A Farewell to Cursive

"Nothing lasts forever" is an old expression that, ironically, may end up being one of the few things that actually does never reach an end-date. Its meaning, of course, is straight- forward enough. Also, I suspect it is true though there remains a number of aspects of life that very much seem to be forever ongoing. (I am looking at you "chicken noodle soup," "jump rope," and the board game "Candyland." Also, let us not forget singing in the shower.) Otherwise, what exists here on our planet appears to do so with an expiration date even if that piece of information may not be known or visible to the naked eye.

There seem to be signs that cursive, the style of longhand writing that, according to historians, has existed for over 700 years, may be on its way toward the exit door of life. I make this observation in reaction to conversations I had recently with several college educators. These scholars relayed their own experiences with students who said they did not know how to read or interpret handwritten notes to them. I suggested that perhaps this was because the notes were written in sloppy penmanship. This, they assured me, was not the case. Simply, the students were unable to read words put forth via handwriting.

As disturbing as this might be, upon reflection the emergence of such a reality is not surprising. More and more young generations are not exposed to this form of communication. What they read or words  they see are usually written in print such as on computer screens, in books or magazines, or signs such as posters or billboards. In addition, less and less, it seems, all of us are called upon to actually handwrite notes to others. Thanks to advances in technology, nowadays we simply text or email each other. I will let others decide whether this trend is good or bad. As for me, I view the departure of cursive with unmistakeable sadness.