Cursive is far too young to become illegible hieroglyphics, though one day, if we continue down this road, a Rosetta Stone of sorts may be required to decode what was once commonplace. The founding documents of the U.S. were written in cursive’s continuous style, underscoring that our vital rights and freedoms are similarly unbreakable. How free will we be if the documents that should mean everything to every American cannot be taught or read in their original form, but are instead, “Googled,” and formatted in 12 pt serif type in order to be comprehended? A typeface lacks some of the passion of a fine hand. Cursive handwriting has implied sincerity; one can give a part of oneself to the recipient or the reader. American artist Tauba Auerbach uses her cursive to fund the mission of protecting journalists and educating girls. Beginning with Daniel T. Ames’ Compendium of Practical and Ornamental Penmanship , she copied the word “persevere” in lowercase script; each letter engulfed by its own loop. She says, “The loops are all the same, but the letters are different, so the exercise teaches you to maintain a rhythm amidst otherwise varying circumstances.” Great advice for difficult times. Auerbach has since used penmanship to create a “calligraphy of resistance,” on posters, and large scale public installations. This reserved rebellion could never be achieved across a computer screen. Minimal emotion is required or conveyed by even the dearest “I love you” text message. Imagine a grandmother sitting down at her kitchen table writing a “Thinking of You” card to her granddaughter, a heartfelt hello, who will have next to no idea what it says. There’s an emotional disconnect, and now a child may never know about the November weather in South Jersey, the outcome of a recent surgery, or her grandmother’s wishes to her for the end of the semester. Tenderness and warmth are intrinsic to cursive. A writer’s hand skims across the page when they want you to know and feel something. Is this reading too much into cursive, or is it dying for a good reason? Perhaps it is demanding or difficult or dated. In a day full of electronic signatures, Chromebooks in classrooms, and e-Thank You cards can make cursive seem that way. Is basic handwriting next on the chopping block? Notebooks, pens, and pencils may soon disappear. Should Americans protect this endangered art, or do they send it off into extinction with the dodo bird and Juicy Couture? It has been shown that those who learn cursive have a better understanding of the English language and spelling; cursive forces us to think of writing as a continuous rollercoaster as opposed to being constructed in individual letters and parts. More legible writers are also found to be better at writing composition and clarity. Cursive also acts as a speedy method in note-taking. While typing notes is an
alternative that requires little time, writing by hand assists in processing what is being taught and drives stronger recall down the line. Undeniably, cursive is just as much a writing form as an artistic outlet of a personal identity. If we don’t know how to sign our names, do we exist? Cursive is thoughtful, individual, and fundamentally human. Even the coiled shape of a DNA molecule, two strands bound by the same axis, delivering each person their genetic uniqueness, looks shockingly like cursive. We must refuse to be defined by the mindless scribbles on the bottoms of merchant copies and reclaim our handwritten identities, which are as beautiful and varied as bodies themselves. For Practice
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