Constructive Criticism

Criticism is an expression of disapproval of someone or something on the basis of perceived faults or mistakes. It could be constructive or clearly destructive. This could be aimed at pointing out one's errors to help the person improve and get better results. On the other hand, it could be used to demoralize someone and discourage them from heading down a certain course. It can also be used for analysis, to determine the quality of something such as an artwork, music etc. How then do we determine what type of criticism is being offered? Who decides what type of criticism is offered? Is it the critic or the person criticized? The aim of constructive criticism is to motivate and encourage the person to do better, by pointing out areas that need to be worked on. If this aim is not achieved, then criticism is not constructive. Considering this, it is obviously the person criticized that can tell if criticism is constructive, the fact that you intend to motivate someone by criticizing does not already make it constructive. You might turn out to demoralize the person and hence defeat the purpose of criticizing the person. Does this mean that we cannot criticize constructively? NO! Having a goal as a critic is not enough to successfully motivate or improve anyone by criticism, you need a plan. Likewise, to criticize constructively, one must have a plan or consider certain things to enable him achieve that goal. The way you criticize a person goes a long way to determine the level of success that will be achieved.

The manner of criticism involves considering different little aspects like the personal pride or ego of the person. We all have different levels of self pride which can affect the way we react to criticism. One must try not to embarrass the person being criticized or to make the person look stupid. Try to make the person realize that others have made similar mistakes. This is not the time to start a roll call of all the mistakes the person has made.

Secondly, place and time also play a major role in your attempt to help by criticizing constructively. People do not appreciate open rebuke especially when it involves sensitive issues. A private discussion is usually more effective than open rebuke. Open rebuke usually leads to rebellion. You will also need to give the person some time (if possible) to think about whatever you have said and to muster courage to make the necessary changes. Another important thing to take note of is the fact that whatever you are told in trust should remain confidential. If you go around talking about the person’s mistakes, you could end up reversing the effect of your criticism.

All this has to do with the critic, but the person being criticized should also open up and humbly consider whatever he or she has been told and make the necessary corrections. Don’t start on with a defensive mindset. You might end up blocking out the message that could turn you around or even shoot you to the top.

With all this in mind, you will achieve a lot more results from criticism, but do not become a fault finding machine. You might end up finding people’s faults so perfectly that you won’t be able to see any of yours. No one knows it all, if I’m wrong correct me and criticize me constructively please.

An African Solution

I'm not going to start this post by saying all the inspiring things that we all expect to hear when we talk about an African renaissance. We can start with all the quotes and sayings that people have left us with in their moments of inspiration and we won't end up with a solution. All the proposed answers to the problems of under-development, hunger, wars etc have been laid down by great African philosophers and economists. Some of the greatest minds have macerated this subject with wisdom and experience beyond my present level. What exactly is the reason behind the slow, and in some cases non-existent, response to the proposed solutions? Africans, we are the biggest problem that we face!

The idea of positive change starts with the people. If the people are not ready for it, then the leaders cannot do anything. In a situation where nobody is ready to play his or her role, the work will never get done.

Let me start from the youth in society. The images of what is cool revolves around things that relegate African culture and society to extinction. These are things that empower foreign economies ahead of whatever we have to offer. It is not necessarily an issue of quality, but an issue of a lack of patriotism, distrust in the system and a very 'western' materialistic and competitive attitude. The world dictates what is cool and what is beautiful to you and you strive so hard to achieve this conception of 'coolness' and beauty. 

The young adults, the politicians and most of the leaders in industry are more self-centred than we have seen in many decades. People struggle to get rich, to intimidate and compete with others in terms of wealth and power. The average African wants to get power and wealth for these same selfish reasons that have slowed us down for so long. 

Don't get me wrong. I also want to be rich and powerful, but I feel that what we do with our wealth and power should be different. It should serve as a tool for development and service rather than a yardstick to measure how poor others are in relation to you. Somewhere deep down, there is still the ability to do good and help others. Black is the endpoint of all colours. All light has been absorbed into us. We should decide what type of light we give out. 

If we all decide to pay a little more attention to our local content, give them reasons to add quality and value to our local products and slow down with the entire physical and material pursuit, then we can start the revolution. I believe that proper change can only start in the mind. Read, explore, listen and train the mind to believe in quality and possibilities open to you as an African! If education should serve any purpose, it should make us realize how much we belittle ourselves. I'm not a prophet, neither am I the most optimistic person here, but I believe that only Africans can save Africa.