Critiquing is the process of evaluating something in great detail, and it’s extremely important in today’s society. Criticism can provide valuable new perspectives and opportunities for improvement. There are tons of different types of critics, from academic critics who evaluate policies and theories, to film critics who tell you what’s worth watching.
As a political science student, I’m taught to “be objective” and “present both sides of the argument,” and although it has been annoying, it has proven helpful both in my academic and personal life. Utilizing critical thinking sparks conversation, and conversation leads to change. For that reason, I still see the need for critics.
Unfettered internet access means that everyone is now able to critique things of varying degrees of importance without being qualified. Perhaps there’s still a need for experts who are appropriately equipped to analyze the more crucial aspects of society, however, it won’t kill anybody if Tony the Film Bro tells us how much he hates Barbie, so I’m not sure there’s a need for people with the official title of “Critic.”
Ultimately, critics are influential and valuable — after all, who else is going to spend their precious time telling you the five best restaurants in your city, or which one of Quentin Tarintino’s films is the best he’s ever made?
Gianna Dinwoodie is currently working towards her BA in Political Science and hopes to pursue a minor in Journalism. When she is not seen writing mountains of essays for her classes, she enjoys poetry and literature of any sort. Especially of the horror or psychological thriller genre! Don't ask her to watch a horror movie though, she'll probably cry...
