By Fred Nwaozor
Criticism can be defined as the expression of
disapproval of someone or something. In the same vein, a critic of a person,
policy or system disapproves of them and expresses such view publicly.
One who writes reviews and
expresses opinions about books, films, music or any art work having considered
it carefully can equally be referred to as a critic. Hence, it’s all about
expressing a contrary view about something or someone in strong terms.
The
last time I checked, criticism remained a matter of flushing out certain
thoughts, policies and/or attitudes, or trying to change them. It is to show
that things are not as self-evident as one believes.
Thus, criticism ensures that what is accepted as self-evident will no
longer be accepted as such. It suffices to say that observance criticism in any
society is a matter of making facile gestures or remarks difficult.
Criticisms are veritable recipes in any area
of human endeavour. For instance; in steward-client relationship, if the latter
has a criticism to tender, it means he or she wants to give feedback on the
services being rendered to him/her, thereby creating an opportunity for the
former to learn more about the person he is working for and how to convert them
into a satisfied client member. Same measure is applicable in a trader-customer
relationship.
Similarly, in business
venture, working or partnering with someone who is patient and able to receive
as well as act on criticism signifies that both parties involved can work
towards a better or greater outcome. Furthermore, in movie production,
criticism enables the producer to know what his audience actually wants.
If one always thinks he is right but doesn’t
get feedback from anyone else, he wouldn’t know if he is really doing well.
Whether you are selling, servicing, performing, or leading, listening and
acting on those honest views or reactions will tell you precisely what is good
and what could be done better. Perhaps, you can use the information to change
your performance, exhibition or product, as the case may be.
In public service, criticism has the tendency
of guiding the public servants away from bad practices, and towards good and
acceptable ones. It would enable the said workers to take a step back or have a
rethink with a view to making amends or adjustment where need be.
The
socio-political arena is not left out while discussing the inevitable role of
criticism in nation-building. Undoubtedly, a little constructive criticism from
the members of the public such as the civil society groups, the electorate, the
religious organizations, or what have you, channelled towards the political
office holders can yield the anticipated change in the country or society in
question.
Considering the positive
impact of constructive criticism, there is no gain reiterating the fact that it
is indeed a welcome gesture or required factor toward the socio-economic
development of any nation; hence, ought to be sustained. To this end, there is
need for us to acknowledge that the language we use in response to criticism is
vitally important.
Whenever criticism is tendered by any
concerned individual or group, the recipient is expected to try at all cost to
avoid getting into an argument. Instead, they should turn the exchange into a
discussion on how to resolve the predicament. Such approach would keep the door
open for the required change.
Also, criticisms are not
meant to be taken personally. Even if one feels he or she is being criticized
unfairly, he shouldn’t retaliate with an extreme knee-jerk reaction. Such
response will worsen the situation and can even harm the person’s reputation as
well. Therefore, it is essential to always remember to not be offended by
someone’s remarks even if you think it is a personal attack.
On the other hand; having
noted the enormous significance of constructive criticism in nation-building,
there is also a compelling need for the critics to be mindful at all times when
tendering their criticisms. They ought to know when to tender the criticism and
how it ought to be presented.
It’s worthy of note that some critics lack the orientation on when and how
to present their criticism. This set of persons invariably tender their
contrary opinions as a form of antagonism thereby making the supposed recipient
misunderstand the gesture.
More
so, critics are meant to comprehend that criticism is expected to be
accompanied by the presumed remedy to the anomaly that is being criticized.
Most so called critics usually end up raising a cloud of dust in the name of
criticism.
Unequivocally, a criticism that is not tendered with a presumed solution
to the problem being criticized is simply a mere noise that is intended to
cause a pandemonium or controversy rather than addressing the situation at
hand.
In
view of these assertions, everyone at all levels including political leaders,
followers, craftsmen, traders, businessmen, teachers and public servants, as
might be the case, is expected to take criticism seriously regardless of the
circumstance in order not to abuse the remarkable tool.
Criticism is arguably a veritable
device but is required to be deployed reasonably and selflessly. Think about
it!
Comrade Nwaozor, a policy analyst
& rights activist, is
National Coordinator, Right Thinkers
Movement
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Twitter: @mediambassador
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