The last decade has seen an enormous explosion as well as a rapid institutionalization and professionalization of cultural studies as a distinct academic field in the US. Although cultural studies is far from being a homogenous and uniform enterprise, a number of strands can easily be outlined today as its defining characteristics. As these are examined, it becomes clear that some have led to positive contributions, while some of the others carry potential risks and negative implications. After briefly discussing the positive aspects, I analyze in this article those trends within cultural studies that tend to reveal a negative nature.