| Tuesday 23 September 2003 |
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Fans of Mariah Carey launch e-mail salvos
A primer for and from the singer's supporters on the meaning of criticism, which involves listening as well as talking. I was flamed. From around the world, Mariah Carey fans e-mailed me their rage. They questioned my credentials: "I find it interesting that someone who can probably not even hold a single note can find so much to criticize about one concert!" sneered one. Some wrote at great length. Others were succinct. "Jealousy breeds contempt," read a typical subject line. "You are nasty," said Dubravko from Croatia.
How did I become the Mariah pariah? I wrote a mostly negative review of the singer's Sept. 1 show at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which got posted on a fan website. The article generated more e-mail than any other single thing I've written, even my defense of Hillary Clinton - and you stir a hornet's nest when you write about New York's junior senator.
Hate mail outpaced love letters about 50 to 1, although, like my review, not every letter was entirely negative. The e-mails are still trickling in; they must number about 70. I'd make a joke about that meaning everyone who bought Mariah's last album weighed in, but I think I've caused enough trouble already.
E-mailers whose critique was couched in reasoned appreciation got my attention. The e-mails written in capital letters and laced with expletives and personal insults - deleted. My attack on Carey was not ad hominem, so I didn't see the need to be so attacked myself. The response did raise an interesting issue: How the changing nature of media has changed critics' job, and how they remain the same. In an age of interactive technology, everyone can be a critic. The Internet is a great leveler, giving all those Mariah fans a way to aim their slingshots at media Goliaths. That's one of the things I like about American Idol; it (supposedly) put judgment-making authority in the hands of American viewers. Power to the people, right on!
But the fact is, not everyone is a critic. It's a profession that's more than paid opinionating. Critics are needed more than ever these days, as watchdogs against the growing entertainment-industrial complex that hustles celebrity hype. We're the protector of art consumers. Even if sometimes those consumers wish we would shut up. The No. 1 job requirement for critics is a love of argument. I say that instead of conceit, chutzpah or balls because I think it's a stereotype to say all critics are egotistical. The good critic listens as well as she talks. Yes, we have the audacity to believe our opinions are worth publishing. But the goal is to shape tastes, not dictate them.
The second requirement is knowledge. If you're going to make your opinion public record, you'd better speak with authority. I've studied musical theory and history, listened to thousands of records and attended thousands of shows. I read books and magazines about music. I'm not a musician but I can read music and play a few instruments. Of course, I wish I had Carey's voice. If I did, I think I would use it to better ends than she does. But I'm content with my writing talents. Besides, my son thinks I sing just fine, and he's all the audience I need.
Critics can be wrong. I was in my Mariah review. I misinterpreted a song, as believe me, many writers pointed out. I forgot that Clown is about Eminem; it's in fact more clever than I gave Mariah credit for. I'm glad those readers set the record straight. But usually, critics know whereof we speak. It's our job to point out when the emperor has no clothes, even when fans have paid hundreds of dollars to believe she's decked out. Many e-mailers refused to accept what was plain to my ears: that Mariah has pushed her storied voice beyond its limits. Exposing cultural denial is a crucial critical task.
Jeremiah, a 16-year-old from California, loves Mariah. He said he listened to a couple of MPEGs from the current tour, and he agreed with me: "I really hope she takes some time out to rest her voice before she decides to do another tour," Jeremiah wrote. "The article about Carey was harsh, but I get that you're only being honest," the subject line in Jeremiah's letter said. I won't deny that there are critics out there who hate musicians, but I swear I'm not one of them. In fact, I have a secret soft spot for Mariah. The fact that she rarely lives up to my hopes keeps me from being a fan. His ability to see those failings, but love her anyway, makes Jeremiah a critic. (The Miami Herald)
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