Criticism Quote by Chuck Klosterman
““There’s one kind of writing that’s always easy: Picking out something obviously stupid and reiterating how stupid it obviously is. This is the lowest form of criticism, easily accomplished by anyone. And for most of my life, I have tried to avoid this. In fact, I’ve spend an inordinate amount of time searching for the underrated value in ostensibly stupid things. I understand Turtle’s motivation and I would have watched Medelin in the theater. I read Mary Worth every day for a decade. I’ve seen Korn in concert three times and liked them once. I went to The Day After Tomorrow on opening night. I own a very expensive robot that doesn’t do anything. I am open to the possibility that everyting has metaphorical merit, and I see no point in sardonically attacking the most predictable failures within any culture.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Critic’s Guide”, 2015, Chuck Klosterman on low‑brow criticism
The writer critiques superficial criticism, preferring to find value in seemingly trivial or absurd cultural artifacts, rejecting easy mockery.
In simple terms: Seek depth beyond obvious stupidity.
Key Takeaway
Find merit in the mundane.
Themes
culture
criticism
depth
humor
Mood
analytical
witty
critical
Type
cultural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- film reviews
- music criticism
- pop culture analysis
- art appreciation
Key Concepts
media studies
post‑modernism
value of the mundane
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate genuine insight from sarcasm?
- What role does humor play in cultural critique?
A Different Perspective
Finding value in the trivial can be subjective.
