on why i write like this
on why i write like this
decentering the self to let ideas shine
there's something truly unique about seeing the pronoun 'i' in lower case.
as
beautifully put it above, it's a way of devaluing the 'i' in a society that often glorifies individualism. this thought struck me one night as i scrolled through substack, and it resonated deeply with me. it mirrors my own reasons for writing in lower case, a choice that often prompts questions and sometimes even criticism. if you havenβt checked out atandaβs substack "I Barely Remember Yesterdayβs Poems", you should.i write in lower case, not out of laziness or a disregard for grammar, but as a deliberate choice. it's a subversive act, a quiet rebellion against the norms that demand we prioritize the self above all else.
by decentering 'i', i shift the focus away from myself and onto the ideas, the stories, and the emotions that i want to convey.
itβs my way of saying that the message is more important than the messenger.
growing up with adhd, i found that traditional writing structures often felt rigid and confining. reading texts in lower case, for some reason, kept me more focused and helped me retain information better.
perhaps it was the novelty? or maybe it was the subtle challenge it posed to my brain, making the act of reading more engaging. this personal quirk became a fundamental part of how i engage with written language.
my love for e.e. cummings played a significant role in shaping my writing style, too. cummings, with his unconventional use of grammar and punctuation, showed me that poetry and prose need not adhere to strict rules to be powerful and evocative. his work is a testament to the beauty that can be found in breaking the mold, in daring to be different. i admired how he used lowercase to create intimacy and immediacy, making each poem feel like a whispered secret shared between the writer and the reader.
there's also an element of humility in writing this way. by refusing to capitalize 'i', i consciously reduce the prominence of the self in my work. itβs a way of acknowledging that my voice is just one among many, no more important or valid than any other.
writing in lower case allows me to focus on the essence of what iβm saying without the distractions of conventional grammar. it helps me stay grounded and connected to the core of my message.
in a world that constantly demands attention and validation, this practice keeps me centered and authentic.
there's something inherently radical about choosing to write in lowercase. it's a way of defying expectations, of rejecting the norms that dictate how we should present ourselves. it's a reminder that we can communicate powerful ideas without adhering to traditional structures.
so, when you read my words, understand that the lack of capitalization is not an oversight, but an intentional choice.
it's my way of inviting you to look beyond the surface, to engage with the substance of my thoughts and feelings. it's an invitation to see the world through my eyes, where every idea, no matter how small, is given the space to breathe and be heard.
i write like this to remind myself and others that sometimes, the most powerful messages come in the simplest forms. itβs a way of carving out a space for myself in a world that often feels overwhelming and chaotic, a way of finding clarity and focus in the midst of the noise.
perhaps, in sharing this with you, i can inspire others to find their own unique ways of expressing themselves, of breaking the rules to create something truly authentic and meaningful.