This week we discussed the textbook definition and the broadly-accepted interpretation of the word “curator”. By definition, the term curator refers to

a keeper or custodian of a museum or other collection.

However, in the 21st Century, that definition has shifted to curators of a different sense; bloggers, social media influencers, and basically anyone with a Pinterest or Instagram account. We discussed what gives a “curator” the responsibility or qualifications to refer to themselves as such. Is it a Bachelor degree or PhD that grants a person the eligibility or right to curate? Or do the lines blur with the actual content that is being curated? We read two articles that are prime examples of cultural criticism, which is a branch of critical writing. These two pieces speculate about the ever-evolving definition of curationism in popular culture. David Balzer’s article has a disparaging tone about social media curators, whereas Alexandra Molotkows piece had a more interesting insight into the role of the curator. According to Molotkow,

The curator’s ascent is partly the effect of something sweet: Through the torrent of stuff, and beyond the hierarchies of taste and cultivation, we are really just looking for the sense of someone else.

I feel that this encapsulates our journey and purpose as writers delving into criticism and curationism.