This issue is there is not a defined/permanent definition for “Cancel Culture,” rather many people just end up using other words and definitions to define cancel culture. This is because cancel culture has been around for so long that it has many names. Although there becomes an issue with a being that has no definition or direct name. Furthermore, as Glenn Greenwald said, “Terms that have no constant definition and therefore can be wielded cynically and exploitatively by whoever happens to be having the power to use them at any given time.” (The Intercept) These people who have the power are platforms such as news outlets and other media platforms that have high exposure rates. Greenwald even uses his own workplace as an example. Another issue is that it is so easy to get some one “canceled” and you may not even know it. Or you may not know what you are starting.
Similarly, the big issue is not for people who already have large platforms, like celebrities and other famous people. Like Greenwald says, the biggest concern is of those who do not have a big platform and who are normal people. The ability to ruin a person’s entire life is way too easy now. Like I said before, Cancel Culture has been around for years, it is nothing new, the new part is how we find ways to expose people. The people without power are the ones that suffer and struggle more with coming back from being “canceled.” This is the first reason I think we should let go of the use and term of “canceling” and Cancel Culture. The overall does more harm than good to society and ends up being a drama surrounded argument.
Furthermore, this is where many people ask whether it is good or bad, like in my opinion, I do not agree with it and think it is a bad thing and should not exist. But Greenwald says, “The question is, is the way in which Cancel Culture is manifesting new? Are the radical changes that it’s undergoing in the wake of the George Floyd murder and Black Lives Matter movement and other societal changes positive. In the sense that it is reinforcing the taboo on ideas that ought to be deemed so shameful and scornful. That people ought to lose all opportunities to participate in decent society. Or is it becoming excessive, is it becoming repressive?” (The Intercept) Why must we pushed these people so harshly in society, when most of the mistakes are things that anyone of us could have done and been “canceled” for simple mistakes. We are supposed to be able to learn from our mistakes, not fear making them and then being punished for them for life. Primarily, with this side of the argument, I just don’t think Cancel Culture is fair, but that does not mean I don’t think it should ever exist.
Other side effect/issue with Cancel Culture is how it restricts one’s freedoms. It is like wearing something over your mouth and trying to carry out a normal life with people. The first thing everyone will always notice about you is that you have something covering you mouth. They also won’t be able to understand anything you are saying because there is something blocking and changing the words coming out of your mouth. We must not be cursed for our mistakes. In addition, Greenwald said, “What I mean by humility is not bowing your head and refusing to be passionate about your causes and aggressive in your advocacy of them. What I mean is a recognition that is all human beings, we’re not just capable of erroring but we error constantly. And therefore, we should never have the confidence in any human beings and in any human institutions and most of all in ourselves to formulate ideas and opinions that are so objectively and unquestionably correct for all of history. That we should be confident banning or punishing or sanctioning the ability of other people to question them.” (The Intercept)
Nobody is perfect so why should anyone be tried as if they are? So, should we practice it or let go of it? Personally, I think that it should be let go, although it has been around for a long time, there are too many people without a filter and at the same time there are too many people who are very “sensitive.” With this comes little forgiveness, so once you have been tainted/defamed it is very hard to come back from it. Overall, we must think more through a philosopher eye to think about the effects on normal people. As Greenwald said, we must do something, or our society will just continue to get sicker and never get better or heal. Overall, I think we should let go of Cancel Culture because it only causes negative outcomes.
Sources:
“Elites are Distorting the “Cancel Culture” Crisis,” System Update With Glenn Greenwald, Published on July 17, 2020.
I do think empathy and understanding, as you have indicated, could solve a lot of these "cancel culture" explosions. Especially when it comes to everyday people, I think extending grace and empathy to people in dealing with speech that could be harmful as a great first option. Willingness to grow and to engage with others on discourse is so important, but I also understand that that is an ideal scenario, and may not be possible in all scenarios.
It is true that people create their own definition and interpretation of what Cancel Culture is, and it is difficult to convince people about it. And exactly as you mention that Greenwald said that it does not exist, and people use it in a cynical and exploitative way against anyone. People in power don't really care if they cancel because they know they're still going to have an audience who will continue to support them. So, this will affect the normal. We are all different and think differently and the line of not agreeing with something and disrespecting it is what takes people to an extreme of great proportions. Great Job, Regan!
Regan, you did a great job expressing your point of view on Greenwald's lecture. I strongly agree with you that we must think more through a philosopher's eye to think about the effects on normal people. However, for me, it is hard to say that we should let go of Cancel Culture. So let's consider an individual always posting racism and hate speech on social media, what should we do? So if each of us unfollows them, they will be canceled. Is it bad or good?
Regan, I completely agree with your stance on cancel culture. I also think that it ends up doing more harm than good. Your point about the affects of cancel culture for famous versus non-famous people was insightful and helps support your argument. The amount of power a mob of people can wield when they're angry can easily ruin someone's life. I'm not saying we shouldn't hold people accountable, but nowadays things can be blown out of proportion in an instant.