Everyone's a critic

Am I the only one who has noticed that lately, it seems like everyone's a critic?  Perhaps it is due to the proliferation of HGTV, the Food Network and Pinterest.  Maybe I am being a little too sensitive.  I have noticed it everywhere in my life.  Yesterday, The Man was criticizing the architecture of the National Park Service building in front of the Lincoln Home in Springfield, and it made me think.  Is all of this criticism really constructive?  He was talking about a building built in the 1960's.  It looks like it was built in the 1960's, and not the 1840's.  Admittedly, the building does look out of place in the historic area, but it has its merits (such as air conditioning on a 93 degree day).  I found it disconcerting that he was so quick to criticize the appearance of the building, and not consider the greater purpose that the building served.  We are supposed to be appreciating the contributions of a great man, not comparing mid nineteenth century architecture to the gravel streets and boardwalks.

Another example in my life is my manager's insistence on her employees adapting to her personal vocabulary beliefs.  She does not like it when people say "no problem" after someone says "thank you." She feels that saying no problem implies that her request was a problem in the first place and is quick to lecture anyone who says "no problem" in her presence. Needless to say, this is becoming a problem. The latest on her list of forbidden expressions is the word "whatnot," as it is a word that does not make sense.  I have a feeling that "nonsense" is the next on her hit list. These edicts are truly ironic because they are coming from a woman who does not have a firm grasp on the differences between there, their and they're.  Sometimes, it is just best to quietly laugh to yourself or whatnot.  I found this handy dandy little chart on Pinterest, perhaps sharing it will help others.

In the end, it does not matter where your opinion is coming from.  You are free to express it.  But please make sure you use proper grammar.  Otherwise, I might become critical.