Criticism what is going on....

[Razard86]

As a creator you were given the gift of the ego. The ego I like to joke= Every Gathered Opinion. This ego is designed to evaluate, extrapolate meaning, and categorize/label what is being experienced into a particular classification/box. This is helpful in being able to store information/data, and to compare and contrast it with other data. The ego's purpose is to push for ever new creative expression by looking for limitations in what is being expressed. What the ego looks for it creates, but due to ignorance of this process the ego can believe that its not that it creates it, but that its creation of meaning is inherent, or evident. This is what creates bias, or what you can call classification lock, once you see one thing as a tree, everything is a tree. What is worse is once this ego has a bias of something being bad or evil, it can stop its creativity from functioning in many different ways as it is now constructed to live in an antagonistic, war like, reality.

This is why I have said the MAP IS THE TERRITORY. The map is the territory when you are stuck in maps. As long as you walking lost in thought looking at your map for answers, then your map has become the territory. You must first become aware that the map is the territory, before you can drop the map and perceive the territory. All bias, is just the MAP. Anything you hate, resent, cannot stand, is just a map. Anytime you say no not this, or its actually like this, or this would be better, etc etc= This is just a map. All your maps, are symbolic interpretations that are attached to a specific meaning. All meaning= Every Gathered Opinion. 

The persona, the perspective= The MAP. This is at the crux of all understanding of how your mind is operating. Until you become aware of this you will be lost and confused as a creator. Why is this important? Because there are two types of criticism. There is constructive criticism, which is criticism aimed towards greater functionality of a creation, and there is what I call denigration which is the denial of the value/meaning of a creation. The moment you as a creator put something in the public eye you are not just going to get praise, you will also get criticism.

Now criticism is not bad, because it serves a particular function which is to bring awareness to a limitation/lack of function. In short criticism is designed to point out dysfunctionality so the creation can expand its ability to function to a greater degree. The issue is not all criticism is functional. Majority of those who criticize do not do so with the aim to honestly push towards expansion in creativity, but instead do so to express disdain for a particular creation that does not align with their Ego/Every Gathered Opinion. 

As such the criticism ends up being the opposite of what it's intended purpose was supposed to be which was upliftment. Because we live in a world of dysfunctional criticism which you can call deconstructive criticism or destruction, criticism has now become demonized because of the lack of benefit that comes from its widespread unskillful use. Sure you can derive the benefit of emotional resilience, and a greater union with all that you create through the ability to see past the dysfunctional critics who masquerade as experts but since as a creator you have limited resources these critics can end up becoming just another distraction.

With all this said if you aim to be a constructive critic here are some questions you can ask the creator and yourself before sharing your criticism.

1. What was the message you were trying to explain/express here?

2. Are you open to different styles of expression or are you happy with your current one?

3. What are some ways you think this can improve if any?

Now notice....if you pay attention that a criticism is also a creation. This means your criticism is also open to being critiqued as well. As such understand that criticism is art, so as such it can also be haphazard and serve a particular meaning/function that way as well. For example when someone tells you "You are full of shit." This is confrontational, and direct and raw. But it serves a particular purpose. It's a direct pointer from the critic that the creator is out of alignment and being dishonest. Many think this expression is bad or wrong, but do not realize that the expression is actually meant to elicit anger. It's meant to rattle the recipient into emotional distress and deep introspection. Whenever someone calls you a fraud there is usually an immediate emotional reaction to defend and retaliate. But get this message enough times and a self-inquiry will be initiated to wonder is this true? Am I really fooling myself here?

So this entire post is not meant to denigrate any style of criticism, its to bring awareness to why it exists. Now criticism also can be humor, which is just an attempt to elicit joy in others but as you know can cause conflict if it is aimed at something meant to be taken seriously. I won't go down this rabbit hole, just illuminating how different contexts, and intentions can create conflict.

The simple message is...always be clear with yourself the intentions behind your actions. What you know, what you don't know, and what you desire. This will help you create more authentically both as a creator and as a critic. Awareness is a beautiful thing.

[Razard86]

Couple more additions.

1. Recognize when your issue with a creation is more based on the style. For example if a person's creation adequately gets the message across it has done its job. Sure maybe they could have made it shorter, maybe they could have made it longer with more examples. Notice and understand that no one creation is going to fit all stylistic preferences. The central focus should always be, did it accomplish its intended purpose. If it did, then its fine and any issue you have is just your preference. Understand...that creation was not created for your particular preference, is was created to be shared with everyone.

Highly selfish people=It should fit my preference. Highly Selfless people= How can this be improved for the collective benefit?

Which paradigm are your criticisms stemming from?

[Princess Arabia]

Lovely, thanks for sharing.

No criticisms here. I'll get plunged into the river and swarmed by the bees, after which I'd be questioning my own criticism and your intentions. Just kidding. 

Nice. Never looked at criticisms as a creation; but then again, what isn't.