Lately, I’ve been thinking about different jobs and how their relevance has evolved, gone away, or come into question with the advent of the Internet. One I’ve heard discussed often is the job of a professional critic. The job of a critic may seem very appealing to people. For it to be your job to sit around and tell people what you think about something; for many seems ideal. If you are of a certain age before the Internet, there was a time when people were so familiar with a critic that they garnered their own celebrity status. To this day I am certain Facebooks Like button is an homage to Siskel and Ebert. But in an age where social media platforms give everyone a voice, the role and relevance of professional critics has come under scrutiny. With so many opinions flooding the internet about every new movie, song, or television show, one can’t help but wonder: do we need critics anymore?
Understanding the Role of a Professional Critic
Historically, critics have been much more than mere reviewers; they have acted as discerning interpreters and analyzers of arts and media. Their role transcended the simplistic binary of ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ delving into the nuances of various works. They explored themes, context, and techniques, assessing each piece’s place within the broader spectrum of its genre or art form. Critics were instrumental in influencing public opinion, shaping cultural discourse, and occasionally even directing the future path of art and artists. Their insights and evaluations often provided a deeper understanding that the art itself might not explicitly convey.
This traditional role of critics was especially crucial during times when access to a diverse range of artistic works was more limited, and general public knowledge of the arts was not as expansive as it is today. Critics served as essential intermediaries between creators and audiences, offering expert evaluations and context that enriched the audience’s experience and understanding of art. Figures like Kenneth Burke, Lionel Trilling, and Leo Spitzer were pivotal in shaping public perception and discussion around literature and art. Yet, with the advent of the Internet, the landscape in which these critics operate has undergone a dramatic transformation, reshaping their roles and the nature of their influence.
The Internet and Social Media: Changing the Landscape
The digital revolution, spearheaded by the explosive growth of social media, has significantly democratized the field of criticism. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok empower virtually anyone to share their views with a global audience, contributing to a vast proliferation of voices discussing and reviewing art in all its myriad forms. This newfound ease of expressing opinions online has raised pertinent questions about the continued value and influence of traditional critics in this modern landscape.
This era of social media has indeed given a voice to the masses, transforming every smartphone owner into a potential critic. While this democratization is commendable for fostering a more diverse range of opinions and breaking down barriers that previously silenced certain voices, it also leads to an oversaturation of viewpoints. In this crowded digital arena, the nuanced thoughtfulness and depth that characterize professional criticism risk being drowned out by the sheer volume of voices. The challenge now lies in distinguishing the insightful critique from the cacophony of opinions that dominate these platforms.
Redefining the Role of the Professional Critic
Given these changes, how must a critic step up their game? To remain relevant and impactful to current and future generations, critics need to stand out in news ways. Their insights and perspectives need to transcend the typical fare found in social media posts. This adaptation requires them to showcase their comprehensive background in their respective fields, alongside a profound understanding of the historical and cultural contexts of the subjects they critique. The ability to provide insightful, nuanced analyses is now more crucial than ever in distinguishing their work from the plethora of opinions available online.
An effective critic must not only be equipped with extensive knowledge about their subject matter but they must also present it in a way that resonates. This means not only having an awareness of current trends and dynamics within their specific art form but also a deep grasp of its historical development, key movements, and influential figures. This level of understanding allows critics to situate contemporary works within a wider context, enriching the reader’s experience and comprehension.
Today, critics are faced with the challenging task of navigating a complex and ever-evolving terrain. They must adeptly balance the immediacy and responsiveness demanded by digital platforms with the slower, more deliberate process of critical thinking that their role necessitates. This balance is crucial, as it allows critics to not only keep pace with contemporary trends and discussions but also to delve deeper, offering more thoughtful and comprehensive explorations of their subject matter. This intricate balancing act sets the stage for critics to provide insightful, nuanced analysis, distinguishing their contributions in a landscape saturated with instant reactions and superficial commentary.
The Importance of Critical Thinking
Sharp critical thinking skills are indispensable for any critic. They must possess the ability to meticulously dissect a work, discerning its strengths and weaknesses, and grasping the underlying intent. Independent thinking is paramount; critics must be fearless in diverging from popular opinion. This deviation from mainstream perspectives is not just permissible; it’s essential. It empowers critics to introduce fresh perspectives and challenges readers to engage with art in new and thought-provoking ways.
However, this raises a pertinent question: Is such a level of thoughtful critique feasible in today’s fast-paced world? Moreover, does the audience value and engage with such in-depth analysis? Critics are faced with the challenge of presenting their comprehensive critiques in digestible segments that resonate with contemporary audiences. The dilemma is whether they can do so while still maintaining the integrity of their analysis, or if the faster, more convenient route of echoing popular opinion is the more viable option for survival in the digital age.
The Enduring Relevance of Professional Critics
While some may feel the role of a professional critic may no longer be needed, some also feel the same about travel agents and taxi cabs, yet they too still serve a need. Critics, through their unique perspectives, should offer an essential counterpoint to the majority view. This counterpoint, far from being redundant, should be focused on significantly enriching the cultural conversation. Critics should equip us with a critical lens to examine art, encouraging audiences to engage with works on a more profound level, and to appreciate the subtleties and complexities that might otherwise be overlooked.
In the face of the transformative impact of social media on the landscape of criticism, the role of the professional critic has not diminished; rather, it has evolved to become more crucial than ever. This evolution underscores the need for critics to continually adapt, retaining the depth of their knowledge and the independence of their thought. In doing so, they sustain their vital role in guiding and enriching our collective understanding of the arts. Their insights, rooted in expertise and careful analysis, are indispensable components of our ongoing cultural dialogue, ensuring that the essence of criticism continues to thrive amidst the ever-changing tides of public opinion and digital expression.
As I write this, the irony of writing a critical article about critics is not lost on me. As someone who runs a media business, in some ways I am an example of what I am criticizing but that’s just the crazy upside down world we live in.
