How do we avoid “bashing”? That is, how do we speak frankly about past mistakes and present ills without coming across as someone who sees no value in a given institution?
Church bashing. America bashing. Whatever bashing comes to mind. I’m trying to learn how to critique constructively rather than criticize destructively.
As I’ve pointed out before, there were always be some who prefer a Photoshopped version of history, that edited version where everything our group did was right and everything others did was wrong. Some will go the other way, validating what others have done without valuing anything that we have done in the past.
So where’s the line? How do we avoid the extremes? I’d appreciate any insights you have to give.
“Bashing” and “criticism” mean exactly the same thing. So do “arrogance” and “confidence”. The difference is in the perception or motivation of the person describing the behavior.
If you are criticizing me you are “bashing”. If I use the same terms about you I am offering “constructive criticism”.
If you want to learn to critique constructively, don’t choose your words carefully, instead choose the person you are speaking to carefully. Fools hear only “bashing”. Smart, thoughtful, people hear “constructive criticism” and use it to improve the situation.
>>—–Archer——>
P.S. Don’t confuse ignorant rantings (which is just a display of the speaker’s stupidity), such as “Romney Sucks!” with actual criticism (which is informed evaluation and judgement).
Thanks Kevin