In Harold Bloom's "The Western Canon: The Books and School of the Ages," he critiques critics who conform to dominant trends in literary criticism. He suggests that when these individuals yield to established norms, they adopt a mindset akin to that of an occupied nation, resigned to their circumstance and lacking hope for change. This analogy emphasizes a loss of critical independence and the dangers of complacency within cultural discourse.

Bloom's commentary highlights the importance of genuine critique and the role of independent thought in literature. By surrendering to mainstream perspectives, critics may stifle innovation and the potential for new ideas. Instead of liberating art and thought, this approach leads to a stagnation that limits the exploration of diverse voices and perspectives within the literary canon.