“Waah! Some people just sit back + criticize when we try to do good for our community,” pout legions of wannabe activists.
Many passive-aggressive dimwits have gotten it into their puny brains that thoughtful, articulate criticism is the equivalent of “do-nothing”. That critics “sit back” while criticizing. That criticism is a nobler, fancier word for “bitching”. Or that a critic is slothful at best and damaging at worst.
photo credit: Rhys Asplundh
Here’s a five-step self-help program designed for those who whine about the perceived ease or “negativity” of thoughtful criticism:
1. Build or co-opt a good-sized public following of readers, viewers, friends, clients, and/or colleagues.
2. Publish a witty or thoughtful speech, article, video or blog post. Sharply criticize a sacred cow or popular vice/trend of the majority of followers.
3. Make sure the audience — including both saints + pyschopaths — has a public feedback mechanism. Respond to or categorize every rant, rave, and threat.
4. Participate in public discussions. Learn how to deal with personal threats, hate mail, irrational fanaticism, reasonable arguments, and irate phone calls.
For the fifth and final step, post but one ironic and grossly iniquitous tweet:
“Some people have nothing better to do but sit back and criticize.”
Alternatively, try this ostensibly easier exercise: learn to listen to and respect thoughtful criticism. Far from bitchy, good critics make you think. They inspire conversation. They foster relationships. They make ideas better. They make the community better.
Heck. They make YOU better.
Without criticism, there can be no activism. And honestly: when was the last time you learned anything from a great review of your work?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
We grow by getting out of our comfort zone.
Listening and understanding opinions that differ from ours is good because it expands our comfort zone.
This is how we grow!
Thanks for the Post!
Fred:
It can be painful to hear hard truths.
Tested ideas grow stronger than untested ones.
Thanks for stopping by!
I love this post! In fact, I think I might just do a video blog or something of the sort on the topic…just need to work on the “wittiness”:)
Thanks for the words! Much appreciated!
Super post – really enjoyed it. Most people do not understand the value of critique and view it as criticism. Probably because much of the “well meant” critique really is a judgemental criticism (which is what I perceive as the difference). Any one who is or strives toward mastery of anything welcomes critique when it is delivered with the intention of betterment for the receiver as it will include the strengths and then the challenges. Criticism with no intent for betterment IS gossipy and bitchy! FER SURE. As a performer I have always welcomed critique as it helped me grow and improve. Criticism alone
not so much!
Love your sense of humor!
Some people simply criticize everything though which can come off as disparaging and discouraging, sometimes you gotta put the criticizing mode away and just be a friend.