river said:
Sensitivity to criticism is a natural by-product of racism or any sort of ism where one is cast into a (perceived to be) socially inferior group.
I understand why but I think we are a little too sensitive and it sometimes stops us from accomplishing much more. We sometimes look more at how something was said instead of putting all our thought and energy into the issue. We even try to find something wrong in how it is said so we can concentrate on that and don’t have to think about the issue. People get their feelings hurt then can’t look at the issue objectively and solve the problem as well. It is hard to even talk to someone to discuss a problem if all of your thought goes toward worrying about hurting their feelings. You need to get past this to get to the real problem to accomplish much.
Steve, another excellent observation... This oft happens in relationships among African men and women, as well as among friends, who instantly become enemies on the basis of an honest critique...
Again, this is not necessarily a Black Thang... I want us to understand that... But as a Black Man, I cannot be concerned with everyone elses issues, and so I directed this question toward African people...
As for my brother from Philadelphia, you know that too many times on the streets of North America, brothers die because another brother couldn't accept a criticism, a negative word... If we are o.k. psychically, then we could move on from verbal hurts and pains... We oft cannot get past them... I think something is deadly WRONG with that, and I'm not afraid to say so... If fact, I am afraid NOT to say something, because I could be the next victim of some brother or sister's hyper-sensitivity to criticism - like "yo, please don't step on my toes, again???"(*smile!)
Peace!
Isaiah