The Decline of the Written Word

Author(s)/Creator(s)

William Safire

Document Type

Article

Date

Spring 1979

Keywords

William Safire, Syracuse University, rhetoric, American culture

Language

English

Disciplines

American Popular Culture | Rhetoric and Composition

Description/Abstract

Part of a commencement speech delivered by William Safire to the graduating class of 1978 at Syracuse University, William Safire bemoans the state of rhetoric and the written word, chastising not only the White House but society at large. He argues attention spans have steadily waned over the years, with popular culture filling the void where intellectual discourse used to exist.

Additional Information

Adapted from a commencement speech delivered by William Safire on May 13, 1978 at Syracuse University.

Recommended Citation

Safire, William. "The Decline of the Written Word." The Courier 16.1 (1979): 22-26.

Source

local input