The critical word, originating from the Latin criticus, identifies the opinion, examination or judgment that is formulated in relation to a situation, service, proposal, person or object. Criticism usually manifests itself publicly and revolves around the content of an artistic work, a show, a book, etc.
For example: “Woody Allen’s new movie received excellent reviews”, “Rolling Stone magazine published a very interesting review of the Pearl Jam concert”, “The poet assured that he never reads the critics of his work”.
A criticism is a judgment that is made about something.
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Different types of criticism
As can be deduced from the theory, the concept of criticism is used to define the individual thought that appears in a communication medium, the group of opinions regarding a certain work that are attributed to public opinion and the set of specialized individuals in exercising criticism in the mass media.
Thus it can be said: “The journalist John Roaly has just published his review of Lady Gaga’s new album” (an individual review), “The singer’s latest CD did not receive good reviews” (a set of reviews), “The review has condemned the latest record work of the pop star” (criticism as a group of critics).
In everyday language, criticism is known as the disapproval, attack or censure that is made of a thing or being : “I did not like the criticism that Esteban made me for not calling Rubén”, “Yanina is tired of the criticism for her haircut”, “Don’t get mad, it’s just constructive criticism to help you improve”.
The criticism of a work of art is usually carried out by a specialist.
The incidence of the Internet
Internet has turned criticism into an excessive and daily action, offering users the possibility of sharing their opinions with the whole world. Although there are filters and control methods to eliminate aggressive comments, such as racist or sexist phrases, no one is required to inform themselves before writing, nor to respect the rules of spelling and grammar. The result of so much freedom is unfounded, dirty and practically useless information ; endless strings of messages adorned with insults and derogatory phrases (product of fanaticism) that seek to decide who is better between two singers, or that discuss the superiority of an electronic device.
We can all watch a figure skating competition on television; but very few can comment on the performance of the contestants, point out weaknesses or virtues at a technical level. In fact, only skaters know why they make certain decisions and how difficult each move is. Within a sensible context, any person would agree with these words; however, the possibility of criticizing has a very strong attraction, and tempts us to speak our mind even when we know that we do not have the tools to contribute a constructive or interesting idea.
Criticism and crisis
Critical, on the other hand, is an adjective that can refer to what is related to the idea of crisis. What is critical is the moment or state in which the crisis occurs: “We are facing a critical situation that requires an immediate response from the authorities”. Psychology considers that evolution occurs by going through these situations, which can be graphed as the curves of a spiral that ascends infinitely. Every time a person is able to climb one of these hills that life presents, he matures a little more and inevitably heads for another crisis.
In the opposite way, when someone refuses to go through a crisis, they are left hanging on the same level, so that all aspects of their life are affected by such a decision. Various proverbs and popular sayings try to teach us that “you learn from mistakes”, that “there is no harm that does not come for good”, and the reality is not very different, since these obstacles or critical moments are essential for our growth.
