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Criticism Quote by Foz Meadows

“We have so long been subject to external criticism that we don’t know how to react to internal criticism, because whereas the most enduring, positive and sensible response to the former is a united front – you shall not divide us, here we stand – responding to the latter is an entirely different…” quote by Foz Meadows
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““We have so long been subject to external criticism that we don’t know how to react to internal criticism, because whereas the most enduring, positive and sensible response to the former is a united front – you shall not divide us, here we stand – responding to the latter is an entirely different ballgame. This is my fear: that as a community, we don’t know how to critique ourselves, and that this is dong us damage. Criticism, and specifically the criticism of both literary publications and the mainstream press, has so long been the weapon of the enemy that our first response on seeing it wielded internally is to call it the work of traitors. We have found strength in the creation of our own conventions and the hallowing of our own legends, flourishing to such an extent that, even if we are not yet accepted into the mainstream literary establishment, we are nonetheless part of the cultural mainstream. We are written about inaccurately, yet we are written about; and if there ever was a time when the whole genre seemed a precarious, faddish endeavour, then that time is surely past. Blog post: Criticism in SFF and YA””

Foz Meadows

About This Quote

Source Blog post: Criticism in SFF and YA, 2022

Communities struggle to self‑criticize because external attacks are met with unity, while internal critique feels threatening, hindering growth.

In simple terms: Self‑critique is hard for groups.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate honest internal feedback.

Themes

community critique self‑reflection

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

analytical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • editorial meetings
  • peer reviews
  • literary conferences

Key Concepts

media analysis group dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can groups foster safe self‑critique?
  • What benefits arise from honest internal feedback?
A Different Perspective

Fear of division can silence necessary criticism.

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