"Of course, I also hear from critics who detest what I do, and while sometimes I feel rather proud of having made various the loathsome people or groups angry, at other times I wonder why I put up with such grief"
About this Quote
In this quote, Orson Scott Card reviews the double nature of getting feedback from his work. He acknowledges that criticism includes the area for any creator or public figure, and he responds to it in a nuanced way. The quote exposes numerous layers about his relationship with his critics and his own work.
Initially, Card mentions that he not only receives praise however likewise encounters detractors who "detest" his work. This suggests that he is a polarizing figure, drawing strong viewpoints from different sides. For any artist or author, this can be a testament to the effect of their work. Producing something that provokes a strong response often recommends that the work has actually struck a chord, whether positively or negatively.
Card's admission of feeling "rather proud" when outraging specific "loathsome individuals or groups" recommends that he sees value in tough or confronting those he disagrees with or finds morally objectionable. By provoking a reaction from such audiences, he may feel confirmed in his efforts to speak reality to power or to maintain his own values. This element of his response is combative and reveals a sense of satisfaction in affirming his position on issues he likely feels highly about.
Nevertheless, he likewise exposes vulnerability and self-doubt when he admits to questioning "why I endured such sorrow". Here, Card acknowledges the psychological toll that criticism can take. Regardless of any pride he might feel, criticism can wear down strength and make one question the worth of withstanding negativeness.
Ultimately, this quote underscores the complex relationship developers have with criticism. It encapsulates the changing experiences of pride and doubt, validation and complaint, highlighting the concerns and rewards of being in the public eye where one's work is subject to continuous analysis.
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