Criticism
Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots. A quote from Frank A. Clarke.
It’s a thing that none of us particularly like, although, it is often necessary. Without it we would no doubt soldier on doing what we do -oblivious to any flaws that we all undoubtedly have. But where does criticism come from and where should it come from?
As a magician performing for lots of people I am open to criticism if I’m not at my best, that means, dress, attitude and performance. If any of these fall short I should be criticised. But – would I?
Most people are kind and considerate and would not seek to criticise unless something or someone was really bad, even then a lot of people would not openly criticise. This does not tell us what we need to know, how many of us can be brutally analytical about ourselves?
There’s an old showbiz story about one chap who, after his performance, would go to the ‘Gents’, sit in a cubicle, and listen to the comments from the ‘visitors’. That is one way to listen to the harsh reality of how you’ve just done. I believe that prevention is better than cure and so I regularly meet up with other magicians for a critique session. It’s only effective if you are honest with each other. It keeps you on your toes and allows to work on those flaws and hopefully eradicate them.
If I’m performing for you and there’s something wrong – please tell me – in a nice way if possible.
ps I haven’t been criticised for ages:)
