Aliology: Constructive, not Destructive

(Quick notice: some censored inappropriate slurs are put in one image.)

So...criticism. We've all dealt with it and we've all given it out. Whether it be for something you enjoy, or something you despise. Maybe it was a really annoying student, or a great friend that messed up. Perhaps you were critiquing your friend's article. It might've just been a minor dispute. You even handle and give criticism when you self-talk.

Criticism can really affect how you feel. Constructive criticism helps you grow as a person, realize you are imperfect and that you can change. Destructive criticism is just rude, often pointless, and affects self-worth. However, sometimes it might not be obvious if you're being constructive with your criticism. So, about 9 months ago, I put this on my wall, on how you can turn mean opinions into fair criticism.

Of course since this was a while ago, there are some sappy things said here, but it is still a good idea to consider how constructive your criticism actually is. My criticism used to be highly destructive, but I have been slowly learning to appreciate the positive things about stuff. After all, if I only focused on what I hate about something I love...do I really love something?

Something also important about criticism is to still try and be honest. Being disingenuous and lying about how something makes you feel, regardless on if you like it overall will mean skills will stay stagnant. 

And when you do mention something you don't like about something, explain why. It's easy to just say "it's boring" or "it's unfunny", but why do you personally think that? Is it a criticism relevant to the person's growth? Is it even necessary to mention?

EXAMPLES

Here's an example of constructive criticism I received about an animation a few months ago:

(This was on my animation "Fruition" btw)

The person highlighted what they liked about my animation and also suggested improving my shading. They also went in depth on said problems with shading. It doesn't get toxic and stays level-headed.

On the other side, here's an example of destructive criticism I once got for making an error in my writing about PBS Kids being defunded.

Who this guy think he is?!

Now, I was incorrect in what I was saying- PBS Kids was not fully defended, and it still receives funding from from other sources. However, not only did the person not fully explain their reasoning, but they said it in a pretentious and rather unwarranted way. "Lol you don't know anything do you"? Excuse me, everyone gets it wrong sometimes.

A better example of nicely explaining to someone they made a mistake would be this:

Discussion on PM photos

If you don't know what we're talking about, it's the postmortem photos of an unidentified decedent, in specific one of the Los Angeles Bus Stop Boys. (I may make a blog post about them in future!)

However, I mistakenly thought one of the images was taken at the crime scene. People casually were able to tell me it was taken at the autopsy by coroners without having to be rude, and they weren't dehumanizing my opinions on the photo either.

As a result, I was able to correct myself confidently and came out knowing more about PM photos.

ENDING

So, overall, remember- use your words politely in order to help others improve. Criticism can only be constructive if you make it so.

Keep on constructing!

- ninesevenpotatoes, 2025