article Courtenay! I think you're right about the reasons behind this interest in simpler writing (I seem to have had a rather different schooling experience to most people, thankfully) - I wonder if the same reasoning can be applied to other aspects of literacy? E.g. lack of interest in / understanding of politics, film, etc?
It’s the eat-your-greens principle really! On your own, you may naturally discover you like green beans, but forcibly coerced into eating them “for your own good” will ensure you avoid them.
We always talk about how you can’t force people to like you or be interested in what you are, but we expect it of young people who are already under strict ruling (e.g freedom of movement / agency)!
Really interesting article Courtenay! I think you're right about the reasons behind this interest in simpler writing (I seem to have had a rather different schooling experience to most people, thankfully) - I wonder if the same reasoning can be applied to other aspects of literacy? E.g. lack of interest in / understanding of politics, film, etc?
It’s the eat-your-greens principle really! On your own, you may naturally discover you like green beans, but forcibly coerced into eating them “for your own good” will ensure you avoid them.
Haha yes! Especially when that's the reasoning.. I used to hate the "because you have to" or "because it's good for you" explanation
We always talk about how you can’t force people to like you or be interested in what you are, but we expect it of young people who are already under strict ruling (e.g freedom of movement / agency)!