If criticism’s role is to interrogate texts and uncover (or attempt to uncover) their meaning, then it is a subversive tool, and there will always be those who benefit by suppressing criticism:
Like propaganda generally, advertising must thus pervade the atmosphere; for it wants, paradoxically, to startle its beholders without really being noticed by them. It’s aim is not to jolt us into thinking … but specifically away from thought, into quasiautomatic action … for, once isolated and deliberately interpreted, an ad will betray not only the devices that may enable it to work, but certain larger truths about the system that requires it, and that (therefore) requires that you not think about it. Miller, Boxed In (11)
If a critic isn’t wanted some place, you can be damn sure that place is deserving of vigorous critical attention.
