An Understood Vulnerability

At first glance, professional critics’ jobs sound glamorous: Their employers pay them to visit trendy restaurants, theatre performances, or art galleries. Individuals clamor to get in their good graces. Their inherent influence on their city’s restaurant, music, or theatre scene has the ability to launch careers — or stop them cold.

However, the profession is not for the faint-hearted. It places one in a vulnerable position; being open and honest in one’s views of a certain book or painting can demand a great deal emotionally and mentally. Critics may second-guess if others would react the same to a movie, or if their own personal preferences are too heavily influencing their reactions to a band’s latest single. It can be hard when readers disagree, especially when social media is a breeding ground for others to respond maliciously — with zero accountability — and invalidate a critic’s experiences. I have heard it said that “vulnerability breeds vulnerability,” and I firmly believe that is what a critic does.

Critics set forth a platform that fosters conversation. They lay a foundation in baring their opinion publicly, one that is shaped by their education, life experiences and personal tastes. This introduces the vulnerability to any particular conversation. Then, the public and the community specializing in that medium offer their response, which can be hard for them as well. This leads to a community of interaction centered on deep, personal thoughts and fleshed-out opinions. The critic takes the bold initiative to encourage others to think in a critical mindset that goes beyond the mindless Netflix binge watch and step into emotionally intelligent evaluation of plot lines, acting, flavors and sounds. The critic takes on a great deal of power in being the courageous one who opens up a door that might never be closed, but they also have the potential to open people’s eyes and hearts to ideas and viewpoints outside their “bubble.”