Figured it was a good time to take advantage of creative output to expand into areas other than my own self-serving interests. I have several pieces to read for a writers’ workshop in a couple of weeks. Honestly, I can get just as excited sometimes about the work of other writers as I do about my own; more so in fact, because I’m not as critical, and it’s fresh. Yes, I realize that I write here only about me, me, me, but then, who can I write as honestly about? And why would I? They have or can have their own blog. I’m not a book reviewer, and cannot tell you anything about how the writing process works for anyone but myself. Some will understand and relate, most won’t, and if I touch something within you–even if it’s a nerve–that was my intention.
Just dragged out the Webster’s to confirm or refute a suspicion of mine that was brought to the forefront at the last group meeting.
Critique: n. 1. a critical analysis or evaluation of a subject, situation, literary work, etc. 2. the act or art of criticizing; criticism. v. to analyze and evaluate (a subject, literary work, etc.); criticize.
Criticism: n. 1. the act of making judgments; analysis of qualities and evaluation of comparative worth; esp., the critical consideration and judgment of literary or artistic work. 2. a comment, review, article, etc. expressing such analysis and judgment. 3. the act of finding fault; censure; disapproval. 4. the art, principles, or methods of a critic or critics. 5. the scientific or scholarly investigation of texts or documents to discover their origin, history, or original form.
(Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Ed., 2001 IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.)
I, of course, ever the verbally challenged despite age and communications courses meant to overcome such affliction, committed yet another faux pas by using “criticize” rather than the proper “critique.” Immediately, I felt even my own horror at my error. Searching fruitlessly for the hole in the floor to relieve my discomfort and finding none, I apologized and corrected myself.
But what interests me here is how similar the two words are in meaning, yet that slight denigrating twist that “criticism” takes on in the world of art and literature might as well be the Grand Canyon to a sensitive group such as artists and writers—indeed, writers in particular must have an awareness of the nuances of words. My embarrassment is surely more so as a writer than for any other reason. My train of thought here is that perhaps criticize/critique is an example of very early political correctness, and once having established itself, becomes the new meaning. Applied incorrectly, it can turn eyes into saucers and elicit gasps of shock and further disapproval—which is exactly what the word critique is supposed to avoid.
At any rate, I do find it very interesting to follow the path a word travels in time and how it both serves and changes within cultures and societies.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
An interesting post, but the critique/criticism issue gets more murky when you bring in what people “hear” and “act” upon that hearing. How does one learn to take good criticism?
Exactly the point (in my own round-about, gather-up-the-horses, set-up-camp, light-the-campfire, and bring-out-the-harmonica way): If one tends to flinch at the word criticism over critique, then one is most likely going to be less receptive to the review and offer of suggestions.
But as you say, there is much, much more to this process, and it includes not only personalities, but intentions, experience, and expertise as well. Maybe I’ll go into this a bit more tomorrow. Please do offer your wisdom and help here if you get the time, it would be most valuable and appreciated.
I will miss Talespinning. It was a wonderful opportunity to get inside your creative mind, a privilege. Perhaps I should have just read and kept my mouth shut. It is never my intention to exploit your work for selfish purpose, but instead to share my enjoyment of the experience; sharing what creativity my own mind stirs is my own level of purely limited critique.
Cripes, Bev, I’m sorry! That’s not what I meant at all (and here I thought I was articulate in writing at least!)
“Perhaps I should have just read and kept my mouth shut.”
Just the opposite really, it bothered me not only to have unfinished, unpolished thoughts, based vaguely on reality out there for all to see, but that most who did, never added comment, and most visitors to Spinning showed no interest in Talespinning anyway. It is MY ego and current mental state that is the problem right now, both pride and focus interfere. I welcome critique, and yes, criticism as well–it was lack of interest coupled with obsession that did me in. Thank you for your words, now and ever, and if Talespinning has even just one appreciator who finds some value in it, it will more than likely be made available to her. Thanks.