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The Sad Fate of the Comma by Robert J. Samuel

“The Sad Fate of The Comma” (2007) an excellent article by Robert J. Samuelson was published by. The purpose and aim of the article is very well articulated and defined. The purpose of the article is enlighten and sensitize the elite about the dwindling usage of the comma. He asserts that though the usage of the comma has not yet become distinct, it may be so in a few years due to the decline in its usage (Samuelson 1). He claims that the decline in its usage is deeper and metaphorical, that it has some connotations about the society at large. Given the ideals, examples and ideas in the article not only is Robert J. Samuelson targeting the well-educated and elite who have a soft spot for well-articulated communication, but also the reserved people in the society. Samuelson’s claim is that of a caring educated person eager to uphold the standards of proper communication and also enlighten the masses.

Samuelson asserts that the standards of the language have certainly lowered and are continuing to do so especially in this era which has seen lesser usage of the comma. This is contained vividly and evidently in newspaper articles and printed materials (Samuelson 1). More so in emails and text messages where often appear accidentally after someone clicks the wrong key. It is so sad and concerning that the usage of has been reduced to optional and more shocking is that is some contexts it has been deemed not necessary. The author has keenly shown the reasons for his concern.

Robert J. Samuelson has highlighted reasons for his claim (Samuelson 1). Talking to an audience that is not only elite but is living in a new era where everything is frantic and a hustle. He states that in this new modern life there is no space for loss of time. It is very easy for a comma to be ignored and used less frequently as its sole purpose is to give a pause and let you relax or think about the message. With all the hustles it seem there is no time to pause. After all we are all multitasking to save time so why should you pause. According to Samuelson this adjustment into the modern life a cause for the dwindling use of the comma.

Being elite and educated, Samuelson has found the diminishing use of the comma metaphorical. He has found a relationship between its retreat and the mannerisms in this society. I think it is very clever how he has been able to relate the two. He states that this era has forced Americans to adopt a manner of being in a hurry at all times (Samuelson 1). Technology has also advanced so much that we are not able to keep up. This has led to adjustment in communication the standards of proper communication are no longer upheld as long as the receiver gets what you are saying in this era of multitasking.Samuelson has gone ahead to ascertain his logic by giving evidence.

He has quoted a story “Teens Can Multitask, But What Are Costs?"(2007) published by Washington post .This story is about a 17-year-old high school girl. The story narrates how, Megan, the School girl juggles to complete a few tasks at the same time, multitasking. He adds and quotes a certain scientist who tells off multitasking stating that it brings about brain mush in the youngsters. Samuelson continues to testify about how multitasking in not confined to the young only but across all ages. He tells about how it is common to find adults texting or using their phones in business meetings (Samuelson 1).

Samuelson has gone on give us the sad fact about how busy workers are in the United States. He reports that the average workweek has never reduced despite the United States being a rich nation. He adds a link of a report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation in it contrasts the average workweek of the U.S. with that of the Japanese which has reduced and also with that of German (Samuelson 1). He goes ahead to show how long working hours have translated into an addiction among those who are paid well just like any other by quoting a paper by The Economics of Workaholism:We Should Not Have Worked on This Paper.

Samuelson acknowledges that there is so much work to do and no time. This fact has adversely affected the use of the comma. He makes a personal and humble request to us to use the comma in the right way. He goes ahead and informs us on where commas should be placed by even quoting Thomas Jefferson. He states how commas have been neglected. He adds a personal touch and even personalizes the commas and calls them defenseless as they are being stripped from articles. He brings out emotions by testifying of himself and how he has accumulated articles that do not contain proper use of commas.This brings about an emotion of concern inside him

Across the article Samuelson has deviated into the mannerisms of the modern era to show the causes of diminishing use of the comma. He has articulated himself eloquently keeping in mind the standards of good communication and placing commas in the right context to bring about a perfected article and at the same time enlighten his audience on the proper use of commas by himself using them (Samuelson 1).

Work Cited

Samuelson, Robert J. "The Sad Fate Of The Comma By". The Washington Post 2007: 1. Web. 22 Sept. 2016.