to judge or evaluate negatively; to find fault with
from Greek 'kritikos' meaning able to judge
To criticize is to be critical - you're picking apart like a critic!
Women who criticize are labeled 'shrill,' 'aggressive,' or 'bitchy' while men are 'assertive' or 'principled.' The same critical voice triggers different gender-coded judgment and dismissal.
Use 'criticize' neutrally for all; flag when criticism is dismissed based on speaker identity rather than merit.
Women critics—from Pauline Kael to contemporary voices—have shaped cultural and intellectual discourse despite facing gendered attacks that question tone rather than substance.
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