Since Separate Identity was
published in 2014, we’ve had two complaints about the writing style, both from
UK residents. Both reject our style as un-academic. What they mean is that we
do not write as they do in the United Kingdom. We don’t. We’re not British; we
don’t pad our writing with euphemisms, circumlocutions, misused prepositions,
and we don’t use passive voice.
Passive voice is endemic in British
writing. It allows one to escape responsibility for opinions, observations and
conclusions. It defers responsibility to authors cited or to a non-existent ‘other.’
British academics avoid any blunt
statement. They wouldn’t call ‘a spade a spade’ if their life depended on it.
Americans are usually plain-spoken. If something is wrong, we usually say so
with little quibble.
Bruce, my writing partner, has a
complex ancestry. But he is American, on the conservative side, a teacher with
significant peer recognition. He is separated by a century and a half from the
last immigrant family. His family’s presence in America started in 1607. I
share some of his ancestry. But I’m separated by a generation from Austria, and
I am a dual US-Austrian citizen. I am, despite the duality, an American. As
does Bruce, I write like an American. And I find British academic writing
stultifying. Say what you mean. Drop the extraneous words you use to pad your
writing. Get to the point. And take responsibility for your thoughts.
Both of those who complained about
our style are bound to the circumlocution that characterizes British writers.
Frankly, if you experienced the hand of an American editor, you would not come
off well. [I’ve read your stuff.] One of
those who complained about our writing style is caught up in the arguments
about the value of popular [public] history and academic history. Both fill
important slots. It’s a meaningless argument, only meant to preserve history as
the field of assistant professors. [The life of an adjunct professor is not an
easy one. I know.] But having academic credentials does not elevate one to a
special position in life. Besides I’d set my BA x 2, MA x 2 and PhD against
yours any day.
Another difference between American and
British writers is the kind of analysis each brings to their writing. Brits are
more likely to quote every available opinion, sensible or not, to make some
sort of indifferent, indirect analysis. Facts can be manipulated. But for British
writers, facts are ephemeral things, hardly real. Most American writers do not
see evidence in that light. British writers like to pretend that academic
competition does not exist. Dear heart, it does both there and here. It’s
intense, sometimes nasty.
Amazon ranks books by sales. I think
it is telling that Separate Identity outsells the books of both of those who
complained. It ranks about two million places ahead of both. I think that says
something about its content and worth.
I repeat, take responsibility for
your work and opinions. Use direct sentences. Avoid passive voice. Be plain. Don't be an academic snob.
Herewith is a power point presentation on British academic writing. Note that it advises use of Passive Voice. It makes them feel good. No competent American writer would use passive voice. The reasons given for using it in this video are, frankly, idiotic.
Herewith is a power point presentation on British academic writing. Note that it advises use of Passive Voice. It makes them feel good. No competent American writer would use passive voice. The reasons given for using it in this video are, frankly, idiotic.