# Ranting Against Writing Elitism: A Personal Reflection
Written on
Chapter 1: The Unintended Rant
This piece began as a personal outpouring, initially not intended for public view. I have many drafts that will likely remain unpublished, but this one has transformed into something I hope may offer some insight—though I’ll leave that for you to judge.
While I may not fit the traditional definition of a 'writer,' rest assured, I will continue to express myself, with or without your validation!
I recently encountered an article on Medium that struck me as overly self-important and condescending. Its central claim suggested that writing alone does not lead to improvement. While there might be some truth to this, the pretentious tone made me dismiss much of its content.
A significant focus of this article was on the label of 'writer.' The argument proposed that one cannot simply call themselves a writer just because they write; it was compared to claiming to be an athlete solely for running. This reasoning is fundamentally flawed. By the literal definition, I am indeed a writer because I engage in writing, just as a 'runner' is defined by their running. I’m not suggesting I’m a professional writer or an athlete, but I embrace my identity as a writer.
The article further argued that using tools like Grammarly or spell check disqualified one from being a writer. Yes, I utilize these tools, and honestly, I would prefer to be a so-called "inclusive milksop" who occasionally struggles with spelling than to adopt the disdainful attitude of the article's author.
My goal is to uplift others, not to belittle them. While I don’t indulge in flattery, I believe in delivering uncomfortable truths with kindness. This is my commitment here: to write and to be compassionate, with my spell checker and Grammarly at the ready.
Reflections on Emotion
Reading my thoughts again, it’s clear that my emotions may have gotten the better of me. As a therapist, I recognize that when someone expresses anger, it often reveals deeper feelings underneath. I am applying that same introspection to myself.
When someone is venting, it usually stems from their ego perceiving a disagreement as a threat—be it to their beliefs, peace of mind, or identity. I suspect that’s what happened here as well.
My strong reaction likely arises from the way the article was presented. While many points offered an intriguing alternative perspective, the tone struck a negative chord with me.
I have spent considerable time in my youth surrounded by individuals who viewed themselves as superior and acted accordingly. I understand the harm that can result from opinions casually dismissed as facts. This, dear readers, is where my heightened emotions originate—not from a stranger's article on Medium.
I share this reflection not to critique the author; they may be a charming, non-elitist person. Instead, I aim to provide context for my self-examination and hope that outlining my process will assist you in managing your own anger and uncovering its roots.