Cancel Culture is cancelled.

3 minute read

There are countless posts across social media screaming “cancelled”, as if anyone really has that kind of authority over another - but I get it, new ideas can be scary. We’ve normalized pointing a finger to single out anyone that thinks differently from the status quo. Ok, but that is most likely not going to magically change anyone’s demeanor. I mean who knows maybe shaming them for thinking differently might bring self awareness, right? It doesn’t quite work that way. Besides who is to say what’s right and wrong?

Let’s not even get into the comments section, where one can typically find dozens of online users waving their proverbial pitchforks and torches - taking turns stabbing at the latest cancel culture victim. As if this singling out someone and displaying lynch mob behavior were any better than the last.

What is cancel culture, and why is it such a big deal?

Cancel culture is essentially when people call out and boycott individuals or organizations for behavior or statements considered offensive or problematic. It aims to hold people accountable but can sometimes have unintended negative consequences.

One of the significant issues with cancel culture is that it can be very black-and-white, offering little room for people to learn from their mistakes and grow. It's like once someone is labeled as "cancelled," they're written off entirely, without a chance for redemption or understanding. This approach can stifle dialogue and hinder genuine progress. When we immediately jump to cancel someone, we might miss opportunities for education and constructive conversation.

Moreover, cancel culture can create a culture of fear and conformity, where people are afraid to express their opinions or engage in meaningful debate. This atmosphere can lead to "groupthink," where only certain viewpoints are considered acceptable, and others are quickly shut down. It diminishes the diversity of thought, which is crucial for innovation and understanding.

For example, there are instances where cancel culture has been used effectively to highlight and address severe issues, like holding public figures accountable for genuinely harmful actions. However, there are also cases where people are cancelled for minor or unintentional mistakes, which can feel more like bullying than accountability. This can be particularly harmful to young people who might find it hard to navigate these social dynamics without feeling ostracized or attacked.

So, how can we address the issues cancel culture brings up without falling into its pitfalls? One approach is to focus more on "call-out" culture instead of outright cancellation. This means pointing out problematic behavior and opening up a space for discussion and education rather than immediate ostracization. It's about balancing accountability with empathy and understanding.

Let's encourage each other to learn and grow from our mistakes, creating a more inclusive and empathetic society. Besides, we all make mistakes and if we all cancelled those that offend us eventually, we’d all end up estranged. We can do better friends. Next time someone’s ideas clash with your own, how about we lend an ear, instead of throwing a stone? We have much to learn from each other.