Monkey Diaries Archive

People in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones Being critical of other people is something that I've made into an art form. I've given lessons to mother's with daughters. My parting shots have cut various executives so deeply, they are bitter, shells of humanity, filled with less than half of the arrogance they had previously. I've made people cry with my observations but I draw the line at critiquing the people who have gained success through their efforts in my particular field. I'll bag on musicians, filmmakers, random people standing in line at Starbucks but I rarely have anything bad to say about writers or a written piece. The main reason is that I'm flawed as a writer (not even going to mention my failures as a human being) and for me to comment on what someone else has accomplished is ridiculous. I may not like something I read but I couldn't do much more than agree to disagree with the content or presentation. More often than not, whenever someone critiques someone in their own field, it's laden with jealousy and bitterness. Don't believe me? Check the link above and read a missive from a self-described "Woman of Rock" who took offense to a Rolling Stone article that showcased a variety of musical genres, all of which could be, albeit loosely, termed Rock. I copped the link from Amelie (who is a rock star in her own right and you should all worship her daily as I do) a few days ago and its been festering in my mind since. The open letter was originally penned by someone named Maya in response to the Rolling Stone "Women of Rock" issue. It is filled with so many bitter apples of pseudo-wisdom that I couldn't help but comment. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing the writing... it was well written... but the content comes from a questionable source. The fact that she berates female singers like Britney Spears, Mandy Moore and Jewel just because they get more press coverage cracks me the fuck up! Just to make sure I can comment without talking out of my ass, as I usually prefer to do, I listened to some samples of her band's music. Honestly, it wasn't all that insightful, powerful or for that matter, entertaining... which is really the reason why I say people in Glass Houses Shouldn't Throw Stones. If she was on par with, say Joan Jett (whom she apparently reveres) then I could understand her hostility. Joan Jett rocks! As do Chrissy Hynde, The Donnas (stay tuned for a review of their latest album), The Distillers and any number of bands whom I've had the pleasure of listening to over the years. But to have someone who is marginally talented berate a few women of marginal talent is pretty funny. It takes more than a dream to succeed as a rock star... obviously, this person doesn't realize that grace and acceptance are part of the equation for that success.