Criticism is
simply the expression of disapproval of someone or something; thus, a critic of
a person, action or system disapproves of them and expresses such view
publicly. However, one who writes reviews and expresses opinions about books,
films, music or any art work having considered it carefully is equally referred
to as ‘a critic’.
Currently on the Nigeria’s socio-political platform, it’s obvious that
destructive criticism or criticism of calumny is on the rampage. Criticism of
calumny, which is mainly targeted towards tarnishing one’s image, is usually
presented owing to the disapproval the critic has against the personality of
the person whose action is being criticized. In actual sense, criticism is
meant to be disapproval over a certain action, inaction, leadership pattern,
and what have you, and not disapproval or condemnation of one’s personality or
reputation as it is presently observed in our polity.
Criticism of calumny is purely a product of hatred, hence does not
possess any recipe required to address an abused circumstance or system. Due to
its selfish motive, it invariably bears a cruel and illogical content thereby
making it portray a seemingly poisonous physiognomy. Summarily, it doesn’t blow
a society, regardless of size or status, any good.
Criticism is simply a matter of flushing out a certain thought or attitude and trying to change it. 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. Suffice it to say; 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 client has a criticism to tender, it means he/she wants to give feedback
on the services being rendered to him/her, thereby creating an opportunity for
the steward 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 want.
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
necessary.
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.
Most importantly, criticisms are
not meant to be taken personally. Even if one feels he/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 should know when they are supposed to tender the criticism as well as how it ought to be presented. It is worthy to 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 the aforementioned facts, everyone at all levels including
political leaders, followers, craftsmen, traders, businessmen, teachers and
public servants, as the case may be, is expected to take criticism seriously
regardless of the circumstance in order not to abuse the tool, which has proven
beyond any reasonable doubt to be the engine room of any nation-building.
To this end, it’s imperative for Nigerians at large to acknowledge that
it is high time we left the ongoing criticism of calumny, which is seriously
telling on our polity, with a view to creating a Nigeria where true rationalism
would prevail. Criticism is unarguably a wholesome and worthwhile gesture but
if wrongly tendered, might end up generating an unspeakable quagmire rather
than resolving the already existing error or crisis. Think about it!
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