Has “constructive criticism" killed off our judgment?

Photo credit: http://freecriticism.tumblr.com/

 Free Criticism No.1 poster (typography by Alex Rich)

In a culture that worships feedback and has become intolerant with any unfavorable comment, in a culture where (the oxymoron) “constructive criticism” has become the holy grail of passing judgment, are we losing the value of genuine criticism and our critical abilities?

What is criticism?

Criticism is the practice of judging the merits and faults of something or someone in an intelligible (or articulate) way.

"You just never give up, no matter how hard the challenges are, and observe this world with a healthy dose of criticism and don't just follow the herd like somebody else might do." (Renny Harlin)

Does criticism have to be “constructive”?

No. The primary purpose of criticism is not to please. It’s not even to correct. It’s about identifying and pointing out what is right and wrong. What works and what doesn’t.

It is not feedback.

"To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." (Elbert Hubbart)  

From the moment you put your work, your actions, your views out there they are open to criticism. You have to accept the fact that they will be criticized. 
You cannot criticize the critics for criticizing (oh, the irony). You can reject the criticism, ignore it, defend your views and actions or enter into a dialogue. But you cannot attack them for exercising their right to have an opinion and a point of view. 

"I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses." (Johannes Kepler)