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Don't
Criticize What You Can't Understand (page 2)
Next, a critic should be current but aware of the past. This is an important part
of drawing comparisons and judging work. For instance, if a critic wrote a piece
on the new Planet of the Apes movie without having seen the original, they are
not aware of the past. In this case, it is important that the critic be aware
of the past because often times a consumer's first reaction is to compare a remake
to the original. A critic who is uninformed of the past cannot help shed light
on something that the public wants to know and thus serves less of a purpose.
As it is important to be aware of the past, it is just as important not to be
buried in it. For instance, a rock & roll critic must be careful not to compare
every new band to a classic band that he or she worshipped in the 60's or 70's.
Being buried in the past can stifle progress of the arts. Calling every next big
band "the next Beatles" is the kind of revivalism that does the artist
or the public no good. Again, when the artist and public is not benefited, the
critic serves no purpose. Of course, giving a nod to proper influences is important
and essential; however, staying current and keeping the ball rolling is even more
important.
Being unbiased or
aware of one's bias is also important for a critic. So long as the critic is aware
of his bias and does not hide it from his audience, there is no harm done. It
is when a bias is hidden that things become harmful. If a critic lets a bias creep
into his analysis, they are no longer being subjective. Their opinion becomes
no more valuable than any random person's opinion. Again there is no problem if
the bias is made obvious. If a pop music critic chooses to dismiss the music of
the Backstreet Boys because of their glittery image, that is fine as long as he
informs the public that the glittery image is the reason why. A critic can maintain
a credible angle by being biased
as long as he admits that he is.
Continue
to page 3 of Don't Criticize What You Can't Understand
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