“Talk to Me Nice:” The Ethics of Criticism and Critique

Ethical Culture is known for sharing various viewpoints, and we certainly do not always agree. Depending on the nature of the disagreement, people can become confrontational, avoidant, or sometimes “cancel” each other. However, ethicists should not be disagreeable, but they should engage in the art of feedback with an ethic of care. Together, let us explore the ethics of criticism and critique by emphasizing a practice where compassion meets wisdom. About the speaker: The Leader Search Task Force and the Board of Trustees are extraordinarily pleased to announce the Ethical Society of St. Louis Leader candidate: Rev. Jé Exodus Hooper, PhD (them/they). Dr. Hooper is an Ethical Culture clergy Leader, arts and cultural community curator, and public theologian who serves the Ethical Culture Movement, Unitarian Universalists, and other congregational Humanist spaces. Their Leadership spans across the country ranging from Riverdale Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture to First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis amidst the tenure of Rev. Dr. David Breeden. Dr. Hooper refers to their practice of Humanism as “neo-mannerism,” saying, “aesthetic and ethics are one.” Their posture of joyful resistance does not shy away from discomfort, dysfunction, and disorder, and they dare their audience to, in the words of James Baldwin, “take off the mask” and to live with courage, curiosity, and growth so that others may find a home in their humanity. Their portfolio is concentrated on subject matters such as polyamory, trans and non-binary queer identities and possibilities, race, art, and organizational development. This Platform will feature music from Nadia Maddex, a Lindenwood University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in vocal music education and a minor in musical theater. She is currently the director of grades 7-12 Vocal Music at Maplewood Richmond Heights School District and the director of choirs at Eliot Unitarian Chapel. Outside of teaching, Nadia is an active musician in the area, with many musicals and performances under her belt, including recently singing the Star Spangled Banner for St. Louis City Soccer Club. Her biggest performance involvement at present is with the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON program. Currently, she represents the chorus as a soprano Young Artist but has worked there in many capacities as a scholar, fellow and featured soloist.