Journal #6

    So far our studies of everyday writing have covered many areas I probably would not have associated with everyday writing. This next topic ,tombstones, also could be considered one of the things I never would have considered. Yet it turns out it is, for many valid reasons. As an earlier classmate stated, "No two tombstones are alike" which gives each tombstone a sense of individuality that is found in everyday writing. No two people would want their epitaph to be exactly the same, or to be remembered in the exact same way.
   In my opinion, tombstones are perfect for everyday writing. They are informal, casual, not taught in schools, and the words themselves are not manufactured. Though the actual tombstone itself is, the feelings behind it constitute it to be put in the category of everyday writing. As an example, say you had an aunt that died and you put "With loving memory" on the tombstone. This is a somewhat generic epitaph yet the tombstone is everyday writing. Some may argue that it might not be due to it being manufactured, but as I said earlier, the words are what makes a tombstone, a tombstone, without the words it would basically be a slab of rock in the ground marking where someone died. In that sense it would not be everyday writing considering it was manufactured, and it was not conveyed as a medium for the feelings of loved ones mourning the one who has passed on. Though it can be argued either way depending on points of view...if you examine the actual "stone" itself you can say its not, yet if you look further and find the answers through the words, you will find it as a perfect example of everyday writing.