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.
Oh my good God this went a lot further than I expected it to! A few clarifications about my rambly thinking aloud toots in general: I don't pretend to know answers for anything. I just write things like this sometimes because I'm working my way through my own thoughts late at night (in this case, about liking an otherwise charming movie despite there being a plot hole). I'm mostly talking to myself, not expecting you to change or "correcting" anyone. Feel free to ignore if unhelpful!
JulieB@AbandonedAmerica I found the conversation intriguing and it really helped me ramble and sort for myself. I sensed no 'correction' but a really good 'what if?'. Really hoping no one took you to task.
@JulieB a few people decided to take umbrage where none was given but that's the internet for you
@AbandonedAmerica After I said that I hoped no one took you to task I did see 'that one guy' who was rude. He's definitely lost track of his compassion and curiosity and went straight to battle stations. Sheesh! And with that, clearly missed the whole point. 😉
Clara@AbandonedAmerica you mean people of Mastodon don't master the dialectic method of discussion any better than people of Facebook? Surprise! 😉
@Clara heh it's unavoidable, no matter what you say someone will contort it into something to take offense at
@AbandonedAmerica this kind of situations make me always think about that quoite by Mr Fry. One thing is being rude and injuring, which is definitely not OK, than another thing is what I hear and how I hear it and what does it make to me is my own resposibiity and I should be able to deal with it. If we censor any contradiction, what the thell will we talk about and how will it make us grow?
sigmadog@AbandonedAmerica Thanks for the clarification. I thought you were getting a bit "preachy", but knowing you're simply working out your personal thoughts changes my attitude about it. Please continue, and Merry Christmas.
@sigmadog Merry Christmas to you also!
Mark Hughes@AbandonedAmerica I recently watched a movie that I would normally dismiss: Legally Blond.
I loved it. I'd normally stick to action, intrigue, drama etc, oh and anything with Sandra Bullock in it but not teen slush (if that's what I thought LB might be).
I broke that idiotic filter! I've since watched Pitch Perfect even though I hate musicals you know, and loved it, and the list goes on.
I've missed so much fun but now I can binge on it 😀 . #movies