Can We Still Be Critical?

HUR TABLE GUESTS

Sep 17

Can We Still Be Critical?

with Charlene Prempeh, Leila Fataar and Chantal Fernandez

By HURS Team

In a world where social media has democratized access to information, everyone has a voice. But with this surge in public opinion, do we still need critics?

Historically, critics were the gatekeepers, determining what was worthy of our attention and what wasn't. They held the power to shape—positively and negatively—cultural conversations. But today, as we navigate an overwhelming flood of information and opinions, the critic's role seems less defined. Social media allows anyone to share their thoughts instantly, creating a feedback loop where every voice—whether informed or not—competes for attention. Simultaneously, we’ve created an environment where opinion and identity are deeply connected. You’re either wrong or right, left or right, good or bad. This digital dialogue, driven by algorithms that thrive on conflict, often lacks nuance and depth and favors the loudest voices over the most reflective ones.

The shift in media dynamics has further complicated the landscape. As publications increasingly rely on advertisers, the boundary between critique and promotion has blurred. Reviews have become more about "show and tell" than offering the critical frameworks that once helped us place works within the broader context of culture. Is traditional criticism less relevant due to the sheer volume of opinions we encounter daily, or has the respect for traditional media diminished?

Despite these changes, the fundamental role of the critic remains the same: to help us forge connections and view things through a new lens. Whether in fashion, visual arts, or music, critics provide the frameworks we need to navigate the complex world of ideas. While it's encouraging that so many people are passionate about sharing their opinions, this doesn't necessarily mean they are engaging in true criticism. The distinction between opinion and criticism is crucial, as the latter requires a depth of knowledge and an ability to contextualize that goes beyond simply stating a viewpoint.

In today's ever-changing media landscape, what is the role of the critic? And how can we redefine criticism in a way that remains relevant and impactful?

CHARLENE PREMPEH

Charlene Prempeh is the founder of A Vibe Called Tech, a Black-owned creative agency that is dedicated to approaching creativity through an intersectional lens. Prempeh is also a Financial Times HTSI columnist and contributing editor who writes about design, travel, and culture. She started her career in marketing, working at some of the UK’s most prominent media platforms and art institutions including the BBC, The Guardian, and Frieze. More recently, she launched A Vibe Called Tech to encourage a culturally diverse lens in design, technology, arts, and culture by spearheading partnerships, events, research, and workshops across London and through her journalism and consultancy work. Since its establishment in 2018, A Vibe Called Tech has worked with brands including Gucci, Stine Goya, Faber, Frieze and institutions like Whitechapel Gallery, White Cube, RA and V&A East to deliver ambitious creative output that nourishes communities. Prempeh’s debut book, Now You See Me: 100 Years of Black Design, was published in October 2023.

LEILA FATAAR

Leila Fataar is the founder of Platform 13, a company she created in August 2017 to answer the challenges and needs faced by big brands in the ever-changing world of consumer behavior, creative innovation and cultural shifts. With over two decades of senior leadership experience at the intersection of culture, creativity and commerce, Fataar’s career has been underpinned by a commitment to authenticity and advocacy for inclusive representation throughout the advertising, marketing and communications industries. Working globally both brand-side, in senior positions at Adidas and Diageo, and through her owned companies across multiple categories, her expertise lies in the ability to read the cultural zeitgeist and signals and translate it into compelling brand strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Early 2025 she will publish her first book “CULTURE-LED BRANDS”.

CHANTAL FERNANDEZ

Chantal Fernandez is a journalist and features writer at the Cut at New York Magazine, covering fashion, retail, luxury and beauty with a focus on business and culture. Fernandez’ work has appeared in the Financial Times, the Business of Fashion and Elle. Her forthcoming book, Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon, will be out in October.

We asked three experts for their perspectives on the fragmentation of the media landscape, the importance of criticism and whether media can be critical.