Abandoned AmericaThe older I get, the more aware I am that being critical rather than enjoying things is not a sign of intelligence or wisdom. Not loving things - movies, art, music, people, situations - because of their weaknesses doesn't make you better than them, it means you're unable to see past imperfections. Sure, some things absolutely are bad & should be left behind - but being hypercritical denies you joy. I need reminded of this every day. Too many things are legit bad to throw out good ones too.
If you find your response to popular movies, albums, books, etc is "I don't like them because (x, y, and z)" maybe it's not because you're not smarter than everyone else, maybe you're just outsmarting your own ability to enjoy things that aren't perfect
Before replies get too far: criticism has its place. Not liking things is fine. Not everything is meant for everyone, do what works for you. But! If your sole purpose of spending time with most things is to pry apart what makes them bad, you could definitely be doing better things with your life, like finding and spending time with the things you do love.
Mx. Bluets@AbandonedAmerica Agree. There's a place for constructive criticism made with an appreciation for its object, but the hypercritical reflexive negativity that seems common now seems more a lazy form of faux sophistication? Or people displacing their negative feelings onto safe seeming things? It's harmful when it's abusive toward creators.
I have depression; flaw finding is too easy. But I like liking things & seeking the good in imperfection even if I seem silly or unsophisticated for doing so.
@MixBluets yes, this is a great take on what I was trying to say. It's really harmful when aimed at art for no reason other than it doesn't do it for you