Mueller Lake Park Outdoor Amphitheater
Internationally Known Teacher Who Won't Be Reading the 'Chronicle' Any More
RECEIVED Sat., Dec. 27, 2008
Dear Editor,
I only look at your movie listings. I never read the Chronicle anymore, due to the philosophy the paper has that negativity and cynicism are equal to insight and wisdom. That if it's violent, disgustingly negative, and painful, it must be "real life." If it's harsh, it must be truly meaningful and representative of "reality."
The Chronicle's philosophy appears to be that if it's uplifting or beautiful or funny, it's not "real life." It must be meaningless fluff.
Sad, sad, sad.
If everyone believed as you do, it would become a dark world indeed; for what we focus on, we create more of. We create it, then say, "See, it's real!" Then we create more of it and say, "See, more evidence that it's real!"
Those of us who live happy lives subscribe to quite a different philosophy of seeking out what is uplifting.
Most of the world has no recognition of the power of their attention, and the Chronicle is just another sheep following the herd in unexamined madness, right along with mainstream media.
You are not different than the Statesman in that way, you're just putting the bad news in the spotlight in hipper terms and making it sexier.
I came to your website today for movie times and happened to read a review (even though I know better). Your movie reviews pan anything positive, and so I take your reviews in reverse. If your reviewer pans it, I go see it. If your reviewer loved it, I don't go see it.
I Googled further and saw nothing but positive 4½- to 5- star reviews of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. You gave it a 2 [Film Listings, Dec. 26].
You have the right to champion your dark version of the world. No argument there. I just won't be a reader.
I only look at your movie listings. I never read the Chronicle anymore, due to the philosophy the paper has that negativity and cynicism are equal to insight and wisdom. That if it's violent, disgustingly negative, and painful, it must be "real life." If it's harsh, it must be truly meaningful and representative of "reality."
The Chronicle's philosophy appears to be that if it's uplifting or beautiful or funny, it's not "real life." It must be meaningless fluff.
Sad, sad, sad.
If everyone believed as you do, it would become a dark world indeed; for what we focus on, we create more of. We create it, then say, "See, it's real!" Then we create more of it and say, "See, more evidence that it's real!"
Those of us who live happy lives subscribe to quite a different philosophy of seeking out what is uplifting.
Most of the world has no recognition of the power of their attention, and the Chronicle is just another sheep following the herd in unexamined madness, right along with mainstream media.
You are not different than the Statesman in that way, you're just putting the bad news in the spotlight in hipper terms and making it sexier.
I came to your website today for movie times and happened to read a review (even though I know better). Your movie reviews pan anything positive, and so I take your reviews in reverse. If your reviewer pans it, I go see it. If your reviewer loved it, I don't go see it.
I Googled further and saw nothing but positive 4½- to 5- star reviews of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. You gave it a 2 [Film Listings, Dec. 26].
You have the right to champion your dark version of the world. No argument there. I just won't be a reader.
Best to you,
Lola Jones
Internationally known teacher based in Austin
Lola Jones
Internationally known teacher based in Austin
p.s. I guess the title "critic" gets taken too literally. Anyone can criticize. It takes no creativity, heart, brains, or discernible talent. Everyone on the street does it constantly, and it's a waste of time, creative energy, and breath … and space in your paper.
