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It seems that everyone is up in arms about the author's "blaming" television for the decline of the English language but I think we are missing the point. I believe that what Nelson was trying to say is that we are constantly bombarded with one way communication. Television and radio are a great means of communication and entertainment but they don't provide an outlet for our own voices. Nelson's message could have been clearer if he had simply said "Hey, turn off the t.v. and write something or talk to someone. Develop your voice."

The statement that Nelson makes that stood out the most in my mind has nothing to do with blaming the media for the decline of the English language but with the denial of teachers' part in the state of things. "But even though we English teachers are not the cause of the growing inarticulateness of America's youth, we could be a much greater part of the solution than we generally area" (321). What a cop out!! I know this is a cliche, and not necessarily one I agree with, but if your not part of the solution then you are a part of the problem. Education is the responsibility of the teachers, students, and oooooo even the parents. And if there are inadequacies in our education shouldn't we start by looking at these people and not start by blaming every outside influence first? Nelson seems to want to deny any personal responsibility teachers bare in the state of education while at the same time show us that he is one of the good teachers, that what he does in the classroom works. Don't get me wrong, I thought that activites mentioned in the article are great examples and maybe I am just bitter cause I am having a bad day but man-up and take some personal responsibility.