snark

My wife bought me this book, Snark, for my birthday. It's by David Denby, who along with Anthony Lane, is the move reviewer for New Yorker. At times, he can be a bit too preachy and scholarly for my taste but overall a great voice and writer. This particular essay is a timely read as i start this blog.

The premise if the book is that with so many outlets to express one's opinions, the cultural conversation has made a nasty turn toward negativity. There is a difference between critique using parody, satire or other forms of wit and simply tearing someone or something down through anger, sarcasm and jealousy. At it's best critique can be constructive and it's worst it can be, well, snark. There is a stark difference between being cleverly insightful and being snide. A cautionary tale to anyone who wants to their voice to be heard. I'll do my best to heed the warning.