Writing letters to newspapers - a cathartic activity

Andrew Scott

All of us know well that in all reputed newspapers through out the world there is a special section exclusively set apart for the publication of letters to the editor. But have you ever wondered why we have these letters to the editor columns and why readers throughout the world care to write letters to the editor of the newspapers they usually read.

Any letter from a reader always gets something off his or her chest, or for that matter off his mind. In fact it has a cathartic effect on his mind.

It is really an exciting thought when one feels so strongly about something that prompts him to write openly about it to a newspaper of his choice. It is found that readers write letters to the editor due to several reasons. It may be to express a personal attitude about some subject or problem of public interest or to express some grievances a person has been subjected to or it may even be to express one's ideas at a highly intellectual level.

Variations

Whatever their themes or variations, letters to the editor form a vital component of all newspapers and magazines and they also reflect much about the reading public and they serve as an effective outlet to let one's steam on some personal problem which could later turn out to be of much public or national significance.

Some letters are merely follow-ups of something that may have been published in a newspaper. Good newspapers are usually inundated with letters to the editor but only a few selected ones are published according to their merit. It must be noted that letters to the editor of any newspaper are among the widely read items of that paper and some consider them as the heart and soul of the newspaper he reads.

Letters to the editor columns also give an opportunity to the readers to exercise their rights of expression forcefully and expressively.

Today more than during any other time newspapers throughout the world give much prominence to these letters to the editor and they are even displayed under multi-coloured titles and some are illustrated with brief commentaries as well.

It must be realised that letters to the editor provide a unique service to both their writers as well as the public as these letters provide one the chance to be publicly heard and puts him in contact with others who share his ideas and undoubtedly letters to the editor section is the most looked forward to component of one's newspaper.

Sometimes even the editorial may make reference to and take some idea from important letters. At times letters to the editor would bring in a healthy discussion on any matter of public importance.

Important

Usually these letters mirror the public attitude on important national issues and columns dedicated to letters to the editor enhance the personality of any newspaper and provide a strong platform to exercise and exchange ideas freely and fearlessly.

Writing letters to the editor can also be made a very effective means of improving the English writing skills of senior students in our schools and higher education institutions like universities.

This can be done best by the English teacher who can make an attempt to guide his students to write letters to the editor on various issues of public interest in the country and the world at large. By doing this students can also improve their general knowledge of the country and of the world.

Of course, it is important that letters must be based upon significant issues, legitimate discussions, news of public interest and controversy.

Most letters to the editor are spontaneous expressions of the writer's personal views on some tormenting problem.

So, do remember that writing letters to the editor is both fascinating and mentally rewarding and a wide variety of personal opinions can be expressed by writing letters to the editor.

Also we must remember that some of the eminent writers and journalists of today have embarked on their writing career by contributing letters to the editor during the formative stage of their careers.