RE: Criticism

["Thomas, Doug" <THOMASD@gt-corp.com>]

Tore, 

You have raised a very interesting, and pertinent question.

Especially in our quality sector, criticism seems to be found more
frequently than suggestion or feedback.

Personally, I define criticism as negative, and this is a different
subject than "critique", i.e. a requested commentary on a particular
subject.

One can critique a product of someone else's efforts, but to criticize
implies that the person criticizing is elevating himself or herself to a
level superior to the person whose work is being criticized.

Therefore, one is in his or her rights to ask what are the
qualifications of the person doing the criticizing.

On the other hand, suggestions or commentary are less-negative,
especially if asked for.  One can inquire whether suggestions are
welcome, which is a more-positive side of the situation.

Even in the so-called "public domain", i.e. art, writing, political
thought, etc. it is one thing to criticize, and quite another to
critique. One can comment on another's work, if it has been put out in
"the world" for peer review, etc.

But, there are polite methods, and then there are negative.

My definition, therefore, would be: Criticism is that form of discussing
the work of another in which the individual criticizing considers
himself or herself to be superior or better versed in the product than
the author or maker.  So-called constructive criticism is a
thinly-veiled cover for the same type of superior attitude, usually
unwarranted. Those who must attack the work of another from an attitude
of superiority are the practitioners of criticism.  The exception would
be those whose profession allows professional criticism, such as theatre
reviewers, those who review books and movies, and other arts or
professional work products, such as a reviewer of a publicly-published
paper, which by its nature invites peer review.

Doug Thomas






>-----Original Message-----
>From:	Tore Lende [SMTP:tore@lende.no]
>Sent:	Sunday, October 15, 2000 8:05 AM
>To:	deming list
>Subject:	Criticism
>
>Dear friends..
>
>How will you define criticism?   -  What about constructive - or positiv =
>criticism?   Is criticism ever bringing wanted and good results?
>But first of all - I would like a good definition.
>
>I would also like to hear from you who are familiar with Choice Theory - =
> are Deming and Glasser in harmony over that issue?
>
>Friendly and peacefully from Norway
>Tore Lende
>