fbpx
  • Latest
  • Trending
The Value Of Criticism

The Value Of Criticism

2 years ago
The Death of Privacy In America

The Death of Privacy In America

3 weeks ago
America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

3 weeks ago
Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

3 months ago
When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

3 months ago
Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

3 months ago
A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

3 months ago
Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

5 months ago
There’s Something About Mary

There’s Something About Mary

6 months ago
End Of An Era

End Of An Era

7 months ago
The Shocking Kindness Of Ted Lasso

The Shocking Kindness Of Ted Lasso

8 months ago
Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

8 months ago
Mary, Covered In Roses

Mary, Covered In Roses

12 months ago
  • About
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Login
  • Register
60 °f
Middle Township
61 ° Thu
68 ° Fri
68 ° Sat
66 ° Sun
The Standard
  • Home
    • All
    • Business
    • Culture
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health
    • Housing
    • Immigration
    • Justice
    • Letters
    • Local
    • Media
    • Military
    • National
    • New Jersey
    • Opinion
    • Politics
    • Satire
    The Death of Privacy In America

    The Death of Privacy In America

    America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

    America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

    Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

    Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

    When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

    When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

    Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

    Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

    A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

    A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

    Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

    Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

    There’s Something About Mary

    There’s Something About Mary

    End Of An Era

    End Of An Era

    Trending Tags

    • Politics
      The Death of Privacy In America

      The Death of Privacy In America

      America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

      America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

      Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

      Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

      When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

      When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

      Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

      Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

      A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

      A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

      End Of An Era

      End Of An Era

      Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

      Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

      Rep Jeff Van Drew Calls For Fencing To Be Removed Despite Threats To Capitol

      Rep Jeff Van Drew Calls For Fencing To Be Removed Despite Threats To Capitol

      Democrats Look To Regain A Foothold in Middle Township With Quanette Vasser-McNeal

      Democrats Look To Regain A Foothold in Middle Township With Quanette Vasser-McNeal

      Trending Tags

      • politics
    • Justice
      There’s Something About Mary

      There’s Something About Mary

      Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

      Police Detectives Charged With Lying About Bar Fight In North Wildwood

      Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

      Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

      South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

      South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

      New Jersey Man Steals Police Car, Fatally Shot After Chase

      New Jersey Man Steals Police Car, Fatally Shot After Chase

      “This Political Climate Got My Brother Killed”: Officer Brian Sicknick Died Defending the Capitol. His Family Waits for Answers.

      “This Political Climate Got My Brother Killed”: Officer Brian Sicknick Died Defending the Capitol. His Family Waits for Answers.

      Florida Man Who Went Viral For Stealing Podium Identified

      Florida Man Who Went Viral For Stealing Podium Identified

      Defund The Police Was A Raging Success And Everyone Missed It

      Defund The Police Was A Raging Success And Everyone Missed It

      Non-Violence Isn’t A Just Moral Imperative, It’s A Superior Strategy

      Non-Violence Isn’t A Just Moral Imperative, It’s A Superior Strategy

      The Future Of The Supreme Court

      The Future Of The Supreme Court

      Trending Tags

      • Justice
    • Business
      When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

      When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

      Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

      Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

      Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

      Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

      The Power Of The People

      The Power Of The People

      Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

      Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

      It’s Not The End Of The World, But You Can See It From Here

      It’s Not The End Of The World, But You Can See It From Here

      You Are Not Welcome Here

      You Are Not Welcome Here

      Trending Tags

      • Environment
        Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

        Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

        New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

        New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

        Jackson Park Project A Threat To Clean Water

        Jackson Park Project A Threat To Clean Water

        Fixin Things Till They’re Broke

        Fixin Things Till They’re Broke

        Trending Tags

        • Education
          Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

          Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

          A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

          A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

          Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

          Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

          Gold, Lies, And Genocide In The New World

          Gold, Lies, And Genocide In The New World

          Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

          Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

          The Covid Kids Are Alright

          The Covid Kids Are Alright

          The Problem With The Pledge Of Allegiance

          The Problem With The Pledge Of Allegiance

          A Boat Full Of Holes

          A Boat Full Of Holes

          Why I Don’t Worry About My Kids Falling Behind

          Why I Don’t Worry About My Kids Falling Behind

          Any Plan To Reopen Schools This Fall Is Irresponsible And Negligent

          Any Plan To Reopen Schools This Fall Is Irresponsible And Negligent

          Trending Tags

          • Education
        • Housing
          There’s Something About Mary

          There’s Something About Mary

          Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

          Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

          Mary, Covered In Roses

          Mary, Covered In Roses

          Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

          Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

          Let the Voters Decide

          Cape May’s Untouchables

          The Cost Of Homelessness in Cape May County

          The Cost Of Homelessness in Cape May County

          The Myth Of American Justice: Falling Through The Cracks Part Two

          Falling Through The Cracks: Part One

          Falling Through The Cracks: Part One

          Invisible Walls

          Invisible Walls

        • Culture
          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

          There’s Something About Mary

          There’s Something About Mary

          The Shocking Kindness Of Ted Lasso

          The Shocking Kindness Of Ted Lasso

          What Your Ring Tone Says About You

          What Your Ring Tone Says About You

          Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

          Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

          A View Of Goshen In Winter

          A View Of Goshen In Winter

          New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

          New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

          Peepers And Pizza: Spring Comes To New Jersey

          Peepers And Pizza: Spring Comes To New Jersey

          The Power Of The People

          The Power Of The People

          Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

          Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

          Trending Tags

          • Sports

            Trending Tags

            • Health
              America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

              America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

              Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

              Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

              There’s Something About Mary

              There’s Something About Mary

              Mary, Covered In Roses

              Mary, Covered In Roses

              Autism Awareness Day

              Autism Awareness Day

              Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

              Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

              You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated, Now What?

              You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated, Now What?

              The Disney Queue Of Vaccinations

              The Disney Queue Of Vaccinations

              It’s Going To Get Worse

              It’s Going To Get Worse

              Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

              Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

              Trending Tags

              • Healthcare
            • Opinion
              The Death of Privacy In America

              The Death of Privacy In America

              Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

              Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

              South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

              South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

              We Need Amy Kennedy Now

              An Open Letter To Congressman Van Drew

              Donald Trump Must Be Held To Account For His Crimes

              Donald Trump Must Be Held
              To Account For His Crimes

              All Our Sons

              All Our Sons

              It’s Not Enough For Joe Biden To Simply Be Human

              It’s Not Enough For Joe Biden
              To Simply Be Human

              We Have To Stop Trusting Our Leaders To Do The Right Thing

              We Have To Stop Trusting Our Leaders To Do The Right Thing

              The Godless Piety Of American Idealism As Reality Television

              The Godless Piety Of American Idealism As Reality Television

              Why We Can’t Talk About It

              Why We Can’t Talk About It

              Trending Tags

              No Result
              View All Result
              • Home
                • All
                • Business
                • Culture
                • Education
                • Environment
                • Health
                • Housing
                • Immigration
                • Justice
                • Letters
                • Local
                • Media
                • Military
                • National
                • New Jersey
                • Opinion
                • Politics
                • Satire
                The Death of Privacy In America

                The Death of Privacy In America

                America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

                Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

                There’s Something About Mary

                There’s Something About Mary

                End Of An Era

                End Of An Era

                Trending Tags

                • Politics
                  The Death of Privacy In America

                  The Death of Privacy In America

                  America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                  America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                  Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                  Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                  When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                  When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                  Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                  Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                  A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                  A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                  End Of An Era

                  End Of An Era

                  Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

                  Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

                  Rep Jeff Van Drew Calls For Fencing To Be Removed Despite Threats To Capitol

                  Rep Jeff Van Drew Calls For Fencing To Be Removed Despite Threats To Capitol

                  Democrats Look To Regain A Foothold in Middle Township With Quanette Vasser-McNeal

                  Democrats Look To Regain A Foothold in Middle Township With Quanette Vasser-McNeal

                  Trending Tags

                  • politics
                • Justice
                  There’s Something About Mary

                  There’s Something About Mary

                  Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

                  Police Detectives Charged With Lying About Bar Fight In North Wildwood

                  Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

                  Middle Police Arrest Suspect In Connection With Stolen Guns in Cape May Court House

                  South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

                  South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

                  New Jersey Man Steals Police Car, Fatally Shot After Chase

                  New Jersey Man Steals Police Car, Fatally Shot After Chase

                  “This Political Climate Got My Brother Killed”: Officer Brian Sicknick Died Defending the Capitol. His Family Waits for Answers.

                  “This Political Climate Got My Brother Killed”: Officer Brian Sicknick Died Defending the Capitol. His Family Waits for Answers.

                  Florida Man Who Went Viral For Stealing Podium Identified

                  Florida Man Who Went Viral For Stealing Podium Identified

                  Defund The Police Was A Raging Success And Everyone Missed It

                  Defund The Police Was A Raging Success And Everyone Missed It

                  Non-Violence Isn’t A Just Moral Imperative, It’s A Superior Strategy

                  Non-Violence Isn’t A Just Moral Imperative, It’s A Superior Strategy

                  The Future Of The Supreme Court

                  The Future Of The Supreme Court

                  Trending Tags

                  • Justice
                • Business
                  When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                  When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                  Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

                  Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

                  Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

                  Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

                  The Power Of The People

                  The Power Of The People

                  Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

                  Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

                  It’s Not The End Of The World, But You Can See It From Here

                  It’s Not The End Of The World, But You Can See It From Here

                  You Are Not Welcome Here

                  You Are Not Welcome Here

                  Trending Tags

                  • Environment
                    Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

                    Strong Grassroots Opposition Continues To Plague NESE Pipeline’s Fifth Attempt

                    New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

                    New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

                    Jackson Park Project A Threat To Clean Water

                    Jackson Park Project A Threat To Clean Water

                    Fixin Things Till They’re Broke

                    Fixin Things Till They’re Broke

                    Trending Tags

                    • Education
                      Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                      Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                      A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                      A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                      Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

                      Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

                      Gold, Lies, And Genocide In The New World

                      Gold, Lies, And Genocide In The New World

                      Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

                      Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

                      The Covid Kids Are Alright

                      The Covid Kids Are Alright

                      The Problem With The Pledge Of Allegiance

                      The Problem With The Pledge Of Allegiance

                      A Boat Full Of Holes

                      A Boat Full Of Holes

                      Why I Don’t Worry About My Kids Falling Behind

                      Why I Don’t Worry About My Kids Falling Behind

                      Any Plan To Reopen Schools This Fall Is Irresponsible And Negligent

                      Any Plan To Reopen Schools This Fall Is Irresponsible And Negligent

                      Trending Tags

                      • Education
                    • Housing
                      There’s Something About Mary

                      There’s Something About Mary

                      Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

                      Your Objections To Development Are Counter-Productive

                      Mary, Covered In Roses

                      Mary, Covered In Roses

                      Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

                      Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

                      Let the Voters Decide

                      Cape May’s Untouchables

                      The Cost Of Homelessness in Cape May County

                      The Cost Of Homelessness in Cape May County

                      The Myth Of American Justice: Falling Through The Cracks Part Two

                      Falling Through The Cracks: Part One

                      Falling Through The Cracks: Part One

                      Invisible Walls

                      Invisible Walls

                    • Culture
                      America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                      America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                      There’s Something About Mary

                      There’s Something About Mary

                      The Shocking Kindness Of Ted Lasso

                      The Shocking Kindness Of Ted Lasso

                      What Your Ring Tone Says About You

                      What Your Ring Tone Says About You

                      Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

                      Award-Winning Children’s Author Greg Pizzoli Planning A Virtual Visit To Cape May

                      A View Of Goshen In Winter

                      A View Of Goshen In Winter

                      New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

                      New Female Snow Leopard Arrives In Cape May County

                      Peepers And Pizza: Spring Comes To New Jersey

                      Peepers And Pizza: Spring Comes To New Jersey

                      The Power Of The People

                      The Power Of The People

                      Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

                      Your Misplaced Loyalty Is Hurting Your Business

                      Trending Tags

                      • Sports

                        Trending Tags

                        • Health
                          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                          Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

                          Get Vaxxed If You Want To Play Indoors

                          There’s Something About Mary

                          There’s Something About Mary

                          Mary, Covered In Roses

                          Mary, Covered In Roses

                          Autism Awareness Day

                          Autism Awareness Day

                          Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

                          Code Blue Is No April Fool’s Joke

                          You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated, Now What?

                          You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated, Now What?

                          The Disney Queue Of Vaccinations

                          The Disney Queue Of Vaccinations

                          It’s Going To Get Worse

                          It’s Going To Get Worse

                          Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

                          Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

                          Trending Tags

                          • Healthcare
                        • Opinion
                          The Death of Privacy In America

                          The Death of Privacy In America

                          Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

                          Death And Taxes: The Right’s Last Stand

                          South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

                          South Jersey’s Sanctuary City Designations Are A Haven For Violent Extremists

                          We Need Amy Kennedy Now

                          An Open Letter To Congressman Van Drew

                          Donald Trump Must Be Held To Account For His Crimes

                          Donald Trump Must Be Held
                          To Account For His Crimes

                          All Our Sons

                          All Our Sons

                          It’s Not Enough For Joe Biden To Simply Be Human

                          It’s Not Enough For Joe Biden
                          To Simply Be Human

                          We Have To Stop Trusting Our Leaders To Do The Right Thing

                          We Have To Stop Trusting Our Leaders To Do The Right Thing

                          The Godless Piety Of American Idealism As Reality Television

                          The Godless Piety Of American Idealism As Reality Television

                          Why We Can’t Talk About It

                          Why We Can’t Talk About It

                          Trending Tags

                          • About
                          • Privacy
                          • Subscribe
                          • Contact
                          No Result
                          View All Result
                          The Standard
                          No Result
                          View All Result
                          Home Politics

                          The Value Of Criticism

                          byDavid Todd McCarty
                          2 years ago
                          inCulture, Opinion, Politics
                          Reading Time: 9 mins read
                          160
                          0
                          The Value Of Criticism
                          136
                          SHARES
                          192
                          VIEWS
                          Share on FacebookShare on TwitterEmail this story!

                          The concept of ‘love it or leave it’ is antithetical to the principles our country was founded on, not the least of which was the expressed intent by the Founders to subvert the status quo.

                          By David Todd McCarty | Tuesday, August 25, 2020

                          You’ve seen it on t-shirts, bumper stickers and rally signs favored by Trump supporters, Conservatives, NASCAR fans, and gun-rights activists. It says everything they want to say, including an implicit nod to white nationalism, as well as their adamant repudiation of all dissent. Six, simple words that encapsulate their entire world view: “America: Love it or leave it.” 

                          The message is clear. Do not criticize America in any way. If you don’t like it, get out. The idea being that Republicans, and conservatives of all stripes, view criticism as disloyalty at best and outright blasphemy at its worst. Even liberals often view criticism as divisive and a serious threat to peaceful unity and cohesion.

                          “Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depository of the public interests. In every country these two parties exist; and in every one where they are free to think, speak, and write, they will declare themselves.”

                          Thomas Jefferson, Letter to Henry Lee, August 10, 1824

                          So, ironically enough, one of the things that seemingly all Americans are in agreement about, is that criticism is bad and disruptive. But if history has shown us anything, it is that the American spirit of independence, individuality and innovation, are the direct byproduct of vigorous dissent from the status quo, and a desire to improve on our past. But that seems to be the prevailing wisdom in our current society, even from the field of psychology.

                          “There is no such thing as “constructive criticism,’” writes Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D, a licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and self-described life coach. “Criticism never builds anything. It always tears down. It always abrades an idea, a behavior, a feeling, an opinion, or a person. Even when we mentally criticize ourselves, it tears at the target of our critical self-talk.”

                          Dr. Thomas’ blanket evaluation would appear to discount all forms of criticism, from hurtfully snarky comments in a damaged relationship, to decades of Roger Ebert’s columns in the Chicago Sun Times. So not only petty grievances, but all opposition to leadership in any social structure, all political opposition, and all criticism of art, music, theater, literature and sport.

                          It’s true that no one likes to be criticized, and almost invariably, the critic doesn’t appreciate the full complexity of the problem at hand, or the effort put in to achieving the object of their criticism. There are different kinds of criticism of course. There is the common criticism of daily life, about anything and everything, from Wawa Coffee to the weather. There are the expressions of criticism that are common in intimate relationships, that clearly psychologists find distasteful, but have built a substantial industry around. There are the professional criticisms of art, film, architecture and literature. Even sports have whole magazines, thousands of blogs, entire sections and newspapers, 24-hour cable stations and call-in radio programs devoted to nothing more than criticizing the local sports teams. These all tend to be examples of a one way conversation, where the critic is speaking, often after the fact, about a thing that they have no real interaction with, and no hope to affect change in.

                          Trump supporters counter-protesting a march in Wildwood. Photo: David Todd McCarty

                          For centuries artists, inventors, and writers have complained about professional critics as simply those unable or unwilling to create themselves. Those who are inspired to forge original work can certainly feel distain for those who sit on the sidelines and criticize, with a fair bit of justification for their position. But beyond the egotistical nature of it, that isn’t fair either. You can have a great understanding of, and even great appreciation for, a work of original art without being able to create it yourself. It’s also probably true that it can sometimes take another person with a different perspective to fully articulate what the artist may not be able to. You don’t have to put the criticism on the same shelf as the art, but it is not without merit.

                          As a writer, designer, photographer, filmmaker and all around creator of things, I can tell you that criticism is not pleasant, and mostly met with derision by the artist, both for its lack of understanding of the effort involved, but also for causal inference that the critic could have done better themselves.

                          When it comes to creative expression, as painful as criticism is to hear, if you’re honest about it, and willing to grow, you can take the parts that are valid and let them inform your work. What about when it comes to government? What about institutions? Organizations? Are they somehow beyond reproach? Are they not supposed to be in service of the people? Is the work of thousands of bureaucrats meant to be held in the same regard as Rembrandt? Is it possible that the DMV should be held to a different standard than Mozart?

                          There is an important distinction one needs to make between complaining, because you are being difficult, and offering criticism because you are discerning. This points to a broader notion of criticism that rises out of a desire to actually change the outcome. 

                          “In the hospitality business, especially in the luxury hospitality business, we teach employees to learn the difference between the difficult customer and the discerning one,” explains Gustavo Serbia, an industry consultant who once directed Learning and Development for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. “The difficult customer is complaining because they get some sense of satisfaction out of feeling superior. There is nothing you can do for the difficult customer, no amount of compensation will suffice. They are not interested in the outcome, only in the exchange. The discerning customer, on the other hand, knows what they want and they are frustrated because they believe it is in your power to give it to them. They are trying to help you, help them, have the experience they desire. If you have please the discerning customer, they will not only be thankful, they will become loyal. The difficult customer will always be unhappy.”

                          A difficult customer complains. A discerning customer offers criticism.

                          Despite the overly simplistic viewpoint of Lloyd J. Thomas, Ph.D, there is indeed such a thing as constructive criticism. For instance, I would posit that his definition of the word is not only infantile, but dismissive of the entire fabric of our society, in which innovation and forward progress takes place only because of those who look critically at the work of those who came before, and discern that there is a better way. That is constructive criticism. Anything less is regressive and an example of the worst sort of conservative thinking.

                          Larry Hamm, People’s Organization for Progress. Wildwood July, 2020. Photo: David Todd McCarty
                          Crystal Hutchison and Cassandra Gaitlein, Cape May County Indivisible. Wildwood, July 2020. Photo: David Todd McCarty

                          The Black Lives Matter movement began as a criticism of the institutional racism that exists, and the violence that is prevalent, within police departments all across the country. People are not protesting because they want to complain, they march because they are demanding change. That is a form of criticism, not simply a complaint.

                          When India demanded their own independence from the British Government, they were not asking, they were not complaining, they were demanding an end to colonial rule, and they criticized the British government for the very system they employed. It was eventually constructive and they won their independence relatively peacefully. 

                          The truth is, criticism does not present any danger to a healthy organization. Whether you are a school district, charity, hedge fund, or a political party, you can’t assume everything you do is without need of improvement. The lack of transparency is so much of the power structure is designed to suppress dissent. Those in power are not interested in your opinion, let alone your criticism. In a private company, that is their prerogative. But in a public sectors, not only are you subject to criticism, you are required to consider it and act accordingly.

                          “It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.”

                          Benjamin Franklin

                          This should hold true for an institution you call yourself a part, just as it would for one you oppose. What better way to express your loyalty to the cause, than the desire for your community to change for the better. We should not therefore, be resistant to those calling for change within our own communities, but find the ability to listen, love and learn who are fighting along side of us.

                          Cape May County Democratic Committee Reorganization Meeting. Photo: David Todd McCarty

                          The founders of The United States of America believed strongly in the concept of dissent and were wary of any attempts to quash it. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority.” Samuel Adams said, “For true patriots to be silent, is dangerous.” George Washington urged us to, “Guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism.” Samuel Adams said, “If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.” Thomas Jefferson advised that, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” 

                          Years later, it was Theodore Roosevelt, himself one of the Presidents immortalized on the face of Mount Rushmore, who warned, “To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American people.”

                          Despite the dogma professed by Republicans and Donald Trump, blind allegiance is not patriotism, and should never be confused with love of one’s own country. Blindly following any one person, single idea, philosophy or ideology is critically dangerous. Even when it comes to religion, there have been many infallible leaders who claimed to speak for God, only for us to find out they were charlatans and cheats. Despots and dictators, autocrats and tyrants, despise dissent and move to crush opposition before it can foment. They fear criticism because they know their authority is not legitimate, and if the curtain is even thrown back, they will be revealed.

                          Dissent, therefore, is honorable, just, responsible and necessary to the advancement of democracy, innovation, progress and knowledge. Criticism is simply the culmination of that dissent into word, thought and deed. We most vigorously criticize that which we love and cherish.

                          Those who would prevent criticism, are those who would have us follow blindly; they would encourage us trade our voice for theirs, our will for their own. Tradition is important. History is critical. But we must not let our past define who we are. We must not be restrained by the chains of our past. We are under no obligation to the debt of the failures and successes of yesterday, and they should not solely inform our plans for the future.

                          The President of the United States, Donald J Trump, in speaking about four, duly elected members of Congress, once said, “If you’re not happy in the U.S., if you’re complaining all the time, very simply, you can leave. You can leave right now.”

                          The short answer, on behalf of those four women, and all true patriots, is this: 

                          We will not.


                          Follow David Todd McCarty on Twitter @davidtmccarty and The Standard @capemaystandard

                          Related

                          Tags: CriticismDemocracyDissentOppositionProtestValueValue Of Criticism
                          Previous Post

                          The Power Of One

                          Next Post

                          The Problem With The Pledge Of Allegiance

                          David Todd McCarty

                          David Todd McCarty

                          David Todd McCarty is a writer, director, photographer and designer. You can follow him on Twitter @davidtmccarty.

                          Related Posts

                          The Death of Privacy In America
                          Opinion

                          The Death of Privacy In America

                          May 4, 2022
                          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair
                          Politics

                          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                          May 3, 2022
                          Who Was Responsible For Fake News?
                          Media

                          Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                          March 9, 2022
                          When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”
                          Business

                          When Billionaires Don’t Pay Taxes, People “Lose Faith in Democracy”

                          March 1, 2022
                          Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear
                          Education

                          Book Banning Is Only The Tip Of The Spear

                          February 23, 2022
                          A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards
                          Education

                          A Push to Remove LGBTQ Books in One County Could Signal Rising Partisanship on School Boards

                          February 23, 2022
                          Next Post
                          The Problem With The Pledge Of Allegiance

                          The Problem With The Pledge Of Allegiance

                          Meta

                          • Register
                          • Log in
                          • Entries feed
                          • Comments feed
                          • WordPress.org
                          • Trending
                          • Comments
                          • Latest
                          You Are Not Welcome Here

                          You Are Not Welcome Here

                          August 13, 2020
                          Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

                          Social Distancing Fails At Ocean City High School

                          September 9, 2020
                          Trump, Chauncey Gardiner, And America’s Accidental Presidency

                          Trump, Chauncey Gardiner, And America’s Accidental Presidency

                          January 29, 2020
                          Open Letter To South Jersey Committee Chairs

                          Open Letter To South Jersey Committee Chairs

                          1
                          The Left’s Purity Dilemma, or Don’t Get Fooled Again

                          The Left’s Purity Dilemma, or Don’t Get Fooled Again

                          1
                          Let the Voters Decide

                          Let the Voters Decide

                          1
                          The Death of Privacy In America

                          The Death of Privacy In America

                          May 4, 2022
                          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                          America Sits At The Nexus of Fear, Rage, and Despair

                          May 3, 2022
                          Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                          Who Was Responsible For Fake News?

                          March 9, 2022

                          ©2019 Hopping Frog Studios, LLC.

                          No Result
                          View All Result
                          • Home
                          • Politics
                          • Justice
                          • Environment
                          • Health
                          • Education
                          • Housing
                          • Business
                          • Culture
                          • Sports
                          • National
                          • Opinion
                          • Login
                          • Sign Up

                          ©2019 Hopping Frog Studios, LLC.

                          Welcome Back!

                          Sign In with Facebook
                          OR

                          Login to your account below

                          Forgotten Password? Sign Up

                          Create New Account!

                          Fill the forms below to register

                          All fields are required. Log In

                          Retrieve your password

                          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

                          Log In
                          This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
                          Privacy & Cookies Policy

                          Privacy Overview

                          This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
                          Necessary
                          Always Enabled
                          Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
                          Non-necessary
                          Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
                          SAVE & ACCEPT
                           

                          Loading Comments...
                           

                          You must be logged in to post a comment.