why critique (even of your favorite artists) matters in a just society: taylor swift, reception theory, and the erosion of nuance in contemporary parasocial culture
Overall, the process of creating, understanding and discussing artworks (movies, books, music) is extremely subjective. However, I also believe in objective beauty where you know it when you see it (speaking of art). Of course, we can call certain things popular (we can even worship them), but it does not mean that they fall under the category of beauty that awakens a connection to something divine (as a source of that true beauty).
At the same time, I agree that humans can train their sense of perception, cultivate their minds and learn to enjoy artistic expressions that are more complex and profound than products of mainstream media.
I have a friend who told me about "loving critically." I can't imagine real and deep love of any kind without criticism (not what it is mistaken for but what it really is supposed to be). I very much appreciate this post. Our society is too confused about it, like you stated.
I like your idea about much of celebrity fanaticism often coming from adopting the celebrityās identity as part of their own identity in some unhealthy way. I think there is truth to that. I think it allows people, who often lack self-confidence, to experience the joys of success. The problem is that when failure and criticism hit their favorite celebrity, it all too often results in tribalism and doubling down in neglecting constructive feedback (or even initiating hateful smear campaigns in some cases). Perhaps part of the antidote is to separate the artist from the excellence they portray and admire / celebrate the excellence. And to also build in expectations of vulnerability and varianceāpeople arenāt always perfect. Finally, perhaps overcoming a kind of infantile desire for omnipotent control (other people are other people with their own agency, projects, plans, needs, and desires).
Now I get it - why some people were so vocal in their criticism of my early work on Twitter :D
Actually, constructive criticism is great and helps you grow, but how often is it constructive? When it leaves you feeling like a shit, it's just bad manners. But when you see room for growth, that's the most valuable gift :)
Really good piece. I enjoyed that and agree that in popular culture there seems to be little room for nuancena lot of the time, people seem to either love something passionately or completely detest it and there seems little room for any middle ground when it comes to critique or criticism
Keeping nuance alive is most definitely important.
keeping nuance alive in criticism is so important, especially in pop culture. Your examples and references make the argument so compelling.... Thanks for sharing
That is a well-crafted essay.
Overall, the process of creating, understanding and discussing artworks (movies, books, music) is extremely subjective. However, I also believe in objective beauty where you know it when you see it (speaking of art). Of course, we can call certain things popular (we can even worship them), but it does not mean that they fall under the category of beauty that awakens a connection to something divine (as a source of that true beauty).
At the same time, I agree that humans can train their sense of perception, cultivate their minds and learn to enjoy artistic expressions that are more complex and profound than products of mainstream media.
I have a friend who told me about "loving critically." I can't imagine real and deep love of any kind without criticism (not what it is mistaken for but what it really is supposed to be). I very much appreciate this post. Our society is too confused about it, like you stated.
Thank you for the book recommendations, Iād love to read more about this. Definitely taking notes!
I like your idea about much of celebrity fanaticism often coming from adopting the celebrityās identity as part of their own identity in some unhealthy way. I think there is truth to that. I think it allows people, who often lack self-confidence, to experience the joys of success. The problem is that when failure and criticism hit their favorite celebrity, it all too often results in tribalism and doubling down in neglecting constructive feedback (or even initiating hateful smear campaigns in some cases). Perhaps part of the antidote is to separate the artist from the excellence they portray and admire / celebrate the excellence. And to also build in expectations of vulnerability and varianceāpeople arenāt always perfect. Finally, perhaps overcoming a kind of infantile desire for omnipotent control (other people are other people with their own agency, projects, plans, needs, and desires).
Health criticism could help you grow
Now I get it - why some people were so vocal in their criticism of my early work on Twitter :D
Actually, constructive criticism is great and helps you grow, but how often is it constructive? When it leaves you feeling like a shit, it's just bad manners. But when you see room for growth, that's the most valuable gift :)
Thank you for this work, I enjoyed reading it!
Really goodā¹ļøā„ļø
Really good piece. I enjoyed that and agree that in popular culture there seems to be little room for nuancena lot of the time, people seem to either love something passionately or completely detest it and there seems little room for any middle ground when it comes to critique or criticism
Keeping nuance alive is most definitely important.
keeping nuance alive in criticism is so important, especially in pop culture. Your examples and references make the argument so compelling.... Thanks for sharing
Also i loved your presentation š