Does Writing Matter?

Writing is a form of expression that every individual should be entitled to. In pre-modern times, when literacy was not widely accepted, there were other forms of expression but these forms might be kept in private and only discussed among similar groups with similar ideals. To have a written statement of an opinion meant that anyone could view it at any time. It could evoke passion or anger and hopefully a reaction that might help to change something that a number of people saw as injust. Through Enlightenment concepts of, "equality, justice, freedom and comfort," writing opens a window of self expression that cannot be taken away from or silenced by the individual (McKee 15). One example of the importance of writing is shown through the feminist perspective where women no longer had to be silent about the mental or physical abuse they endured in the home. In writing about private issues, women in similar situations could pull together and eventually agree that they were being treated unfairly and make movements to try and overcome something that evolved into a common problem. Writing has many purposes but without it, expression of the individual is limited.