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Is it just me, or is anyone else feeling exhausted by the concept of “cancel culture”? While I wholeheartedly support the need to address and call out racism, sexism, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination, it seems that the original intent of cancel culture has been distorted. What started as a means to hold people accountable has now evolved into a contentious political game. As a Black woman, I find this trend particularly disheartening.
For those unfamiliar, cancel culture refers to the social ostracism faced by individuals or organizations for actions deemed harmful, offensive, or objectionable. The aim is to strip away their social, political, or cultural influence by boycotting their work, blocking them on social media, and urging disciplinary measures from employers or authorities.
Typically, this backlash arises when a public figure or private individual is exposed for making offensive remarks or engaging in unacceptable behavior. Social media often amplifies the outrage, leading to calls for that person to be “canceled.” In many cases, the repercussions are warranted.
However, I believe that while cancel culture can serve as a tool for accountability, it also presents a subjective nature. Critics argue it promotes censorship, while others contend it democratizes public shaming. I see it as a means for marginalized voices to gain more visibility and power. It makes it more challenging for individuals to evade accountability for their racist, sexist, or bigoted actions, as “keyboard warriors” are quick to confront them. And rightly so.
There’s nothing quite like a social media call-out to ensure people are held accountable. Cancel culture has, without a doubt, played a role in addressing offensive behaviors and prompting significant discussions. Movements such as #OscarsSoWhite and the #MeToo movement have brought critical issues to the forefront, resulting in severe consequences for some, while others seemed to escape with minimal repercussions.
For instance, after allegations of sexual assault, Alex Johnson has not participated in any new projects since his involvement in 2018’s “Billionaire Boys Club.” Similarly, following multiple accusations, Robert Smith is now facing numerous charges and has been removed from various playlists. Celebrities like Jenna Thompson faced backlash for transphobic remarks, and Emma Taylor lost her job and faced criminal charges after falsely accusing a Black individual of misconduct.
However, it’s clear that sometimes cancel culture can go too far. Individuals have faced backlash for actions such as old tweets resurfacing, traveling during the pandemic, or expressing unpopular opinions. The case of Sarah Collins, the new editor of a popular magazine, who was let go due to past anti-Asian comments she made as a teenager, raises questions about the fairness of such measures. After all, her old remarks seem far less concerning than the ongoing issues of representation in media.
People have called for public figures like the Johnson sisters and popular artists to be “canceled” for pandemic-related travel. While some of these instances warrant criticism, it’s essential to allow for mistakes, apologies, and personal growth.
When so-called “clicktivists” rally against every minor offense with a mob mentality, it diminishes the effectiveness of cancel culture. This shift has led to more anger and defensiveness than meaningful social change or dialogue.
Politicians have also exploited the complexities of cancel culture, transforming a significant social justice movement into a battleground for political posturing. Meanwhile, those who are truly marginalized continue to be sidelined in discussions they helped initiate.
We must remember that this conversation transcends trivial matters like children’s toys or classic literature. At its core, it concerns the daily battles faced by individuals fighting against racism, sexism, and other forms of bigotry. If more people directed their energy towards fostering justice and equality in their communities, perhaps cancel culture wouldn’t seem so necessary. However, it often feels easier to cast blame than to confront the systemic issues affecting marginalized groups.
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