Trends and Entertainment

So Cynicism is Dead

Aloofness is out, warmth is in. Flaming is out, gushing is in.

A story in this week’s New York Observer proclaims that we’re faceing the New Nice, even — perhaps especially — in nasty old New York. Entered into evidence: Tina Fey on the cover of Vogue, the Academy Awards including more best picture nominees, Lady Gaga expressing gratitude to her fans.

That’s this attitude shift due to? In part, the recession.

“Perhaps it’s not surprising that we find ourselves softer and more empathetic when so many of us are unemployed and our city’s largest moneymaking industry has been publicly dressed down,” writes Meredith Bryan.

She quotes literary PR consultant Lauren Cerand: “That very cynical voice worked really well from 2003 to 2006.”

But is it good news? Not for everyone–especially those who don’t buy it, and thinks we’re all just being insincere. Also on the downside, earnestness begets junk like this marketing video from Yale, which has made the bile rise in countless  throats around the country.