The Importance of Criticism in a Healthy Society

Criticism is actually an essential part of any healthy society. It allows us to hold our leaders and institutions accountable, to challenge the status quo, and to strive for improvement. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend of hostility towards criticism. This is a dangerous trend, as it threatens to stifle dissent and progress. Suppressing criticism can lead to corruption, complacency, and a decline in the quality of life. We are all aware of the “summon” culture that is now taking root in our society. This is akin to not only taking away one’s right to freedom of expression but also to democracy itself. Democracy depends on open and honest debate, and criticism is a vital part of that debate.

Like Temjen Imna Along stated in Wokha at the ANCSU conference, Naga people today in general have this tendency to be not open to criticism. This inability to accept or handle criticism can indicate several things about our society, like lack of self-confidence, insecurity, inflexibility, emotional sensitivity, or fear of judgment.

Criticism is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it can be a valuable tool for learning and growth. On the other hand, it can be hurtful and destructive, especially if it is delivered in a cruel or insensitive way.

Constructive criticism is specific, actionable, and respectful. It focuses on the behavior or work being criticized, rather than the person themselves. It also offers suggestions for improvement. Destructive criticism, on the other hand, is general, vague, and personal. It often involves name-calling, insults, and other forms of verbal abuse.

Constructive criticism is essential for individual and collective progress. It helps us to identify our weaknesses and areas where we can improve. It also helps us to better understand others and their perspectives. Destructive criticism, on the other hand, can be demoralizing and damaging. It can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and depression.

Unfortunately, destructive criticism is often more common than constructive criticism. This is especially true in today’s online world, where people can easily hide behind their anonymity and attack others with impunity.

It is important to remember that we are all human beings, and we all make mistakes. When we criticize others, we should do so with compassion and understanding. We should also be open to receiving criticism ourselves, as it is an opportunity for us to learn and grow.

The key to dealing with criticism is to learn how to distinguish between constructive and destructive criticism. When we receive constructive criticism, it is important to be open to it and to try to learn from it. We should not take criticism personally, but rather see it as an opportunity to grow. Destructive criticism, on the other hand, should be ignored. It is not worth our time or energy to engage with people who are only trying to hurt us.

Criticism is an important part of the learning process. It helps us to identify our weaknesses and to work on improving them. It also helps us to develop a thicker skin and to become more resilient.