How many times have we heard people use the word ‘overrated’ to describe someone or something that is insanely popular – yet in their opinion doesn’t deserve to be?
We usually associate this term with celebrities, movies, video games and books. After all, not everyone can always have a totally positive opinion of anyone or anything that’s well-known and famous. I myself have been guilty of writing off a lot of things and people as ‘overrated’.
But something happened recently which made me think of the weight of this term and how it is used unfairly most of the time. I had written a post on my own blog about how much I admire my favorite author, Stephen King, who happens to be America’s #1 bestselling writer. A girl left a comment saying that he and his books are all ‘overrated’.
Furree's collection of Stephen King books!
Now, I respect everyone’s opinions and insights on others – especially famous people, because they are all available for scrutiny under the public eye – but that particular comment struck me as unfair. Why? Because I know for a fact that any author – not just Stephen King – spends months pouring their heart and soul out into their books. They do extensive research when writing about certain eras, locations, environment, etc. They spend ages dealing with editors, correcting errors and fitting in last-minute changes, and deal with the time-consuming process of getting permission for using any product/song name in their books. When authors finish, they know that they’ve almost literally put their blood, sweat and tears into it. The point I am making is that there is a gigantic effort behind each and every page of every book, and for someone to just write off all of that with a single word – ‘overrated’ – does seem extremely unjust. The same goes for blockbuster movies and video games which take years to perfect, and most importantly celebrities, who spend half their lives working exceptionally hard just to attain the status they have today.
This example can apply to daily life, too. ‘Overrated’ can be a hurtful term, and there are hardly any situations where you can appropriately use this word (except perhaps Tela’s awesome blog, Normal is Overrated). How many times have we seen a popular girl surrounded by friends, boys, and loved ones – and called her overrated just for being well-liked – only because of the fact that we ourselves don’t like her much? What we may not know is that she may be a previously insecure girl who has just recently bloomed; or perhaps it his her nature to be kind and friendly with whoever she meets.
So ladies, just be careful – there’s always freedom of speech and opinion, but a valid reason is needed to back it up; not just the term ‘overrated’!
About the Writer
Furree Katt is a home-schooled girl from Pakistan who has worked as a Kindergarten teacher to support her family. She likes cats, books by Stephen King, colours, and blogging. Furree’s greatest ambition, apart from completing her B.Ed, is to memorize all of Drake’s songs by heart. She blogs at Furree Katt.
About MU Teen Writer
Totally agree.
i think all labels, not just “overrated” are dangerous and misused. they can be very hurtful, without really achieving anything.
I think what people mean by “overrated” is that the thing (whatever it may be) is given way more importance than it deserves. And at that, I think the term is appropriate for expressing an opinion. Having that said, what you might term as overrated might not necessarily be what other might view so. Which is OK, because everyone is allowed their opinions. (The subtle difference between “I think his books are overrated” and “His books are overrated”) See? :)
Twitter Name: icemaiden512
I think warning about giving any opinion carelessly without having a solid rationale to back it up is the point that Furree is trying to make here. Spending every day around kids age 13-16, this is most certainly a lesson that I wish more of them took to heart. They so easily make assumptions about other people or things, and they have those opinions just because they heard someone else say it or because that’s what they THINK they should say. I’m forever trying to get these kids to just slow down, think things through, and THEN formulate opinions.
Twitter Name: JWMoxie
Wow, this is great. I’d never really thought about how the term “overrated” could be so negative and superficial. Great perspective!