Living In The Cult Of Likeability By Bret Easton Ellis: Article Analysis

“Living in the Cult of Likeability,” was written by Bret Easton Ellis as an article in the New York Times. In the article Ellis writes about the generation in which he grew up in, “Generation X.” The author states that in “Generation X” people could have varying opinions and reasonably debate them without having problems. He counters that generation by speaking about the one that exists today. Ratings, reviews, and critiques, given by both services and customers, are causing today’s society to put a glorified form of themselves online, leading to what Ellis calls the “burgeoning of the likability cult.” In this cult, society has been trapped and feels the need to be respectful of all opinions, or they will be judged. More specifically he makes a point of how currently society believes that they are an expert at everything

Today, people in society consider themselves to be qualified to judge and critique other people’s actions and words. Who gave them the right to speak out their opinion to others and think that they must agree to it? No one did. However, people still think that their opinion matters and want to make sure other people see that their opinion is important. Why? Society feels entitled. Ellis makes a good point when he states, “The idea that everybody thinks they’re specialists with voices that deserve to be heard has actually made everyone’s voice less meaningful.” Sometimes opinions ought to remain inside and not spoken. However, in the second place, there is also a possibility of have too little of an opinion. Everyone has an opinion, and whether they voice that opinion or not does not change the fact that they have their own opinion. Personal thoughts must be given at certain times. For example, explaining personal viewpoints could be crucial when dealing with the issues of a family member or a friend. Sometimes opinions should be voiced; having a balance between the two is