Introduction
The culture of cancellation or cancel culture has become one of the most discussed phenomena in society in recent years. It can be described as a process in which people condemn and publicly criticize others for their mistakes or omissions that are often associated with racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination. Accordingly, some people become discredited and cancelled out if their views contradict accepted norms and rules of social-ethical behaviour. Although there are arguments that it is necessary to cancel the culture of cancellation because of the wrong use of power in some cases, cancel culture should not be cancelled because it protects vulnerable groups and promotes both equality and justice.
Cancel Culture Should Not Be Cancelled
Cancel culture is a positive trend for society and should not be cancelled because it allows for less privileged groups to be protected. Consequently, their interests are not ignored. Thus, cancel culture helps detect, prevent, and oppose many cases of injustice, bias, and discrimination that have become common for various groups in society. These groups include women, minority groups, people with disabilities, and those of lower social status, among others (Mueller, 2021). One of the reasons why this culture should not be abolished is that it draws attention to important social issues or taboos. According to Kovalik (2021), for some people suffering from discrimination, cancel culture provides a feeling of support and comfort, as well as the hope that a negative tendency can change. By denouncing certain inappropriate acts and expressions, cancel culture stimulates discussions and learning about racial, gender, and sexual discrimination. Consequently, people become more aware of and attentive to issues that may have previously gone unnoticed or ignored.
This culture can be discussed as an effective social phenomenon as it gives people a chance to promote the principles of equality and fairness. Thus, according to Velasco (2020), cancel culture often provides people with an opportunity to express their reasonable displeasure without being blamed. Hence, it becomes possible to cancel out people who do not follow accepted social-ethical norms. This approach helps people recognize and support ideas that will lead to a more equal, positive, and just society. Ng (2020) claims that the culture of cancellation also serves as a tool to punish and hold accountable those who abuse their position, power, or influence. Public condemnation and possible consequences, such as loss of job or reputation, can deter others from repeating such mistakes. In this sense, cancel culture can contribute to developing a more just and tolerant society. Overall, this culture allows many to be protected from inequalities they can face in their life.
However, some people may argue that cancel culture should be cancelled because it leads to the wrong use of power. Thus, individuals can use this model to discriminate in a way against others, choosing to give preference to their positions over others (Dershowitz, 2020). Consequently, cancel culture can be viewed as a toxic phenomenon. In severe cases, it is also life-destroying, leading to social isolation. Still, although this culture can lead to the inappropriate use of power in some cases, steps can be taken to prevent such use. For example, society can set up accepted rules and provide measures of checking to ensure that people cannot use cancel culture to discriminate against others (Clark, 2020). If there are rules, this phenomenon can be controlled, and not affect society negatively. Also, measures should be taken to protect those who have been cancelled from unfair treatment and discrimination. Thus, it is crucial to evaluate all pros and cons to decide whether cancel culture should be cancelled
Conclusion
Overall, public opinions on cancel culture are different: some consider it an indispensable tool in the fight against injustice, while others view it as a problem. It is important to state that cancel culture should not be annulled. It can be positive for society as it provides less privileged groups with more protection and support. Vulnerable people can protect themselves from different types of discrimination. This culture also promotes ideas of fairness and justice. Although there are arguments for cancelling this culture, this step is unnecessary as negative effects can be prevented by taking measures to avoid the wrong use of power.
References
Clark, M. D. (2020). Drag them: A brief etymology of so-called “cancel culture”. Communication and the Public, 5(3-4), 88-92. Web.
Dershowitz, A. (2020). Cancel culture: The latest attack on free speech and due process. Hot Books.
Kovalik, D. (2021). Cancel this book: The progressive case against cancel culture. Hot Books
Mueller, T. S. (2021). Blame, then shame? Psychological predictors in cancel culture behaviour. The Social Science Journal, 1-14. Web.
Ng, E. (2020). No grand pronouncements here…: Reflections on cancel culture and digital media participation. Television & New Media, 21(6), 621-627. Web.
Velasco, J. C. (2020). You have cancelled: Virtual collective consciousness and the emergence of cancel culture as ideological purging. Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities, 12(5), 48-68. Web.