THE
ROLE OF CRITICISM IN NATION-BUILDING
Criticism can be defined as the
expression of disapproval of someone or something. In the same vein, a critic
of a person or system disapproves of them and expresses such view publicly; one
who writes reviews and expresses opinions about books, films, music or any art
work having considered it carefully can also be referred to as ‘a critic’.
Criticism is simply a matter of
flushing out a certain thought or attitude and trying to change it. It is to
show that things are not as self-evident as one believes. Thus, criticism
ensures that what is accepted as self-evident will no longer be accepted as
such. Suffice it to say; observance criticism in any society is a matter of
making facile gestures or remarks difficult.
Criticisms are veritable recipes in any area of human endeavour. For
instance; in Steward-Client relationship, if the client has a criticism to
tender, it means he/she wants to give feedback on the services being rendered
to him/her, thereby creating an opportunity for the steward to learn more about
the person he is working for and how to convert them into a satisfied client
member. Same measure is applicable in a Trader-Customer relationship.
Similarly, in business venture, working or partnering with someone who
is patient and able to receive as well as act on criticism signifies that both
parties involved can work towards a better or greater outcome. Furthermore; in
movie production, criticism enables the producer to know what his audience
actually want.
If one always thinks he is right but doesn’t get feedback from anyone
else, he wouldn’t know if he is really doing well. Whether you are selling,
servicing, performing, or leading, listening and acting on those honest views
or reactions will tell you precisely what is good and what could be done
better. Perhaps, you can use the information to change your performance,
exhibition or product, as the case may be.
In public service, criticism has the tendency of guiding the public
servants away from bad practices, and towards good and acceptable ones. It
would enable the said workers to take a step back or have a rethink with a view
to making amends or adjustment where necessary.
The socio-political arena is not left out while discussing the inevitable
role of criticism in nation-building. Undoubtedly, a little constructive
criticism from the members of the public such as the civil society groups, the
electorate, the religious organizations or what have you, channelled towards
the political office holders can yield the anticipated change in the country or
society in question.
Considering the positive impact
of constructive criticism, there is no gain reiterating the fact that it is
indeed a welcome gesture or required factor toward the socio-economic
development of any nation; hence, ought to be sustained. To this end, there is
need for us to acknowledge that the language we use in response to criticism is
vitally important.
Whenever criticism is tendered by any concerned individual or group, the
recipient is expected to try at all cost to avoid getting into an argument.
Instead, they should turn the exchange into a discussion on how to resolve the
predicament; such approach would keep the door open for the required change.
Most importantly, criticisms are
not meant to be taken personally. Even if one feels he/she is being criticized
unfairly, he shouldn’t retaliate with an extreme knee-jerk reaction; such
response will worsen the situation and can even harm the person’s reputation as
well. Therefore, it is essential to always remember to not be offended by
someone’s remarks even if you think it is a personal attack.
On the other hand; having noted the enormous significance of
constructive criticism in nation-building, there is also a compelling need for
the critics to be mindful at all times when tendering their criticisms. They
should know when they are supposed to tender the criticism as well as how it
ought to be presented. It is worthy to note that, some critics lack the
orientation on when and how to present their criticism; this set of persons
invariably tender their contrary opinions as a form of antagonism thereby
making the supposed recipient misunderstand the gesture.
More so, critics are meant to comprehend
that criticism is expected to be accompanied by the presumed remedy to the
anomaly that is being criticized. Most so called critics usually end up raising
a cloud of dust in the name of criticism. Unequivocally, a criticism that is
not tendered with a presumed solution to the problem being criticized is simply
a mere noise that is intended to cause a pandemonium or controversy rather than
addressing the situation at hand.
In view of the aforementioned facts, everyone at all levels including
political leaders, followers, craftsmen, traders, businessmen, teachers and
public servants, as the case may be, is expected to take criticism seriously
regardless of the circumstance in order not to abuse the tool, which has proven
beyond any reasonable doubt to be the engine room of any nation-building. Think
about it!
COMR FRED DOC NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)
_____________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
Follow: @fdnnwaozor /
@fred_nwaozor
