In his article, “Living in the Cult of Likability,” Bret Easton Ellis states his thoughts on today’s “reputation economy.” The basic premise of Ellis’ article was to point out that because “everyone” wants to be heard, it makes everyone’s voice less significant. Ellis also focuses on everyone’s desire to be relatable and liked to avoid being called a hater. I agree with the majority of Ellis’ premise; I believe people try too hard to be liked, therefore dulling themselves of personality and individuality. Ellis effectively used ethos, pathos, and logos in his presentation of today’s “cult of likability.” Not only does Ellis’ depiction of Facebook and social networks resonate with most experiences, but it also relates to my personal experiences.
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Therefore, he continues, “all we’re doing is setting ourselves up to be sold to - to be branded, targeted, and data-mined,” by corporations. Ellis believes that by acting this way, we are slowly going under corporate regulation. This regulation informs us how to behave and express ourselves acceptably in today’s society. Ellis also states that social networks prevent people from individual expression, as they yearn to be liked by everyone. This causes one to create an unrealistic online personality. Their online selves are, as Ellis puts it, “a nicer, friendlier, duller self.” In order to be accepted, people feel like they have to optimistic and respectful. Having a negative opinion is looked down upon. Ellis does not relate to those in the “cult of likeability.” He is a member of Generation X, who are known to be disaffected and directionless. He does not come from an era of confornment. I believe Ellis has an acceptable ethos. Ethos is the credibility or ethnic appeal of a writer, usually used to persuade. As Ellis was a published author at the age of 21, he has credibility to his beliefs. Additionally, as the author of the controversial novel, American Psycho, he underwent much criticism. This criticism never altered his writing and therefore, he does not fall into the cult of …show more content…
Pathos is a quality of a work that stirs up emotions of sympathy or empathy in the readers. I believe the audience Ellis is addressing in his article is mainly millennials. He is addressing young people who were born in an age of developing technology and feel pressure to act a certain way. For example, Ellis invokes empathy when he brings up Facebook. The audience is able to easily relate to Ellis’ point about Facebook, as almost everyone has one or knows what it is. As “anyone who resists such groupthink is ruthlessly shamed,” there is an added pressure for people to behave positively online. The article persuades me to not succumb to the groupthink so prevalent today, but rather to state my personal opinions without fear of
Therefore, he continues, “all we’re doing is setting ourselves up to be sold to - to be branded, targeted, and data-mined,” by corporations. Ellis believes that by acting this way, we are slowly going under corporate regulation. This regulation informs us how to behave and express ourselves acceptably in today’s society. Ellis also states that social networks prevent people from individual expression, as they yearn to be liked by everyone. This causes one to create an unrealistic online personality. Their online selves are, as Ellis puts it, “a nicer, friendlier, duller self.” In order to be accepted, people feel like they have to optimistic and respectful. Having a negative opinion is looked down upon. Ellis does not relate to those in the “cult of likeability.” He is a member of Generation X, who are known to be disaffected and directionless. He does not come from an era of confornment. I believe Ellis has an acceptable ethos. Ethos is the credibility or ethnic appeal of a writer, usually used to persuade. As Ellis was a published author at the age of 21, he has credibility to his beliefs. Additionally, as the author of the controversial novel, American Psycho, he underwent much criticism. This criticism never altered his writing and therefore, he does not fall into the cult of …show more content…
Pathos is a quality of a work that stirs up emotions of sympathy or empathy in the readers. I believe the audience Ellis is addressing in his article is mainly millennials. He is addressing young people who were born in an age of developing technology and feel pressure to act a certain way. For example, Ellis invokes empathy when he brings up Facebook. The audience is able to easily relate to Ellis’ point about Facebook, as almost everyone has one or knows what it is. As “anyone who resists such groupthink is ruthlessly shamed,” there is an added pressure for people to behave positively online. The article persuades me to not succumb to the groupthink so prevalent today, but rather to state my personal opinions without fear of