From an early age, we are taught-“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”.
Every other day, we come across instances of people getting unduly offended by criticism and others, who are not a party to it, echoing the sentiment.
What is so offensive about one professional critiquing the work or performance of the other? Why is it so often taken as a disapproval of the person himself?
People want to hear good things about their work rather than honest opinions, even if that would help them evolve. More often than not, criticisms of works are taken as personal attacks. Interestingly, such remarks are denounced not only by those toward whom they are directed but also by others.
If a lesser known artist criticises an established one, it is labeled as a sign of envy. If a novice does the same, he is lambasted along the lines of ‘what-does-he-know-about-it’. Likewise, an artist of equal stature is expected to be more complaisant and accepting of the work of his contemporaries. Thus, the general verdict is that open criticism is believed to be harsh, no matter where it is coming from.
When actor Abhishek Bachchan wrote on his Twitter page, "We don't deserve a talent like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan! Don't think we can make movies to fit his talent!”, he was criticised for showering lame praises on his own family. His response- “It’s my twitter page, so I have the freedom to write whatever I want and praise whoever I want. Don't like it? Don't read it!"
What a preposterous justification for not taking kindly to criticism!
With such tendencies, we are heading toward a culture of ostensible displays of mutual admiration, instead of one that is continually evolving as a result of genuine feedback.
i do agree, no one likes to hear bad things about themselves. And Indians are no exception. Only we are brazenly honest about our dislike about any kind of criticism. Some laugh it off with a mental note to hit back when there is a chance, some avoid contact, some publicly accept but privately resent that person. Well thats wht makes us Human i guess! GENUINE FEEDBACK - HA! You just reminded me of my ex-office. Hear my advice - NEVER GIVE GENUINE FEEDBACK IF ITS BAD. speaking from experience :)
ReplyDelete"Some laugh it off with a mental note to hit back when there is a chance"-so true!
ReplyDeleteThere's another element to consider-criticism is worthwhile only if you provide some helpful suggestions for improvement along with the genuine feedback instead of merely adopting a I-could-have-done-it-better stance.
I think there is a place for destructive criticism as well. Are not lords Shiva and Kali symbols of destruction. Destroying bad things and bad people.
ReplyDeleteYes, there surely is, but if people don't take kindly to 'constructive criticism' and are unable to handle it with grace,there's no chance they would spare a thought for destructive criticism!
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