We Are Drowning in Stupid Opinions
Weighing in on anything & everything has become an epidemic of fatuous narcissism
Some people just need to STFU
Most everyone knows the sharp old saw, “Opinions are like assholes. Everyone’s got one.” And these days it feels like most every asshole has an opinion and is determined to let you know just what it is on social media, while the plethora of online publications are filled with further opining on anything and everything that might serve as click bait.
Enough already!
I must confess that it’s ironic for me to complain: For nearly 50 years, I’ve been a published critic, reviewing music, film, books, restaurants, architecture, bars and more. Although professional criticism is, at its best, far more than opinions, too often these days I read stuff that eschews informed and balanced assessments for personal (and usually quite emotional) reactions.
Case in bellowing and bitching point: The recent unveiling of the really (really) red portrait of King Charles III. The Ickynet exploded with reactions to the obviously provocative painting.
Admittedly, it’s largely a love it or loathe it work of art. And Charles is a lightning rod, not just because he occupies the throne of a fabulously wealthy anachronistic monarchy. There’s also the ongoing kerfuffle with wayward spare Harry. His mother Diana’s damning story about her marriage and the messy Lady Di/Camilla dynamic. He’s never seemed to exude much in the way of warmth and comes across as an awkward sort.
Or in sum, it’s a perfect dartboard for self-anointed opinionators. And King Chuckie’s recently unveiled portrait provides a irresistible target for haters and bloviators.
I will admit that the painting does look like it was used for as the bullseye for a squad of red-paintball shooters. That’s not an opinion, mind you, just an observation.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4123ba72-d254-4f38-85dd-d3e71927c723.heic)
If you want a sampling of the hate for it, this recent article on Salon.com, headlined by calling it “so grotesque,” is a good place to start. Its author, quoted as an inset, says of the artist, Jonathan Yeo, “I’d describe his style as reminiscent of something you’d find in your overpriced Airbnb or a walk-in shopping mall gallery.” Another article on the NDTV.com website quotes many social media posts, such as “ugliest thing I have ever seen” and “it looks like he’s in hell.” The best work of criticism on it I’ve read is in The New York Times, which concludes at its end that the portrait is “reflective of not just a monarch, but also the evolution of the role itself, the conflicts around the job and a king captured forevermore in what very much looks like the hot seat.”
As for my opinions on it, well, I rather like it in a qualified way. Its style isn’t something I’d necessarily hang on my own walls; then again, I wouldn’t display a print of the Mona Lisa either. I appreciate how it breaks the stodgy mold for royal portraits. It’s a well-executed painting with a distinct style. Queen Camilla reportedly told Yeo, “Yes, you’ve got him;” obviously she knows him, though his gnarled-looking hands seem questionable.
When I write criticism, I try to keep in mind what is one of the wisest things that my last (excellent) therapist had to drill into my sometimes thick skull (regarding interpersonal relations, but sagacious advice in general): Respond don’t react. I’d also say when opining: assess rather than be an asshole.
That’s my opinion. But at least it’s a considered one.
Interesting perspectives but I love your closing paragraphs. Wonderful thoughts for a wisened person.
i enjoyed that read.