Joshua Rothman Essay

Joshua Rothman: Why is Academic Writing so Academic?

Joshua Rothman, once presented a paper in academic circles, that although was generally well received, was criticized for not having the style of an academic paper. This article outlines concerns that surround professoriate’s unique style of writing not judged by ordinary standards – “It’s supposed to be dry but also clever; faceless but also persuasive; clear but also completist.” (Rothman). Academics tend to exclusively appeal to “very small groups of people such as departmental colleagues, journal and book editors, tenure committees”(Rothman) as opposed to journalists who appeal to greater audiences.

This academic form of writing is not intended to intrigue readers with entertainment

or humor; these are experts, announcing their findings in their research and observations based on factual information, amongst fellow professionals. Because these academic papers are meant for those who have specialized background knowledge surrounding that paper, looking for more in-depth factual information, it alienates mainstream audiences. If academic writing didn’t follow the intellectual formula, it wouldn’t have the audience captured to make use of the information. Journalists and researchers whom have had their work published; do not necessarily mean that they are perfect writers. Of course, they are skilled and knowledgeable in such aspects, but their work gets filtered through academic standards.

Joshua has his opinions but is seemingly accepting to the laws of academia.

Having his piece of literary writing slightly rejected by publishing experts, has left him in distraught with mixed feelings towards academic writing and research. He is verifying that academic writing is written for a small group of individuals whom are “knowledgeable and mutually acquainted specialists”(Rothman). No writer can publish his own work without any guidelines or principles. If that were to be regularly existent, many of published work we see today wouldn’t be legible, accurate or educational.

Nicholas Kristof has been mentioned as a journalist who has written a published piece for the Times magazine. He argues that there is authority condemned amongst writers that minimize the stretch of ‘culture of exclusivity.’ Of course saying that, he has received criticism, but he had evidence to back up his case. He quotes that there are “fewer public intellectuals on American University campuses today than a generation ago”(Rothman). Nicholas strongly believes that are too many limitations on academic writing and until those rulings expand, these numbers will continue to decline. Joshua passionately agrees with this fact; however, he isn’t arguing against these experts, but yes, he does face a problem with the structure itself. “Making academic work more marginal”(Rothman) isn’t helping fellow inspiring writers.

Unfortunately