A Critic Is Often An 'Artist Manqué'

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 27 January 20 There's one gentleman who was hibernating until a couple of months ago. But now he has become super-active, criticizing and pontificating whatever appears on this site as if god has given him the special rights and all the intelligence in the universe to criticize. But his main target is yours truly. Curtailing the introduction, let me get down to brass tacks. Why do certain individuals make it their lifetime mission to comment and criticize? There's no denying the fact that harsh critics are often talented, intelligent, and productive people. Unfortunately, they have a flaw that compels them to disparage others – almost, at times, as though they are diagnosing an illness in need of eradication. It seems they’re living according to the famous quip by Mark Twain: “Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits.” In the language of the self-help and recovery movements, these folks are often suffering from a disorder known as, “If You Spot It, You Got It [IYSIYGI].” It works like this: You notice that colleague X has what is, in your mind, is an affliction. You then take it upon yourself to castigate him for his affliction — irrespective of whether or not it impairs his on-the-job performance or has a negative effect on group morale. While there could be a raft of reasons for a person's inveterate critical behaviour, almost all critics have certain common traits which are: Feelings of insecurity, personal failure, revenge, envy and ego. Remember, a critic is often an 'artist manqué.' Though criticism can be constructive, more often than not, it's destructive, vitriolic, vindictive, caustic and even outright abusive (depending upon a critic's education, family background and social standing). Destructive criticism is often delivered in a manner meant to belittle or hurt the recipient. Critics with a mala-fide intention will go on criticizing. To quote a humorous Urdu poet Atiq Muradabadi, Kuchh Aadat Hi Aisi Ban Gayee Hai Meri/ Roti Hazm Nahin Hoti Tanqeed Kiye Bina" (Unless I criticize, I can't digest a morsel). I suggest, he (this compulsive critic) should read, Richard Brinsley Sheridan's novel, 'The Critic.' The story follows the character of Mr. Dangle, a wealthy and self-important theatre critic who prides himself on his knowledge and expertise in the arts. As he attends a new play at the theatre, he is joined by his friends Sir Fretful Plagiary, a nervous and insecure playwright, and Sneer, a sly and cunning fellow critic. Together, they navigate their way through the production, offering their thoughts and criticisms along the way. He must also read H E Briggs' " Keats's Conscious and Unconscious Reactions to Criticism of Endymion " (24 pages). While no one, barring the academicians, remembers the names of the rabid critics of John Keats, the world gushes over Keats' sublime poetry. Yaas Yagana Changezi should be a case history for all the 'talented' critics, for, he (Yaas) wasted his remarkable poetic skills on criticizing the perceived obscure nature of Mirza Ghalib's poetry. Rather than cavil at what people say or write, carve a niche for yourself. Great Urdu critic and poet Khaleel-Ur-Rahman-Azmi (1927-1978), who taught British Urdu scholar Professor Ralph Russell how to read and write Urdu, once said, "Shayari Karte Waqt Dil-O-Dimagh Aasmaan Ki Bulandiyon Ko Chhoone Lagte Hain, Lekin Tanqeed Ke Waqt Naqqaad Mein Zameen Se Vaabsta Halkapan Aa Jaata Hai" (While writing poetry, heart and mind touch the dizzying heights of the sky, but while criticizing, a critic tends to suffer from the frivolity and levity of this world). Has our dear critic got the drift? No hard feelings. Cheers! ----- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/critic-artist-manque/d/134438 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism