Vicarious capitalisation

So, earlier in the week I was faced with a shocking and confronting site. I was in a place which is held in esteem, with attendees often presenting themselves with an air of arrogance. I am making reference of course, to the presentation of the Archibald prize finalists at the Art Gallery. It had been my first outing to the gallery and I will admit i was a little apprehensive. I'm not an art person, I felt a little intimidated and was sure that at any second someone would uncover my secret identity as someone who clearly knows very little about art.

So, anyway, I was walking about, using the appropriate words and expressions (for instance, ah I like the texture of this, the shape and perspective of that...) and no-one seems to be any the wiser to my art inadequacy.

So, whilst looking interested and engaged (which i was!) I was shocked and deeply saddened by what appeared before me. A good selection of the signs (I am sure they have a proper art name) had very irregular, and at times inappropriate in their use of capitalization. Now, to clarify, I am not a grammar nerd, not even close. Spelling provides a reasonably consistent challenge for me even after 10 years of higher education. However, I have a sound understanding of the use of capital letters (as do most primary school aged children) and very little tolerance for laziness.

My companion at the gallery seemed somewhat concerned as well, but not nearly as much as myself (some may argue that her reluctance to engage in my issues may actually represent an appropriate response to a small trivial issue, as opposed to my clearly extravagant and ridiculous response). She suggested that laziness was the cause of this disappointing signage. Is it appropriate to accept such a level of laziness at this fine institution? I for one don't think so (in case you had missed what I am working towards here).

My concern is not so much about this incident in isolation, but a general trend in society away not only from perfection but to a carelessness of our use of language and an understanding of the foundations of such. I will admit to the occasional use of an abbreviation in the text message, and at times have even caught myself writing ur in papers (which thankfully my spell checker picks up very quickly). When I work with adolescents I tell myself that my use of this 'hip language' is representative of my very cool and funky intouch persona, and not an expression of laziness. I guess my question is more about where the limits of use of appropriate grammar and formalized styling of language and words? I would have thought that in a serious traditional institution would provide a gold standard of acceptable use. Mmm perhaps not.

Cya. ;p



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