Joanie

I disagree that everyone is a Critic. Everyone can be critical, but that doesn't make you a Critic in the sense that your opinion is worth listening to. For instance, I found "The 40-year old Virgin" to be crude and distasteful, full of what makes our society dysfunctional. And like minded people would agree, but others would look askance at us. We would disagree profoundly with most movie critics, but then again, I find movie critics to be less insightful and more just barometers of the common taste.I would personally consider them to be Opinion writers rather than Critics.

When a Critic begins to do what they do best, you should be nodding your head and understanding what you could only tentatively "feel" before. You should gain insight into their way of looking at something. It should put the subject into context for you, either historically, intellectually, spatially, or in some other important manner. And a good critique should elevate the understanding of the subject in such a way that the person whose work is being critiqued understands at least the next step they need to take in the learning process, or gains insight into where their work could be stronger. The seeking and giving of a critique is part of the learning process, and is a respectable and respectful exchange when done well.

This is, of course, only my opinion and certainly others have different views.

Joanie

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