Wednesday, October 31, 2012
The New Times of Romans
I have always felt a certain barricade whenever
I start writing AP English assignments. The
intent to forge great ideas exists. I desperately want to start writing and delve
into that world of creativity. However,
a repetitive and menacing entity inexorably prevents me from beginning. My arch-nemesis—Times New Roman font. Once, the two of us possessed an amicable,
friendly relationship. I liked Times New
Roman, and Times New Roman liked me. We
never engaged in arguments or petty fights.
We worked together to produce works of literary greatness. But, like two siblings that spend way too
much time together, Times New Roman and I inevitably grew apart. I wanted to dabble with other options. Waves
of happiness deserve the jubilant Verdana.
Bouts of sadness should cling on to the small text of Gabriola. An inclination to mix things up demands the
alluring and spicy Ravie. Intrepid AP
English 12 Scholars can discover a host of font friends within the font scroll
bar in Microsoft Word. Unfortunately, in
order to match MLA guidelines, writers must utilize Times New Roman again and
again. Now, for most normal individuals,
sticking with Times New Roman does not seem that disconcerting. Then why me?
Why does iteration and uniformity block my writing desires? The answer lies in my inherent behavioral
tendencies. For instance, since my early
childhood, I have constantly wanted to defy boundaries. Whenever the Gurney Elementary School art teacher,
Mrs. Mychenburg, doled out crayons and other coloring instruments to her
classes, I never possessed the capability to color inside the lines of pictures. Either I wanted to express myself uniquely,
going against the gradient of the majority or…. I had hand tremors. No matter.
I still believe in the former explanation. I have a characteristic restlessness to go
against formal guidelines. Times New
Roman epitomizes the very rules and restraints I want to escape from. I need constant sources of stimulation to
keep my attention span relatively stable.
Ultimately, the world of written English should allow for a myriad of
fonts to satisfy its diverse constituents.
Yes, I shall continue to try to get along with the required font during
my time in AP English, albeit reluctantly.
But to affirm my rebellious conviction, I close with the wise words of
author Matthew Butterick: “Times New Roman is not a font choice so much as the
absence of a font choice, like the blackness of deep space is not a color”.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree that the Times New Roman can often create writer’s block, probably because the font itself has no creativity to it, but I think I understand the reasoning behind its use. The whole point of writing, as what some might call an art form, lies in its ability to promote thought and make the point in one’s mind, not in one’s eyes. I think it definitely makes it hard, attempting to turn boring looking words into something meaningful, but I also think it makes it all the more interesting and rewarding when accomplished.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree with you more! Ever since our sophomore year of English, I complained endlessly to my friends about the fact that we HAD to use Times New Roman. The font itself does not necessarily bother me--my issue lies more in the idea that our teachers forbade us from choosing a font that we felt best fit the personality and tone of whatever we wrote. Teachers complain about us not using our creativity in our writing, but we have just as much of a right to complain about them not letting us unleash the full potential of our imaginations.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, as a result of our conditioning in English class, I now feel the necessity to write every paper, even college essays in the dreaded Times New Roman. I wonder if Mr. Winton, observing class today, noticed the other uniformities present in our class. For instance, the moment someone mentions a page number during discussion, the entire class simultaneously turns in their works to the correct area. While this may be music to Ms. Serensky's ears, I fear that these behaviors, combined with the continual use of Times New Roman, create the appearance of brain-washing in the AP English Department.
ReplyDelete