Internalizing Our Haters: Navigating Negativity as Global Artists

T.L. Mazumdar Author

Sep 01, 2024 |

How Third Culture and immigrant artists navigate toxic criticism and cultural biases.

Introduction

Criticism in the world of art and music is a constant companion.

While constructive feedback can surely be a valuable tool, the lines between growth and potentially toxic negativity can get unassumingly blurry. And the adverse effects when these are crossed, especially from those who should be our mentors or peers—can be debilitating.

As artists with multicultural and/or immigrant backgrounds, the challenge to make sure we don’t end up internalizing the very negativity that might have harmed us in our formative years is particularly pronounced.

It comes with a high risk of turning into a vicious cycle that often ends up in what is referred to as a ‘lineage’ of toxic pedagogy.

Navigating such waters without letting them break our creative spirit or sense of self deserves some mindful contemplation.

So here are a few thoughts I have found helpful along the journey l'd like to share with you.

The Weight of Toxic Pedagogy

As eternal 'students' of art, many of us have probably encountered toxic pedagogy in multiple forms. Some examples of these could be unnecessarily harsh criticism, unrealistic expectations projected upon us, and an environment that prioritizes 'perfection' over passion.

Usually, this is the result of teachers with lower levels of awareness of their own inner architecture which results in a lack of understanding of what their role is in nurturing and mentoring younger artists.

This careless approach can often crush the budding artists they work with, making them internalize the notion that they will never be "good enough."

Toxic pedagogy often stems from a traditionalist mindset, where deviation from established norms is not tolerated. Students are hence pushed to conform, and their unique voices can be stifled.

Here's the biggest risk: once this mindset becomes internalized, it can lead to long-term self-doubt, anxiety, and most importantly, a diminishing love for the craft.

The Immigrant Experience

For multicultural artists and/or those of us with immigrant backgrounds, the struggle is twofold.

There’s the universal artistic critique to deal with anyway. But additionally, we’ll encounter constant cultural biases and xenophobia. And will often feel pressured to ‘fit’ into predefined cultural boxes, making it difficult to express our true selves.

The need to prove oneself in a new country or cultural environment and the desire to honour heritage creates an incredibly complex dynamic.

When our work is dismissed or devalued due to cultural prejudice, the downward spiral to internalized self-doubt and constant questioning of our identity is just one step away.

Strategies for Overcoming Internalized Negativity

Here are some actionable steps that I have found helpful in unpacking this condition and navigating a path forward.

1. Recognize the Source:

Not all criticism is valid.

Understand the relevance of this simple tenet that can turn into the artist’s biggest blindspot.

Distinguish between constructive feedback and what is potentially ‘toxic negativity’.

Recognize the biases and motivations behind the criticism you’re dealing with.

Furthermore, consider (cautiously and respectfully), discerning the intent of the person whose opinions and directions might be affecting you the way they are.

Try not to be quick to judge though!

Some of my best mentors have said things that felt triggering at first but turned out to be a painful but necessary part of a healing process. One where an old wound needed to be acknowledged and addressed.

2. Seek Supportive Communities:

Surround yourself with like-minded people who accept you for who you are. And appreciate your unique journey and voice. If they can provide constructive, supportive feedback, that’s a plus.

It’s important to note that ‘like-minded’ people are not necessarily the direct equivalent of communities based on factors like ethnicity, race, or culture.

On the contrary, for a third-culture artist like me for example, I have faced amply painful discrimination from my ancestral circles. In contrast, I found genuine support in peers and mentors who don’t necessarily share my skin tone or ancestry.

So it helps to take our own time to figure out what our core values are first.

(In my case, these are sincerity, transparency, accountability, and authenticity).

Finding mentors with the right balance of compassion, experience, and credentials to guide you through this part of your journey can be very helpful.

3. Embrace Your Identity:

This might sound a bit corny (and is definitely easier said than done), but the act of celebrating our multicultural background and journey is something that needs to come from ourselves first.

Only then do we offer our external environment the chance to celebrate them with us. Embrace us for who we are.

That being said, remember that your unique self is an inherent source of inspiration waiting to be discovered.

The quirks, the flaws, the ‘imperfections’.... they might feel like obstacles, but they are exactly what make us unique.

Diversity is a strength. And that’s not just a fashionable cultural statement to make, but a timeless truth that history (and even biology!) will support.

4. Practice Self-Compassion:

Self-compassion and self-care are buzzwords in the pop-psychology world. But often, the baggage we carry is so heavy that we’re not even sure what these terms mean.

Forget how to start implementing them!

So if that’s you, here’s a simple first step to consider:

Be kind to yourself.

Observe your inner dialogue. Don’t let it say things to you that you would never say to someone you love.

Additionally, acknowledge your progress and recognize that perfection is an unrealistic goal.

The joy of creation is the reason we are artists.

Not the fear of criticism.

5. Create for Yourself:

I guess this is almost a continuation of the point made above.

Remember why you started making music or art in the first place (I’m always banging on about finding our ‘why’ to my mentees).

Create for the love of creation.

Create for your own fulfillment.

Don’t start with a focus on meeting external expectations from the onset.

(Note: discerning between 'aspirations' and 'expectations' play a key role here as well. But that probably deserves a new post).

6. Challenge Negative Thoughts:

One of the most useful tools I have adopted from my ancestral culture is the practice of ‘self-inquiry’.

While there’s expansive and endless literature on that concept as a spiritual practice, the help it can give us as artists is something I have found to be invaluable.

Question your negative thoughts.

Challenge them!

A lot of times, internal negative dialogues are just bullies who are used to being avoided and given in to.

And the more we avoid them, the more we enable their power over us.

(I often think of it like like connecting to my inner Bruce Lee 😁. Turning around and take a good look at the mofo and go 'what did you just say to me?')

What that translates to in the inner game is simple: challenge the negative voices you hear within.

Are they based on fact?

Are they artifacts of a traumatic experience?

Are they the result of internalized negativity?

And most importantly, are they even yours?

Some coaches and gurus recommend ‘replacing’ these thoughts with positive affirmations of your worth and talent.

I think that’s a noble sentiment, but a bit of an oversimplification.

The reality of self-love is a layered process.

We need to identify the bully first before we try to ‘convert’ them.

7. Document Your Journey:

Journaling really is a potential game-changer. I’ve been journaling since I could pretty much write. But the adult me has found a deep and genuine friend in this practice for close to a decade now. So I can confirm how helpful it can be.

Consider keeping a journal specific to your artistic journey. Reflect on your growth, achievements, and the obstacles you’ve overcome.

Not only does this provide perspective, but it also serves as a reminder of your resilience and how far you’ve come already.

And chances are you've come a lot further on your journey than you are giving yourself credit for.

Moving Forward

Internalizing hate is a dangerous side-effect and an unwitting but natural response to consistent negativity.

So it's important to remind ourselves of the risks that come with it.

More importantly, it's crucial to remember that it doesn’t define us.

By recognizing the possible roots of toxic criticism, building supportive networks, and embracing our unique identities, the journey as a multi-cultural, global artist can be a much more meaningful and empowering one.

Art and music thrive on diversity, passion, and authenticity.

Nurturing these qualities within ourselves is not just tools to rise above the noise but a powerful healing process that is the very crux of art.

The kind that resonates with our deepest selves—and with the world.

Conclusion

To all the musicians and artists navigating the turbulent waters of criticism: your voice matters!

Your experiences, no matter how unconventional or ‘weird’, are a vital part of our artistic tapestry.

Don’t let toxic pedagogy or cultural biases silence you. Let your art be a testament to your resilience and creativity.

Some of the most profound art has been known to emerge from the deepest human struggles.

But internalizing our haters is an enemy to contend with seriously. It runs the risk of converting us into our oppressor.

So reframing and transforming the circumstances which threaten to enable that paradigm in a way that empowers rather than diminishes, is not just imperative, but a powerful force to create beautiful art.

Categories: : mental health, self care