Constructive Criticism

People always say they’re open to constructive criticism, but they usually mean they’re open to praise. It doesn’t take much pride and ego swallowing to accept praise; even Donald Trump can do it. However, constructive criticism may need a grain or two of sugar going down.

Let’s start with the basic word denotations and take constructive at Merriam-Webster’s 3rd definition, “promoting improvement or development,” and criticism at its 2nd definition (critique): “the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature.” We can thus derive constructive criticism to be the art of evaluating or analyzing works of [art or] literature to promote improvement. In light of that, constructive criticism is offering suggestions to improve the work. Offering suggestions to improve the work is not the same thing as giving it unearned or opinion-based (rather than formal, criteria-based) praise.

I’m not sure how telling someone that a piece full of formal and structural flaws is “great” could ever reasonably be called constructive criticism when it is, in fact, the antithesis of constructive criticism, as it’s neither constructive nor criticism. Why do I say it’s the antithesis? It actively works against improving the work by asserting, falsely, that nothing needs improvement. This does the writer a disservice, instilling false confidence in flawed work. Who am I to say a work is flawed? I’m a professor of English literature who knows how to critically evaluate literature. I’ve studied literary theory, I’ve read many of the greats, and I’ve formed my own personal literary theory (predominantly a blend of formalism, the New Critics, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, with some Shakespeare and both Gardners thrown in for good measure). Cultural lenses can be applied after a work stands up to these readings for me, never before: changing the lens won’t help a camera without a subject. I’m qualified because I’m formally trained in literature—reading, writing, and editing. This education wasn’t given to me; I earned every letter behind my name, while working and raising a child by myself.

I see people asserting that criticism that makes suggestions for improvement isn’t constructive, failing to grasp that that’s exactly what constructive criticism is. It’s always easier to swallow if it’s tempered with some praise, but praise alone isn’t criticism, full stop. If you’re not open to criticism, that’s fine; many people don’t have thick enough skin for it. However, saying that criticism isn’t constructive simply because it actually is criticism instead of pure praise is irresponsible, attacking what you asked for because it’s what you asked for. If you ask me for criticism, criticism is what you’ll get: I will tell you what I think the work needs to improve it. If you want someone to praise your work without formally evaluating it, you’re rejecting criticism itself.

What’s the point of criticism? Improvement is the goal and point of criticism, and it requires objectivity. Good, constructive criticism identifies flaws and weaknesses and makes suggestions for improvement. Constructive criticism also mentions what is working, what is effective in the work, while destructive criticism simply delineates flaws with no recognition of strengths, nor suggestion for improvement. Criticism and praise are not the same.

What’s the point of this? That’s actually my question to you. If you’re not trying to improve, not working harder every day—reading, writing, revising, and editing, then I have trouble believing you’re trying to improve. I believe that I write well. I also believe that everything I’ve ever written can be improved. Before complaining about not winning, ask yourself how hard you’re working and what you’re doing to improve. If you aren’t continuing to draft a piece you’ve finished a draft of, how hard are you working? If you’re rejecting constructive criticism for being critical, you’re valuing ego over work. If your opinion is “I think it’s good and that’s all that matters,” you already know everything and don’t care what anyone else thinks.