Exactly, Borys !
. Criticism can always trigger the innate affect of "shame" - which is a response to the interruption of interest, excitement and joy and can be seen in the neonate. Shame has evolved to call attention to any situation which needs attending to while we are under the influence of the positive affects (also innate) of interest, excitement or joy.
In the case under consideration, performing artists are typically enveloped in positive affect. It is inevitable that they will feel shame when interrupted by criticism.
Healthy shame will bring to their attention some aspects of their performing behavior which might benefit from study and change. The "sober criticism" alluded to falls under this category.
Unhealthy shame occurs when those interrupted feel so badly (often because of life scripts which involve much punishing shame) that they revert to one of the four poles on the "compass of shame" in order to neutralize the perceived attack. These poles are, "withdrawal", "avoidance", "attack self" and the common and sometimes dangerous "attack other."
 
Information on this formulation can be found in Shame and Pride" by Donald L. Nathanson . Norton 1992, and on the Tomkins website devoted to affect/script psychology www.tomkins.org
 
John

--- On Tue, 11/2/10, Borys Medicky <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


From: Borys Medicky <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Elaine Comparone
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 9:25 AM


I have to agree with John Erskine that, if presented soberly, the act of criticism cannot be perceived as insulting.  I do believe that most of the posts on this subject have lacked any sort of "ad hominem" quality that would definitely exceed the bounds of legitimate commentary.  We will stifle legitimate discourse if we feel we can't present a dissenting opinion.  I say that, as long we present such opinions as dispassionately as possible, we'll be able to keep the discussions on this list civilized and stimulating.

BM

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Note:  opinions  expressed on HPSCHD-L are those of the  individual con-
tributors and not necessarily  those of the list owners  nor of the Uni-
versity of Iowa.  For a brief  summary of list  commands, send mail to
[log in to unmask]  saying  HELP .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Note:  opinions  expressed on HPSCHD-L are those of the  individual con-
tributors and not necessarily  those of the list owners  nor of the Uni-
versity of Iowa.  For a brief  summary of list  commands, send mail to
[log in to unmask]  saying  HELP .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::