Letters to the Editor

This letter is associated with the following article:
Read other letters about this article
It's all fun and games
In the crazy, mixed-up lexicon of modern parenting, learning about table manners is "fun" but playing cops and robbers is "good for you." What's next?
By Dashka Slater [2007-03-26]

  • Re: Jared2, I concede your point

    Thanks for being so gracious. Bad grammar bothers me too. I cringe when people mix up "affect" and "effect". I do think, though, that tone does "affect" what is acceptable grammar. The first sentence did not bother me because I understood that it fitted the tone; in very formal writing, it would have stood out as incorrect. I am glad you see what I mean by rhythm and how the first sentence has the stronger rhythm by placing "word" in the center. As for the piano lessons, I agree completely. The "good life" for the ancient Greeks did not consist in mindless consumption of pleasurable experiences, but in using ones mental abilities to the fullest extent possible. It is important for children to realize that "fun" does not come from the TV or video game, but from their own fully-engaged minds.

    -- jared2
    [Read jared2's other letters]
    Monday, March 26, 2007 11:35 AM
Read other letters about this article

Letters Help