The Priceless Value of Criticism in Ethiopia

"How do you feel about criticism?" is one of my go-to questions in an interview. I ask it for many reasons, but never in pursuit of an honest answer. No one has ever expressed the likely genuine response, which is that no one loves to be criticized. Ironically, no one answers with the truth probably for fear of being criticized. The undisputed truth, however, is that constructive criticism is a necessary part of growth.

In a group chat recently, I read something that has become quite a routine part of our social interaction— the criticism of critics. A user in the chat shared a link to a post where someone was lamenting our public services’ knack for inefficiencies. The user in the chat, after sharing the link in the group, continued to disparage the complainer. The discouraging tirade was familiar, it was the criticism of critics, and it goes something like this: "And what has this person done more than complain?"

As I've written before, I think the pride unique to Ethiopians has made us even more averse to criticism than the regular Joe. I firmly believe that being comfortable with criticism—giving it or receiving it— is critical to our individual and collective growth. Not just that, I am even more resolute in my belief that repressing criticism, collective or individual, sets off a Molotov cocktail that will explode in our literal and metaphorical living room.

Now, let me add a quick disclaimer here. Not all criticisms are made equal. It's important to acknowledge that within the realm of public discourse, there exists a spectrum of criticism, some of which may not stem from a place of constructive intent. There are individuals who, despite having access to information, choose not to educate themselves thoroughly on the matters at hand. Others may resist correction, holding tightly to inaccuracies even when presented with factual evidence. There are also many, many, many who fall victim to sensationalist click-bait headlines or YouTube video titles, and continue to spread critiques based on false, incomplete, or skewed understanding. There are also those whose motivations for criticism seem almost questionable, perhaps driven more by personal agendas or the desire to sow discord than by a genuine wish to contribute to meaningful dialogue and improvement. Recognizing this diversity in the nature and quality of criticism is necessary for telling constructive feedback apart (and for understanding the heart of this article a bit better).

Every now and again, I get a rogue comment on these newsletters, "What are you doing about it more than just complaining?" There is a very clear implication here, a very dangerous one that is similar to the implication in the group chat. It's a viewpoint that suggests that the legitimacy of one’s grievances or criticisms is contingent upon one's active contribution to a solution. It sounds so noble— it's essentially saying walk the talk— but it poses several dangers to the fabric of open and constructive discourse within a society. Especially a society like ours that is yearning for a morsel of democracy.

In Ethiopia, the art of complaint is not merely a pastime; it's a crucial pressure valve for societal steam. Imagine a simmering pot of stew representing the collective frustrations and day-to-day frustrations of the populace. The ability of Ethiopians to vocalize their grievances is like lifting the lid just enough to let out a whistle of steam, keeping the contents from boiling over into the flames of dissent. I sometimes feel it's this release that's keeping some from an all-out mutiny. Voiced criticisms and complaints are the safety valves that dissipate tension. In a sense, the freedom to lament might just be the unsung hero holding the fabric of Ethiopian society together, one exasperated sigh or social media post at a time.

However, when we start putting a price tag on voicing our criticisms, demanding tangible contributions for the chance to get your sigh of relief, we really start to push the already taut seams of our society. This transactional stance conditions freedom of expression, effectively restricting the universal right to voice concerns only to those deemed to have made a direct contribution. Not only does this risk silencing marginalized voices—those most affected by systemic issues yet least empowered to effect systemic change— but it directly protects those who inflict or participate in social inequalities and omits critical perspectives from the discourse.

The dangers don't stop here. It discourages broader public engagement because now grievances are valid only if the price to express them has been paid in some form of tangible contribution, the standards of which remain fluid and up to the subjective perspective of those hearing the criticism. I am always making the argument that the voiced criticism is a valid and valuable contribution in and by itself.

Consider the weight given to voiced criticisms in the developed world. There's something there we can glean from. Our criticisms provide a mirror for institutions, systems, and societies, reflecting back the areas that require attention, improvement, or overhaul. Of course, I can already hear the sigh of exasperation, "የሚሰማ ሲኖር እኮ ነው!" But, funny as it may sound, your criticism is patriotic. It functions as an essential feedback mechanism that, if and when constructively engaged, can lead to meaningful changes and innovations that will serve generations. By speaking out about inefficiencies, injustices, or areas of neglect, criticism prompts a reassessment of practices and policies, thereby fostering progress and excellence.

Just because those who should have been hearing us have turned a deaf ear does not make it wrong or futile to continue voicing our criticism. On the contrary, it underscores the paramount importance of our persistent dialogue and dissent. In the face of indifference or resistance, our commitment to expressing critique becomes not just an act of personal conviction but the only hope for collective change. Each voice that articulates dissatisfaction, highlights areas for improvement, or challenges the status quo, contributes to a chorus that can eventually break through the silence. Remember, history is replete with instances where persistent criticism has catalyzed significant shifts, overturning long-standing injustices, and sparking reform. By continuing to speak out, we reaffirm the value of our voices and the power of our shared concerns. Your criticism is a valuable and valid contribution in and of itself, serving as an instrument for accountability, improvement, and ultimately, progress. Keep speaking, keep challenging, and keep contributing to the dialogue that drives us forward.