Why do some people consider social criticism to be hate-mongering? Social criticism is an ancient practice respected by those with great expectations for the human race, who detest social inequality & want to get to the bottom of what causes it so we can bring it to an end. It has nothing in common with misanthropy & less in common with butt-kissing the status quo. If you think it’s hateful, maybe it’s because you have some investment in social inequality.