Taylor

I am graduating in May from the University of Georgia with a degree in Magazine Journalism. I've worked my way through college, so I am looking forward to taking a little break the summer after graduation to travel and put all of my time and energy into finding the perfect publishing job.

I love British culture and Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite movies. In fact, on my last trip, I traveled to Derbyshire and walked around Mr. Darcy's house. Some might call this obsessive, but I like to think of myself as passionate. Other favorites include Notting Hill, Love Actually, Wedding Crashers and August Rush.

As far as the boob tube goes, it's hard to find a quality sitcom nowadays. I've tried to sit through 30 Rock and My Name is Earl, but nothing compares to Friends or Everybody Loves Raymond. And, in my humble opinion, no drama will ever compare to Felicity. Putting those frustrations aside, One Tree Hill, Private Practice and the popular Dancing with the Stars are a regular fix on my TiVo.

Check out my Critic's Manifesto by clicking "read more."

Before taking Valerie Boyd's Critical Writing class, I didn't think much of the critic's role. However, after writing reviews for everything from a cello performance to the book Remember Me, I have more appreciation for critics everywhere. 

I think the critic's purpose is to serve an authoritative opinion on the matter at hand. I believe the critic should be upfront with any biases, as well as lack of knowledge concerning their topic.

I believe that the critic's review should reflect the tone of the subject.  If you're reviewing Superbad, the tone needs to be light and funny, just like the movie.  Great critics have the ability to  mimic the tone of the work they are reviewing.  

I believe that critics serve as the gatekeepers to the entertainment industry.  They decide what we should and should not spend our money on.  Their opinions direct our social lives, so every review should be honest and have an intelligent argument for or against the subject.   

To put it simply: the role of the critic is to be an honest figure of authority on a selected topic.