Is complaining good or bad?

Question

I have a friend who claims complaining is negative, and that everyone should refrain. He says that if everyone complained there would be chaos. And that people should put their heads down, shut up and do their own thing, preferably positive.

I get the idea of doing something positive, but I don't get why we must be quiet.

What if a person witnesses abuse, of any nature, then decides to say nothing, puts his head down, and does something positive for himself. He is absolutely fine, but the abused is helpless and worse off.

This is the actual scenario: In South Africa recently a person suffering in a neglected township complained that the ANC hadn't fulfilled their promises, and he feels they still do not have economic freedom, and suffer daily. A friend of mine read this, and said his piece, mentioned above.

Note, this person is an Afrikaans, middle-class, white male who was given the best education and has just inherited his father's insurance company. And he does no charity work, and complains about taxes.

It is easy for him to say what he does, but is it right? Should we all shut up and put our heads down? Can those with no public services, no transport, no education, no jobs say and feel the same?

Is it not ignorant of my friend to think that way?

Meagan · Accepted Answer

There is a difference between complaining and standing up for what is right. Complaining is negative. People who complain are quick to point out what they think is wrong but slow to do anything about it. When you point out what is wrong and take action against it, that is not complaining.  That is simply being active about what you believe, and that is very good. If your input is not constructive, keep it to yourself. Complaining is not constructive. It doesn't help anything. If pointing out what is wrong is in other people's best interest, do it.

? · Answer

Perhaps you may sometimes need to vent your feelings, however I am not big on complaining in general. There are usually steps you can take to remedy your situation, and bitching about it to your friends is not one of the most productive. I'm not saying all 'complaining' is bad, however for the general meaning of the word suggests it has no productive means. For example if someone was abused as a child, taking about it wouldn't be complaining. Complaining that you have a lot of homework, instead of doing it, is.

AgriCult · Answer

I generally say, don't complain, do something about it.  Complaining is trying to get someone else to do something about it.  It's rather pathetic.  Also, complaints usually don't come with a suggested solution.  Do you have a better solution?  Start with that.  The complaint is just a negative assertion.

torpex2002 · Answer

Depends entirely what you're complaining about.

Complaining about your dinner in the restaurant is quite different from complaining about the state of the economy.

Bruce · Answer

complaining isn't good or bad it can be annoying if you complain and don't do something about the problem.

Olly · Answer

There's been a lot of progress around the World thanks to some constructive complaints

Anonymous · Answer

Only if you are doing it constantly when you know it isn't gonna fix anything...

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Is complaining good or bad?

7 Answers