How to Become a Successful Cultural Critic, With William Evans and Omar Holmon
Have an interesting take on the latest Marvel movie? Eager to hear your unique take on Nine Perfect Strangers? This week, we’ll learn how Black Nerd Problems co-founders William Evans and Omar Holmon help you become sophisticated, compelling cultural critics. Hear William and Omar talk about how to find your line when it comes to criticism, how to develop that always-needed thick skin against those who want to fight you, and how to decide what to consume and revisit in an abundance of entertainment. there these days.
Be sure to check out the new book by William and Omar, The Challenges of the Black Botanist: An Essay , which came out just this month.
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Highlights from this week’s series
William, on how to get your readers to listen to you:
I think it was important for us to start with something that we wanted to accept, right? Like … if there is a TV show that had all the aesthetics and I didn’t really feel it, my criticism began with the words: “ Dude, I got into this business, I really want to like it, and that’s what kept me from this. ” … ‘ Right. And so I think it is expressed in such a way that someone who likes the show, who wants to read criticism, is not included in it, like, “Oh man, they just hate my show here.” I think it helps us get in the door of some readers so that they are more open to any criticism we have to offer.
William, on how to decide when to criticize or not:
My voice may not be needed for everything. It just can’t. You know, I think there is a sliding scale like the one right in my wheelhouse where I could feel like an expert and what exactly interests me? Also, what is beyond my specific experience and knowledge? For example, we have an Asian-American writer [named] Mikkel. Just like he and I spoke when Superman was Asian American in the comics. Right. And it’s like we’re both reading a comic at the same time. And I thought, “Yes, I would like to write something about this.” And [Mikkel] said, “Yes, I’m also interested in writing about this.” I’m like, “ Well, then you write this … ” And so I think it’s also good not to be isolated and not just be like my voice is the only one that matters in this kind of thing and people are. that you can push off … This is why I do not envy people who do it alone. I would never do that.
Omar, knowing when you’re ready to go all out:
Feel free to wait while the needle draws the thread. Like, oh, I have a needle that will pull it all together. You can be really passionate about something, but, for example, wait until you have all the parts first … Because if you just write this in order to write this, people will understand it. It looks like “Wow.” Two lines and a GIF, two lines and a GIF … “Wait until you have a lot of meat to give your audience. They will appreciate [your criticism] more for that.
For more of William and Omar’s insightful advice on effective cultural criticism, we highly recommend listening to the entire episode.