Critiquing Criticism

 

Lots of people have taken to social media recently to criticise Gareth Southgate as England Manager – none of whom could have done a better job as England Manager than Gareth Southgate. And as someone who generally thinks it’s good to withhold criticism and err on the side of generosity as often as possible, this got me thinking about the nature of criticism generally, and about whether criticism should mostly be reserved for cases when the critic could do a better job than the person being criticised. 

Naturally, I don’t mean dispensing with all inexpert feedback. A restaurant customer probably couldn’t make an experimental meal as well as the gourmet chef who served it on a plate, but they might be able to advise if it tastes slightly too salty. A film buff can recognise a movie as having a weak script and under-developed plot, even if he lacks the capacity to make a movie himself. And a diverse range of inexpert views and opinions offered as feedback can be constructive and valuable to the experts.

Consequently, I mean something a bit different with my above consideration; I mean something like, it often seems to me that harsh, dismissive and judgmental criticism is particularly remiss when offered by someone who lacks the skills and capacity to perform the task as well or better than the one being criticised. Such criticism not only tends to fall short on multiple levels, it also often reflects poorly on the amateur critic.

So, starting a few years ago, I endeavoured to do the following – all of which I’ve found beneficial to my life journey: 

1)    Try to avoid harsh, dismissive, and judgmental criticism unless it’s absolutely necessary (and what makes it necessary is usually that other people are being harmed, hurt or deceived).

2)    Err on the side of generosity, and as much as it is reasonable to do so, try to see the best in things and in people.

3)    Whenever possible, only criticise if you think you could a better job yourself, and refrain from criticism if you can’t do the job or task as well as the person you are criticising.