They might sound the same, but there are differences between the two.
Blaming others is one way to get off the hook. When something doesn't work out, instead of taking our share of responsibility for it, we blame others for the mistake, unwanted outcome, and impact. Using a triggered emotion as an example, there is no doubt that an annoying event or person did something that stimulates us, so we feel angry and upset. The trigger contributes to how we feel. But by blaming the trigger only and believing they are fully responsible for our emotions, we aren't taking responsibility for our own emotions.
On the other hand, criticism is a form of feedback—it tells us what we miss and what we could improve. Instead of getting off the hook, people get on the hook to play a role. They take on the responsibility of pointing out what they see.
When we fail to see the differences through the lens of responsibility, what's left is the tone and what everything sounds like.
