It has recently resurfaced that I do not take criti-
cism well. It's true, I don't; but not for obvious rea-
sons.

The main reason I often don't take criticism
well is simple: I feel that argument without the oppor-
tunity to persuade is simply theatre. It's overindulgent
at best and totally worthless at worst. But persuasion
requires more than excellent rhetoric; it requires an
open mind. And open minds are quick to close at the
first threat of danger. Admitting you're wrong is dan-
gerous. Changing you're mind requires at least the hint

that you're previous belief
systems were flawed and
therefore wrong. Having
belief systems requires
firm beliefs. Firm beliefs
are firm because we
believe them to be cor-
rect (or at least correct-
ish). Everyone has to
believe in something, I
believe most people do
not have open minds. I
also believe this para-
graph is long overdue to
end.

See what I mean
about the masturbatory
nature of rhetoric and
argument without persua-
sion?

I don't take criti-
cism well because I've
lost my faith in most peo-
ple to have the mental
fortitude to change their
belief systems if and
when contradictory facts
become accepted as
“most likely true.” Have I
lost you yet? Don't feel
too bad if I have; I lost myself half way through that
absurdly thick second paragraph. But I do have a
point: If you wish to criticize someone or something,
please ensure that you have at least some flimsy basis
for what you're purporting. Also, don't be afraid to
point out a solution to the problem should said prob-
lem become mutually perceived.

I hate it when someone logically convinces me
that a problem exists only to answer the obvious next
question—‘Well, what should we do instead?”—with
a magnanimous “Uhhhh...hmmm. Good question.”

That’s as stupid as getting so hopped up on the goof-
balls that you end up passing clean-ass out on 10:30
on New Year's Eve.

I'm not saying don't approach me with criti-
cism, far from it. I'm simply saying that if you come
prepared to change my mind, please be prepared to
change yours if I turn out to be right.

Speaking of right, you know that starting your
new semester off with a spine-tingling Other Press is
the right thing to do. And like Sloan said, “If it feels
right do it...”

And you're definitely going to want to “do it”
with News this week. It's got “Pride,” Irving Layton,
and elections hullabaloo, not necessarily in that order.

Don't worry though, Opinions will hold you,
caress you, and ask you about what it is you love to
do. You'll go from anti-Emo to pro-Kyoto, all while a
couple of left and right forks try to spoon.

A&E is the consummation of that crush you've
been harbouring. It's got Big Mouth's music, Vince
Yim's comics, and my favourite kind of self promo-
tion: shameless self promotion.

Features may as well be called “Barry White's
Sweet-ass Baritone Voice” this week, because it's
going to let you readers know you're loved. And Iain
Reeve is going to do that by jumping the shark and
singling out The Simpsons, all in the name of describing
the downfall of Happy Days.

By this point you're probably thinking Sports
is going to try and pull some “frat-house crap” by get-
ting you drunk and offering you a neck massage. Well,
you'd only be half right. You'll be drunk on the sweet
verbiage of Brian McLennon and his update from the
world of wheelchair basketball.

So turn the lights down low, light the candles,
and fire up the hi-fi, you're about to travel down the
tunnel of love with the first OP of the New Year.
Sweet dreams, mia Cara.

—Colin Miley, Managing Editor

 

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