Better Living Through Criticism

To criticize is to assert dignity for ourselves and for the objects we face. Criticism, it turns out, is about more than aesthetics; it’s a way of life.

1. The Role of Criticism is Rooted in the Moment

Critics shape how society interprets and engages with art, but their work is inseparably tied to the cultural and historical moment in which they write. Art can last for years, but criticism reflects the present.

Critics often evaluate art through the lens of contemporary attitudes, tackling immediate cultural contexts even as those opinions may shift with time. For instance, rock music was initially dismissed by leading critics, yet today it is praised for changing musical history. This reminds us that art evolves in significance as society changes.

Criticism also extends to all forms of creative output, not just fine arts. Once-neglected genres like superhero movies are now common material for critique, as they offer insights into modern culture and societal values. The critic’s task is to analyze and provoke thought, even if it means facing backlash or seeming outdated years down the line.

Examples

• Early critiques of rock music, which dismissed it as trivial, now contrast with its recognition as influential.
• Samuel L. Jackson’s public backlash against Scott’s review of "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" demonstrated how controversial criticism can be.
• Superhero movies, once overlooked, are now dissected by critics to assess their cultural relevance.

2. Art and Criticism Are Interdependent

Critics and artists are not adversaries but participants in a shared creative dialogue. Criticism does not exist without art, and art often responds to the critique and art that came before.

Many famous critics were also productive artists. George Bernard Shaw and T.S. Eliot are examples of individuals who contributed to art while simultaneously critiquing it. This connection shows that criticism too is a creative act, reflecting the artist's engagement with existing works.

Art itself frequently serves as a form of critique. Filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino reference and transform works from older films, while hip-hop artists sample and reinterpret music. These acts blend creation and critique, demonstrating their overlap in purpose and method.

Examples

• T.S. Eliot’s poetry often engages in conversation with classical texts, blending critique and creativity.
• Quentin Tarantino’s films build on the visual styles and stories of earlier cinema, offering new interpretations.
• Hip-hop’s use of sampling turns existing music into a foundation for exploring new themes.

3. Taste Is a Social and Historical Construct

Our preferences are shaped not only by personal experiences but also by the cultural communities and historical norms we engage with.

Engaging with groups, whether in person or online, can validate and refine individual tastes. For instance, laughing along with others in a movie theater fosters a collective appreciation. Similarly, young people today often find affirmation of taste within digital spaces, like social media or blogs.

Over time, tastes change. What we find appealing might evolve as societal values shift. For example, in the past, universal standards of beauty were assumed, but today’s cultural awareness highlights how commercial and social forces influence our judgments of art.

Examples

• Immanuel Kant’s theory of universal beauty contrasted with today’s recognition of cultural diversity.
• Online forums like GoodReads help shape collective opinions about books.
• Social media fosters shared enthusiasm for movies, music, and art trends.

4. Speaking Uncomfortable Truths is a Central Duty of Critics

Critics are society’s honest voice, often saying what others won’t. This role is valuable and challenging, frequently provoking both praise and resentment.

Criticism existed as early as the dawn of human creativity, providing a way to enforce standards of quality. Aesthetic judgments, while helpful, often drew accusations of bias. In today’s polarized world, diverse values make the critic’s role more fraught but even more necessary.

Critics can deeply affect creators. A harsh review may end a career, as happened initially with Herman Melville’s "Moby-Dick." But criticism also preserves culture’s dialogue, sometimes allowing forgotten works to rise again, as Melville’s did posthumously.

Examples

• Critics in ancient societies set standards for music, art, and dance.
• Early reviews of “Moby-Dick” hurt its initial reception, but those reviews later helped revive its legacy.
• Public figures who face critique often question the critic’s biases or motives.

5. Mistakes in Criticism Spur Productive Discourse

Some reviews or judgments may be wrong in hindsight, but these missteps often serve as a starting point for deeper discussions about art and society.

Critics place subjective opinions at the forefront, knowing they invite disagreement. This process leads to debates that refine our collective understanding. Tools like Rotten Tomatoes offer a modern iteration of this process, summarizing numerous voices into a score reflective of popular sentiment.

Unfortunately, some critics avoid honest evaluation, relying on vague praise instead. Terms like “mesmerizing” or “captivating” have become filler words, intent on appeasing audiences rather than stimulating meaningful discussions.

Examples

• Aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes simplify disparate reviews into relatable metrics.
• Reassessments of poorly received films help revive certain works as cultural classics.
• Ad campaigns quoting “empty praise” oversimplify nuanced reviews.

6. Critics Bridge Generations to Rediscover Lost Masterpieces

Critics help future generations connect with historical masterpieces or uncover overlooked art. They champion works that might otherwise fade into obscurity.

For example, screwball comedies were dismissed in their era but have since been reassessed as brilliant cultural artifacts. Similarly, jazz ascended from brothel entertainment to a respected art form in part due to the work of its critics.

This role of preservation is vital in today’s digital age, where a vast catalog of films, books, and music means many gems risk slipping through unnoticed.

Examples

• Criticism resurrected movies like "Bringing Up Baby," once overlooked but now beloved.
• Jazz writers in Down Beat magazine helped pave the way for its recognition.
• Cultural essays enrich our understanding of historical art movements.

7. The Rise of Online Criticism Has Flooded the Landscape

The internet allows anyone to be a critic today. From YouTube to Yelp, platforms abound for opinions, but this abundance makes thoughtful voices harder to hear.

Amateurs bring fresh but often untrained perspectives, while traditional critics struggle with reduced budgets and compressed deadlines. Despite their insight, professional critics must now compete with quick tweets and casual blogs that often emphasize reaction over reflection.

This democratization of critique has sparked debates. Some embrace new online voices, arguing they offer dynamic perspectives. Others fear these trends downgrade the quality and depth of cultural analysis.

Examples

• A Yelp user reviewing a café might influence more readers than a seasoned food critic.
• Rotten Tomatoes mixes professional and amateur reviews, flattening differences in expertise.
• Blogs and YouTube channels now shape trends in books, cosmetics, and films.

8. Digital Formats Challenge Traditional Criticism

Criticism, traditionally rooted in print media, is struggling to adapt to the digital world. Blogs and social platforms have changed how feedback is delivered and consumed.

Social media encourages brevity, prioritizing engagement over depth. Long-form critiques, once highly respected, must now compete with the immediacy of Twitter or Instagram commentary.

Under financial pressure, many traditional outlets are downsizing or disappearing. Yet some critics have embraced digital media, finding innovative ways to capture attention and remain relevant without diluting critical insight.

Examples

• Newspapers like The New York Times have struggled to sustain in-depth arts criticism.
• Critics who transition to platforms like BuzzFeed create engaging, sharable content.
• Short-form platforms like TikTok offer a new stage for reviews and recommendations.

9. Criticism as a Way of Life

Criticism isn’t just about art; it’s about how we view the world, constantly questioning its meaning and value. It’s a habit of curiosity that shapes both individuals and cultures.

Because criticism permeates all aspects of daily life, we all engage in it, whether with our opinions on a movie, a friend’s outfit, or even societal norms. Learning to assess thoughtfully makes criticism a constructive tool for reflection.

Professional critics embody this continuous dialogue, channeling their thoughts into words that push society to think, evaluate, and progress.

Examples

• Everyday assessments, like a friend's cooking, reflect personal taste.
• Critics’ reviews of cultural trends often open debates on societal ideals.
• Self-reflection mirrors criticism, as we judge our own choices and behaviors.

Takeaways

1. Question the cultural and personal lenses that shape your opinions of art and other experiences.
2. Use disagreements as opportunities to start meaningful conversations that deepen your understanding.
3. Explore lesser-known or overlooked creative works by reading critiques from a wide range of sources.