I Prefer I

We are encouraged to avoid too many Is in our speaking and writing. I wonder if this is such a good idea.

By using "we" instead of "I", we might assume that what we say applies to everyone. In other words, we start generalizing.

Did you resent being included by the use of "we" in that last statement?

Let me restate the previous statement in I-mode. See if you notice the difference.

By using "we" instead of "I", I might assume that what I say applies to everyone. In other words, I start generalizing.

How about substituting "one" instead? Try it in that blue paragraph. To me, it sounds ambiguous. I dislike ambiguity on this issue. I want to take responsibility for my statements. Therefore, I say "I".

When I say "I think such-and-such is wrong", you should sense that I am aware that it is my opinion and not necessarily yours.

I'm not saying that the person who favors "we" will necessary be prey to generalizing. When confronted, many people will refine their expression. But that was wasted time. I spare myself that particular misinterpretation and the time wasted with the use of "I" -- despite the frowns of rhetoricians.

I'm not afraid of too many "I"s.

I am afraid of not enough "I"s.

I suspect the use of "we" springs from a fear of standing alone. If a person is afraid of holding a controversial position he will employ a generalizing statement, such as "Americans want such-and-such" and feel part of the crowd even tho the statement was an assumption.

Be brave. Stand alone. Say "I". It may be tiresome to some people. But it’s an honest statement.