Quote:
Originally Posted by penguincutie
This just happened to me today, and I'm sick over it.
I take creative writing classes. Today was a critique day. Unfortunately, my professor really did not like my story. This was fine... that's what critiques are for, to learn. However, she then decided to not only critique my story... but to critique ME.
Two of my stories for the class have involved mothers who were less than wonderful (and in only one of them was that mother the main character.) They are fiction; I have a great mom, and they have nothing to do with her or any other part of my life. My teacher did not like this, apparently, and ended my critique with: "You need to confront your issues before you write any more."
Maybe I'm just being ridiculous, I don't know. But for her to say something like this in front of the entire class... I'm still crying hours later. I mean, she herself has said in the past that we should be critiquing stories, not authors, and then to do this...? My friends want me to say something to her, but I just don't know if I can. Do you think this is a big deal? What should I do?
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Being that I have been in this situation before, I can certainly understand how you are feeling. If you are nervous about speaking face-to-face regarding the matter, you should certainly send a "nice" email regarding this. I have had very difficult teachers who say certain things as a motivating method---sometimes it works and sometimes it does not.
I believe the difference is the "critiques" that work have nothing to do with the student personally but
only deals with work itself and how the work can be improved. Regardless, your professor was wrong, and the fact that those comments where said to you in front of your peers was very inappropriate. She may need to be reminded of her own words regarding critiquing the story and not the author---apparently she has forgotten. To not say anything would just allow a negative energy to fester in an environment where you should be learning.
But, seriously, I would send an email (blind copy yourself) so that the conversations are documented and if that doesn't work then you may need to go to the next level. I would say it is a big deal for the simple fact that it is bothering you. Professors are people too; just remain respectful and professional and I think things will work itself out. But my advice would be to definitely speak on it.