In contemporary cultural discourse, criticism, particularly of female celebrities, has undergone a notable transformation. This shift is characterized by a tension between genuine critical engagement and what can be seen as mere “hating”. The phenomenon of the "People's Princess," wherein certain celebrities achieve near-untouchable status, further complicates the landscape of criticism. Ann Manov's scathing review of Lauren Oyler's essay collection "No Judgment" offers a lens through which to explore these dynamics (1).
The Context of Literary Criticism Today
Ann Manov's review of Oyler’s work in "Bookforum" became a talking point not just because of its harshness, but also due to the broader context of literary criticism. Oyler herself gained prominence through a notably negative review of Jia Tolentino’s "Trick Mirror," which broke from a trend of predominantly positive critiques in literary circles (2). Eleanor Stern attributes Oyler's viral fame to the rarity of negative reviews at the time, highlighting a general reluctance to engage in public criticism within the shrinking ecosystem of literary journalism.
This hesitance to criticize is partly fueled by the precarious nature of book publishing and criticism today. With fewer full-time critics and diminished book advances, there seems to be an unwritten rule against attacking peers in a struggling industry. As Stern notes, this scarcity has fostered an environment where negative reviews are seen as in poor taste or counterproductive. Thus, Oyler’s critical stance was both a breath of fresh air and a point of contention.
The Importance of Negative Reviews
Historically, the animosity between artists and critics is well-documented. The 18th-century poet Alexander Pope famously referred to critics as "monsters," a sentiment that persists today. "The Ringer" published an article in 2019 titled "The Great Celebrity War on Criticism," documenting recent artist pushback against negative reviews (3). Examples include Lizzo's now-deleted tweet that suggested music reviewers who don't create music themselves should be unemployed, and Ariana Grande's criticism of blog writers as unfulfilled and purposeless. These reactions, while extreme, highlight a broader issue: the fear of professional blacklisting. Critics like Cathy Horyn and Robin Givhan have faced bans from major fashion shows due to their harsh reviews, illustrating the tangible consequences of negative criticism (4).
Despite the discomfort they may cause, negative reviews play a crucial role in the artistic ecosystem. They serve as a counterbalance to uncritical praise, encouraging higher standards and fostering a more honest dialogue about art. As the video commentary suggests, Oyler’s willingness to critique harshly, and in turn be critiqued harshly, opens up a necessary space for genuine criticism.
Criticism, when done well, transcends personal attacks and engages deeply with the work's substance. It prompts readers and creators alike to think more critically about the material. However, the line between criticism and mere negativity or "hating" can be thin. Manov's jab, "Who cares really about any of this?" arguably crosses into personal territory, detracting from a constructive critique of Oyler’s work.
Oyler has also been criticized for the extremism of her reviews, yet has never been accused of utilizing elitism or possessing a superiority complex to those of which she reviews content for. When critics engage in personal attacks, it creates a barrier to meaningful dialogue and discourages diverse perspectives from being heard. Instead of fostering a space for constructive criticism and healthy debate, elitism alienates both creators and audiences, limiting the richness and diversity of cultural exchange. True criticism should focus on the merits of the work itself, offering insightful analysis and thoughtful commentary rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks or dismissive attitudes towards differing viewpoints.
Negative reviews, while increasingly rare, are crucial for maintaining a healthy art ecosystem. They provide necessary checks and balances, ensuring that art evolves and improves. As long as art exists, so too will the need for critics, even in a landscape that increasingly favors enthusiasm over scrutiny.
The Decline of “Traditional” Criticism
The decline in traditional criticism can also be attributed to the sheer volume of content being produced today. With the advent of social media, anyone can self-publish, creating a vast collections of art that traditional critics struggle to keep up with. Phillipa K. Chong, in an article for "The American Scholar," notes that fewer than 5% of new books receive any form of coverage in larger media outlets (5). This saturation has led to a shift towards more sensationalized, clickbait-style headlines designed to attract traffic, often at the expense of nuanced critique. Maxine Bisera, writing for McGill University's student paper "The Bull & Bear," suggests that the sheer volume of information available forces people to quickly skim content, sorting it into simplistic binaries (6). This oversimplification discourages nuanced understanding and engagement. Alexis Hiniker, an associate professor of information studies, notes that social media platforms foster environments where differing opinions are quickly dismissed, cutting off opportunities for dialogue and repair (7).
Additionally, Christian Lorentzen, writing for "Harper's”, argues that the need for traffic has led to a decline in the quality of reviews, with writers opting for clear, unambiguous takes to ensure social media virality (8). This shift is mirrored in other forms of media as well. This represents a broader trend of low media literacy. According to Dictionary.com, media literacy is "the ability or skills to critically analyze for accuracy, credibility, or evidence of bias the content created and consumed in various media" (9). However, a 2019 Pew Research survey revealed that digital media literacy skills are lacking across all generations, even among Gen Z, who grew up with technology. For instance, on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, the commentary genre has exploded, with creators producing content that often prioritizes sensationalism over depth. The result is an oversaturated market where professional critics struggle to stand out, and nuanced criticism is devalued.
Furthermore, this incomplete understanding of media literacy may drive unjustified and misinformed negative criticism. For instance, the online discourse around "Dune: Part Two" was rife with superficial analyses that misinterpreted the film's themes (10). Some critics accused the movie of promoting a white savior complex, overlooking the deeper narrative elements and author Frank Herbert's explicit warnings against charismatic leaders. This misinterpretation highlights a broader issue: the tendency to form quick, uninformed opinions based on incomplete information.
Jacob Silverman's 2012 essay "Against Enthusiasm" explores how social media has impacted literary criticism (11). He argues that platforms like Twitter create a more intimate connection between authors and readers, making it harder to criticize someone you've come to know personally, even if only digitally. This dynamic can create pressure to be constantly supportive, a sentiment echoed by Becca McCharen-Tran, who notes that in the fashion industry, positive reviews can directly impact a brand's success.
The Gendered Nature of Criticism
This concept of criticism is incredibly unique when applied to female celebrities specifically. Women in the public eye frequently face a unique set of challenges. The concept of "getting woman'd," as described by Rayne Fisher-Quann, refers to the cycle of adoration followed by intense scrutiny and eventual backlash that female celebrities often experience (12). This phenomenon is rooted in societal discomfort with women's success and visibility. Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence, for instance, experienced significant public backlash despite their accomplishments, largely due to their perceived perfection or authenticity (13, 14).
The criticism of women extends to the literary world, where female authors and critics often face harsher judgment. Eleanor Stern highlights how the literary criticism ecosystem can perpetuate this cycle, with critics gaining notoriety by tearing down other female writers. This dynamic underscores a broader issue: the disproportionate backlash women receive, which often stems from deep-seated gender biases rather than genuine critical evaluation.
The Phenomenon of the People's Princess
The "People's Princess" phenomenon, a term popularized by the media, refers to celebrities who achieve widespread public adoration and are often seen as beyond reproach (15). This status can insulate them from criticism, as their fans and the media often rush to their defense. This dynamic is particularly pronounced with female celebrities, who can be both idolized and scrutinized in extreme ways.
The reluctance to criticize popular female figures is partly rooted in a desire to protect them from the harshness of public scrutiny, which historically has been disproportionately severe. However, this protective stance can also lead to a lack of critical engagement with their work. For instance, in Hollywood, the fear of making enemies or being perceived as unsupportive can stifle honest critiques, as seen in the behavior of celebrities like Ayo Edebiri on platforms like Letterboxd (16).
Edebiri's shift towards more positive reviews likely reflects an awareness of her precarious position in the industry. The backlash she faced over past negative comments about Jennifer Lopez underscores the potential career risks associated with public criticism. This dynamic illustrates how the fear of retribution can lead to self-censorship, further blurring the line between genuine criticism and PR-friendly commentary.
Nostalgia for Authenticity
The PR-driven nature of modern celebrity culture contrasts sharply with the perceived authenticity of early 2000s celebrities. The era’s stars, less managed by extensive PR machinery, often appeared more genuine and less polished. This authenticity, however, came at the cost of intense public scrutiny and personal invasions by the media.
Today’s audiences, while more media-savvy, often miss the unfiltered nature of past celebrity culture. The calculated interactions during press tours, like those of "Bridgerton" co-stars Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, are appreciated for their entertainment value but also recognized as strategic performances. This awareness can lead to a cynical view of contemporary celebrity culture, where even genuine moments are seen through a lens of skepticism.
Conclusion
The interplay between being a hater, the death of criticism, and the phenomenon of the People's Princess highlights the complexities of modern cultural criticism. Figures like Lauren Oyler and Ann Manov challenge the norms of a largely positive critical landscape, emphasizing the importance of honest, even harsh, critique. However, this must be balanced with respect for the work and the individuals behind it. As we navigate these dynamics, the goal should remain the same: to foster a cultural environment where art is both celebrated and rigorously examined, ensuring its continuous evolution and relevance.
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