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.
JulieB@AbandonedAmerica With this toot you are bumping into something I learned too late in life: being critical is different than critical thinking. The first is verbalizing everything that you don't like as a way of life. The second is making an assessment as to something's fitness. I was not taught the distinction. I was taught kindness always, check your brain at the door, smile, nod and be agreeable. It did not serve me well. Don't be a constant critic, AND do NOT give up your critical thinking.
@JulieB this is a great observation. That's exactly what I was getting at, you just said it much better 😊
@AbandonedAmerica You started it! And that's a compliment! 😆
@AbandonedAmerica One more thing, if I may? This might be my favorite kind of conversation, this jaunt we've all had through how to be good critics and not bad ones: one person ponders, another questions, and then the first refines, then the second tells their version and answers a question or two and we learn from each other and more about ourselves. My sister and I do this fluently and I love it.
I've just never seen social media do it quite so successfully.
Well done. 🙂
@JulieB thank you ❤️