UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

FACULTY OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY

TOPIC:

A CRITIC ON CONTEMPORARY YOUNG ARTISTS AS SYCOPHANT

A TERM PAPER SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFIMLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE GSP 101 (USE OF ENGLISH I)

BY:
NAME: EZE RUTH UDOCHUKWU
REG NO: 202211719931FA

LECTURER: DR. DIKE NWADIKE C.J.

DATE: OCTOBER, 2023

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 TITLE PAGE
A CRITIC ON CONTEMPORARY YOUNG ARTISTS AS SYCOPHANT

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 DEDICATION

This term paper is dedicated to all the young artists who have chosen to stay true to their craft
and artistic integrity, despite the pressure to conform to societal and industry expectations.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my lecturer; Dr. Dike Nwadike C.J. and all my
peers for their guidance and constructive criticisms. I am also thankful for my family and friends
for their love, support, and encouragement throughout the writing process.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Dedication ii

Acknowledgments iii

Table of contents iv

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1

Definition and concepts of sycophancy 1

CHAPTER TWO: THE ROLE OF SYCOPHANCY IN THE ARTS INDUSTRY 4

The impact of sycophancy on young artists 6

CHAPTER THREE: OVERVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY YOUNG ARTISTS 8

Trends and patterns of sycophancy in the arts industry 10

The role of the arts community in addressing sycophancy 11

SUMMARY 13

RECOMMDATION 13

CONCLUSION 14

REFERENCES 15

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

DEFINITION AND CONCEPTS OF SYCOPHANCY

Sycophancy according to Baughman (2017) is the act of excessive flattery and praise, especially

towards those in positions of power. It is often motivated by personal gain, such as seeking

advancement or favor. Sycophants are often seen as insincere and dishonest, and their behavior

can be harmful to both individuals and organizations (Duffy, 2018).

The word "sycophant" comes from the Greek words "sykon" (fig) and "phainesthai" (to show).

In ancient Greece, sycophants were people who informed on others for smuggling figs. Over

time, the word came to be used more generally to describe people who are excessively flattering

and obsequious.

Sycophants prioritize personal gain and advancement over integrity, often disregarding their own

beliefs or values to curry favor with those in authority (Pfeffer, 2015). This behavior is driven by

the desire for power, access, and the protection of one's interests (Kipnis, 2003).

Concepts of Sycophancy

Sycophancy is a social and psychological phenomenon characterized by excessive flattery,

insincere praise, and obsequious behavior towards individuals in positions of power or authority.

This behavior is driven by a desire to gain favor, influence, or protection, often at the expense of

one's own integrity and values.

There are a number of different concepts associated with sycophancy, including:

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 Adulation: Excessive admiration or praise, especially when it is expressed in a public or

formal way.

 Flattery: Flattery is the act of complimenting or praising someone, often insincerely, to

gain their favor. Sycophants are known for their skill in delivering flattering remarks to

those in power, with the aim of currying favor

 Obsequiousness: Obsequious behavior involves being overly obedient, servile, and

submissive to individuals in authority. Sycophants may go to great lengths to please those

in power, often to the detriment of their own self-respect.

 Ingratiation: Ingratiation is the act of attempting to win someone's favor through various

means, including praise, gifts, or acts of kindness. Sycophants use ingratiating tactics to

manipulate those in authority.

 Nepotism: Nepotism is the practice of favoring relatives or close associates in positions

of power or authority, often regardless of their qualifications. Sycophancy can be a

vehicle for nepotism, as individuals in power may surround themselves with sycophants

who are loyal but not necessarily competent.

 Bootlicking: "Bootlicking" is a colloquial term for sycophantic behavior, indicating the

act of being excessively subservient to someone in authority, often to gain personal

benefits.

 Toadyism: A "toady" is a person who flatters or acts servile towards someone in

authority. Toadyism is synonymous with sycophancy.

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  Ethical Erosion: Sycophantic behavior can lead to ethical erosion within an organization

or society. When individuals prioritize personal gain and flattery over ethical standards, it

can result in a decline in moral values and ethical behavior.

 Groupthink: Sycophancy can contribute to groupthink, a phenomenon where a group of

people makes decisions without critical evaluation or dissent. In such environments,

sycophants suppress alternative viewpoints, which can lead to poor decision-making.

 Fear of Reprisal: Fear of reprisal is a significant motivator for sycophantic behavior.

Individuals may engage in flattery or submission to avoid retaliation or loss of favor from

those in power.

 Psychological Factors: Sycophancy is often rooted in the need for affiliation, the desire

for social inclusion, and the fear of rejection. These psychological factors drive

individuals to engage in sycophantic acts to secure their position within influential

circles.

Examples of Sycophancy

 A political aide who always praises the boss's decisions and never disagrees with them,
even when they are clearly wrong.

 A businessperson who gives lavish gifts to a potential client in order to win their
business.

 A student who flatters the professor in order to get a good grade.

 A child who tells their parents what they want to hear in order to get what they want.

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 CHAPTER TWO

THE ROLE OF SYCOPHANCY IN THE ARTS INDUSTRY

Sycophancy can play a significant role in the arts industry, as it can be used to gain access to

influential people, opportunities, and resources. Artists who are able to flatter and charm those in

power may be more likely to get their work exhibited, performed, or published. They may also

be more likely to receive grants, awards, and other forms of recognition.

Sycophancy, the act of insincere praise and flattery towards influential figures, is a phenomenon

that can have far-reaching consequences in various sectors, including the arts industry.

However, sycophancy can also have a negative impact on the arts industry. When artists are

more focused on pleasing others than on creating honest and authentic work, the quality of the

art can suffer. Additionally, sycophancy can create a culture of fear and distrust, which can stifle

creativity and innovation.

The Presence of Sycophancy in the Arts

Sycophancy in the arts is often characterized by individuals excessively praising artists, curators,

or critics with the hope of gaining access, influence, or career advancement. It can manifest in

various ways, from art critics heaping undeserved accolades on artists to colleagues within

artistic circles offering unwarranted praise. The arts industry's subjectivity and reliance on

personal networks make it particularly susceptible to sycophantic behavior (Caves, 2002).

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Here are some specific examples of how sycophancy can manifest itself in the arts industry:

 An artist who is trying to get their work exhibited in a prestigious gallery may flatter the

gallery owner or curator in order to gain their favor.

 A musician who is trying to get a record deal may praise the record producer's work

excessively in order to impress them.

 A writer who is trying to get their book published may tell the literary agent that they are

their favorite agent and that they would love to work with them.

 A filmmaker who is trying to get their film financed may promise a potential investor that

they will cast them in a role in the film.

The Impact of Sycophancy in the Arts

1. Inhibited Artistic Freedom: Sycophancy can restrict an artist's creative freedom, as they

may feel compelled to conform to what is popular or praised rather than pursuing their

unique vision (Blau, 1982).

2. Diminished Artistic Quality: When sycophantic behavior is prevalent, it can lead to a

decline in artistic quality, as artists may prioritize praise over artistic integrity (Throsby,

2010).

3. Undermined Critical Discourse: Sycophantic reviews and critiques can undermine

honest and critical discourse in the arts industry, preventing meaningful evaluation and

dialogue (Bourdieu, 1984).

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 4. Lack of Innovation: Sycophancy can stifle innovation, as artists and organizations may

avoid taking risks in favor of producing works that align with prevailing tastes (Florida,

2002).

THE IMPACT OF SYCOPHANCY ON YOUNG ARTISTS

Sycophancy can have a particularly negative impact on young artists. Young artists are often

eager to achieve success and recognition, and they may be more susceptible to the flattery of

those in positions of power. Additionally, young artists may not have the experience or

confidence to stand up to sycophants.

Positive Impacts of Sycophancy for Young Artists

1. Exposure and Opportunities: Young artists may benefit from sycophantic behavior

when it leads to increased exposure. Positive reviews, influential patrons, or supporters

can provide young artists with opportunities they might not have had otherwise

(Ginsburgh & Throsby, 2006).

2. Validation and Confidence: Sycophantic praise, although insincere, can bolster a young

artist's confidence. This validation can be essential for emerging artists who often grapple

with self-doubt (Dewey, 1934).

3. Financial Support: Some sycophantic individuals may offer financial support to young

artists. This support can be crucial for covering the costs of materials, exhibitions, or

studio space (Hutter, 2008).

Negative Impacts of Sycophancy for Young Artists

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 1. Artistic Integrity: Sycophantic behavior can pressure young artists to compromise their

artistic integrity in pursuit of praise and success. They may feel compelled to create work

that aligns with current trends or the preferences of those in power (Belting, 2005).

2. Stifled Creativity: The fear of losing sycophantic support can stifle young artists'

creativity. They may become reluctant to experiment or take risks in their art, fearing that

it could alienate their supporters (Thompson, 2012).

3. Lack of Authentic Feedback: Sycophantic supporters often shield young artists from

honest and constructive criticism. This lack of authentic feedback can hinder their growth

and development as artists (Becker, 1982).

4. Dependence on Patronage: Relying on sycophantic patrons or supporters may create a

dependency that restricts young artists' artistic freedom and decision-making autonomy

(Griswold, 1987).

How young artists can prevent sycophancy

1. Diverse Feedback: Seek feedback from a diverse range of individuals, including peers,

mentors, and critics, to gain a more balanced perspective on your work.

2. Commit to Artistic Integrity: Stay committed to their artistic vision and integrity. Resist

the pressure to conform to popular trends solely for the sake of praise.

3. Cultivate Authentic Relationships: Foster relationships with individuals who provide

honest, constructive feedback rather than mere flattery. These relationships can contribute

to artistic growth.

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 4. Balance Exposure and Authenticity: Pursue opportunities for exposure and recognition

while staying true to their creative vision. Balance is key to avoiding excessive reliance

on sycophantic praise.

CHAPTER THREE

OVERVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY YOUNG ARTISTS

Contemporary young artists are a diverse and vibrant group of individuals who are creating

innovative and exciting work in a variety of mediums. They are influenced by a wide range of

sources, including social media, popular culture, and political and social movements. Many

contemporary young artists are also interested in exploring new technologies and developing

new forms of artistic expression (Adams, 2015).

Contemporary young artists represent a dynamic and diverse group within the art world, pushing

the boundaries of traditional artistic norms and exploring new and innovative mediums, themes,

and techniques (Brown, 2010).

Some examples are:

 Alicja Kwade: A Polish-born artist who creates sculptures and installations that explore

themes of identity, perception, and reality.

 Issy Wood: A British painter who creates colorful and whimsical paintings that often

feature female figures.

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  Tomokazu Matsuyama: A Japanese artist who creates sculptures and installations that are

inspired by nature and technology.

 Xinyi Cheng: A Chinese-American artist who creates paintings and sculptures that

explore themes of gender, identity, and sexuality.

 Salman Toor: A Pakistani-American artist who creates paintings that depict the lives of

South Asian people in the diaspora.

 Rafa Macarrón: A Spanish artist who creates colorful and abstract paintings that are

inspired by street art and graffiti.

These are just a few examples of the many talented contemporary young artists who are working

today. These artists are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in art and creating work that is

both challenging and thought-provoking.

Characteristics of Contemporary Young Artists

1. Diversity: Contemporary young artists come from diverse cultural, social, and

educational backgrounds. They often celebrate and explore their identities, questioning

established norms of representation in art.

2. Multidisciplinary Approach: Many young artists adopt a multidisciplinary approach,

merging various art forms like painting, sculpture, performance, and digital media. This

blending allows for innovative and experimental creations.

3. Technological Integration: Young artists embrace technology, incorporating digital

media, interactive art, and virtual reality into their works. These technologies provide

new avenues for artistic expression.

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 4. Social and Political Engagement: Contemporary young artists frequently engage with

social and political issues, using their art as a means of activism and social commentary.

Their work often challenges the status quo and aims to spark meaningful conversations.

5. Global Perspective: Young artists have access to global influences and audiences. Their

works often reflect a more interconnected world, drawing inspiration from various

cultures and traditions.

TRENDS AND PATTERNS OF SYCOPHANCY IN THE ARTS INDUSTRY

Sycophancy as already explained, is the excessive flattery of those in power, and it can be found

in all walks of life, including the arts industry.

Some of the trends and patterns of sycophancy in the arts industry include:

 Flattering influential people: Young artists or artists with less experience may flatter

influential people, such as gallery owners, curators, critics, and collectors, in order to gain

their favor.

 Agreeing with those in power: Artists may agree with everything that those in power say,

even if they disagree, in order to avoid conflict or to get ahead.

 Giving gifts or favors: Artists may give gifts or favors to those in power in order to curry

their favor.

 Spreading gossip or rumors: Artists may spread gossip or rumors about their competitors

in order to make themselves look better.

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Sycophancy can be harmful to the arts industry in a number of ways. First, it can lead to a lack of

diversity and originality in the arts. When artists are more focused on pleasing those in power

than on creating honest and authentic work, the quality of the art can suffer.

Second, sycophancy can create a culture of fear and distrust. Artists who are afraid of speaking

out or disagreeing with those in power may be less likely to take risks or experiment. This can

stifle creativity and innovation.

Finally, sycophancy can lead to the exploitation of artists. Those in power may use their

influence to get artists to work for less money or to give them less credit for their work.

THE ROLE OF THE ARTS COMMUNITY IN ADDRESSING SYCOPHANCY

Sycophancy, also known as flattery or brown-nosing, is a behavior that is common in all areas of

life, including the arts community. Sycophancy is a harmful practice that can lead to favoritism,

nepotism and can prevent the growth of new and unique ideas in the arts community. It is

therefore imperative for the arts community to address sycophancy as a collective effort to

ensure that artists are evaluated and rewarded solely on merit rather than on the basis of their

ability to flatter and please those in power. This essay aims to explore the role of the arts

community in addressing sycophancy and the strategies that can be used to confront it.

To begin with, the arts community plays a crucial role in addressing sycophancy since it is

immersed in an environment that fosters creativity, expression, and innovation. This community

is composed of individuals whose creative expression is often influenced by political and cultural

factors. Artistic expression, therefore, has a lot to do with challenging the status quo, criticizing

oppressive forces, and advocating for change. As such, it is the arts community's responsibility to

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challenge sycophancy that promotes a culture of unearned privilege and advances nepotism,

making it difficult for new or dissenting voices to be heard.

The arts community can address sycophancy by creating an environment that values

transparency in decision-making and rewards merit. Support should be provided to artists who

demonstrate the ability to create innovative, thought-provoking work rather than those that only

flatter those in power. Artists create works to express themselves or bring social change, not to

win approval from people in the power. The role of the art community should, therefore, be to

ensure that the recognition and distribution of resources are not based on sycophancy, but rather

merit.

Additionally, sycophancy can be addressed through the development of structures that encourage

objectivity in decision-making. The arts community can promote the use of evaluative metrics

such as public polls, peer reviews, or ballots to provide feedback and identify exemplary talent.

This would ensure that decisions are based on empirical evidence rather than personal

preferences. Alternatively, a committee of competent personnel can be appointed to evaluate

artist work and award prizes. The role of this committee would be to determine artistic worth

purely on merit, without any iota of favoritism.

Moreover, the arts community can foster relationships that encourage healthy critique and

dialogue that are necessary for self-improvement. Such relationships are built on trust and

respect between evaluators and those being evaluated. The arts community can, therefore,

promote social interactions that encourage constructive criticism and the free exchange of ideas,

to enhance the overall quality of work produced.

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 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY

Sycophancy is a harmful behavior that can have negative consequences for both individuals and

organizations.

Sycophancy is a pervasive issue that poses significant challenges to organizations, leadership,

and ethical standards. Understanding the psychological factors that drive sycophantic behavior is

crucial for addressing this problem. To combat sycophancy, organizations must foster open

communication, establish ethical guidelines, invest in leadership training, and protect

whistleblowers. By doing so, organizations can create an environment where ethical behavior is

valued, and sycophantic behavior is discouraged.

Sycophancy is a phenomenon that affects the arts industry, potentially inhibiting artistic freedom,

quality, and critical discourse. However, by promoting diversity of voices, emphasizing artistic

integrity, and cultivating honest critique, the arts industry can mitigate the detrimental effects of

sycophantic behavior. These measures will help maintain the industry's creativity and integrity

while supporting artists in their pursuit of artistic excellence.

RECOMMENDATION

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The impact of sycophancy on young artists is complex, with both positive and negative

consequences. While sycophantic behavior can provide opportunities and validation, it also

poses significant risks to artistic integrity and creativity. Young artists must navigate this

dynamic by seeking diverse feedback, staying true to their artistic vision, and cultivating

authentic relationships to achieve long-term success in the arts industry.

Artists who want to avoid sycophancy should focus on building relationships with people based

on mutual respect and admiration. They should also be careful about accepting advice and

criticism from others, especially if it comes from people who are trying to flatter them. If an

artist finds themselves in a situation where they are being pressured by a sycophant, it is

important for them to stand up for themselves and to protect their artistic integrity.

While sycophancy can be used to achieve success in the arts industry, it is important to

remember that it is not a sustainable strategy. Artists who build their careers on flattery and

deception are likely to find that their success is short-lived. In the long run, it is more important

for artists to focus on creating honest and authentic work that they are proud of.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, addressing sycophancy in the arts community is essential in ensuring that only

merit determines the individual's success in the industry. To achieve this, the community should

create an environment that values objectivity, transparency, and supports the development of

structures that promote creativity, innovation, and self-improvement. The strides in addressing

sycophancy can be challenging at first, but with the implementation of these strategies, the arts

industry can grow, contribute to societal development, and uphold the highest standards of

integrity.

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It is important to be aware of the signs of sycophancy and to take steps to avoid it. By being

assertive, standing up for one's beliefs, and treating everyone with respect, people can help to

create a more positive and productive environment.

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