Pencils. Why pencils? - Another question for Americans

[thismaz]

I was watching BtVS3:1 'Anne', the other day and there is a scene with Willow and Xander in the library, when Giles rushes off after another possible lead on Buffy's whereabouts. They are studying and both of them are holding pencils. These two are supposed to be in their final year of High School. They are 17 going on 18. Why don't they have pens? And it occurred to me, again, that I can't remember ever seeing any of the High School students use pens. It is always pencils.

So I'm asking if there is a reason for that. Anybody know?

Comments

[vikingwriter.livejournal.com]

My math teachers insisted, under pain of death and/or dismemberment, that we use pencil in case we made mistakes. That or they were underlining/margin-note-writing in their textbooks (which are school property and they usually charge you a fine if they come back marked up). Or they were simply left over from Willow's floating-pencil practices? ;)

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

My math teachers insisted that we use pencil in case we made mistakes Until you were 18? Wow. Wouldn't they want to see the mistakes you made, so they could follow your reasoning? I get about marking up library books - but Giles was right there! The floating pencil left-overs, I can see... But she never tried floating a pen - maybe it's easier with something made from organic matter, eh? ;-)
Thanks for coming back on this. I just wondered if there was a reason. It's these little things that catch my eye and make me curious. I'm sad that way. *g*

[texanfan.livejournal.com]

Any computer read test has to be filled in with pencil. Essays and such would be written in ink but multiple choice is done in pencil. In all probability, it was what was on hand that day on the set.

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

Any computer read test has to be filled in with pencil. Ah, yes. Like in 'What's My Line' - Willow and her protestations that she used a number two pencil.
I guess a big box of pencils is less of a problem for continuity (and better for last minute script changes) than pens.
*taps forefinger to temple* Like a steel trap. I notice these things and I can't help wondering. It's the little differences that fascinate me. The big things are easily understood. Thank you. Maz.

[kidcyclone.livejournal.com]

I kinda thought it was cos they could be used as an impromptu stake in a pinch- granted, school takes place during daylight hours and technically that should keep the walking undead at bay, but you can't be too careful if you live on a Hellmouth... :>

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

but you can't be too careful if you live on a Hellmouth
*laughing* No, that's true, you really can't. It is a good idea. Thanks for adding to this little debate.
I think, in the end, I tend towards the 'last minute script changes so they were there theory'.
It was because I could never remember seeing any of them use a pen, that I got curious.

[dangerous-story.livejournal.com]

I don't think they care here. Though when we were younger we were supposed to use pencils but after 10th grade, I don't think they care. Hmm.

I just like pencils, though I do like red ink pens. lol. And ballpoint blue ones. :D

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

I just like pencils, though I do like red ink pens.
I like pencils too. I write all my stories in pencil. Somehow it doesn't look as messy as pen, when the page is covered in crossed out words. Red pens remind me too much of teachers' comments in the margins of my homework *g*
I think we were given pens at school from age 6, but it is far too long ago, so I can't be sure.