If America promotes free speech, why do people keep getting cancelled for sharing opinions? Chances are we’ve all heard the term “cancel culture” by now. It signifies an individual “culturally blocked from having a prominent public platform or career” (Romano, 2020). Throughout history, people have been “cancelled” based on political beliefs or scandals. Today, the concept is similar and prominent on social media. Society has gained an obsession with projected image and sensitive representation of all individuals. As can be seen with the attempted cancellation of the popular toy Mr. Potato Head — converted to gender neutral Potato Head. Another example, author Dr. Seuss received heat after accusations surfaced of utilizing racist imagery in several of his books.
In a world overtaken by a pandemic, we’ve created a breeding ground for cancel culture.
According to CBS News, an early reference to cancel culture was in 2014 on the reality TV show “Love and Hip-Hop: New York.” The term was used by music executive and cast member Cisco Rosado who told his current girlfriend she was cancelled after revealing she had a daughter. From there, the term spiraled and took on its own meaning. What started as a joke on Twitter has evolved into a serious issue.
One of the more recent examples is TV personality and Bachelor host Chris Harrison. A recent Bachelor contestant, Rachael Kirkconnel, was accused of past racist behavior. After catching wind of this, Harrison made racially insensitive remarks on the TV show “Extra” hosted by Rachel Lindsay, the first Black Bachelorette. An aftermath of hatred followed Harrison on social media, and he has since been replaced by former Bachelorettes Tayshia Adams and Kaitlyn Bristowe for the next season (Braxton, 2021).
Cancel culture’s many forms make it a difficult beast to tame. Adding a pandemic to that mix makes the problem skyrocket. Someone is seemingly cancelled every day — more than one person in some cases. Extra stress is placed on individuals living in the public eye due to this mob mentality. They are left wondering who the next victim will be. Many argue it’s simply freedom of speech, but when does this become bullying?
The term has been so loosely thrown around that it becomes background noise. However, social media isn’t going away any time soon. On one hand, cancel culture holds people accountable for past actions. By “airing out their dirty laundry,” it forces individuals to publicly address their mistakes. While this can be good in certain scenarios, it also creates an atmosphere for misjudgment and false accusations.
For example, country music band the Dixie Chicks received hate over their name referring to the former Confederate states. However, the main reason they were cancelled was due to lead singer Natalie Maines making a political statement regarding United States involvement in the Iraq war. Eight days before former President George W. Bush declared war on Iraq in March 2003, Maines stated, “Just so you know, we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas” (Snapes, 2020). The band’s conservative fans were in shock and called them traitors. Radio banning and CD-burning protests broke out across the country, and the group was cancelled virtually overnight.
America’s promotion of free speech becomes a large and confusing example of double-standards when compared side-by-side to cancel culture. Since many of us have been stuck in our homes with nothing better to do, social media has been a resort for boredom-busting. Perhaps some of these cancellations are unintentional, but many are taking a dark turn by targeting individuals.
Cancel culture impacts college students at a greater level. Younger generations rely on social media for daily influences, connection to family and friends, and entertainment. Cancel culture makes it difficult for students to understand what the truth is and which celebrities should be supported and which ones should be kept at arm’s length. Everyone is very quick to make judgements and jump on one another. A single liked post, comment or photo can end friendships. College students look for individuals in the public eye for inspiration, and when one gets cancelled, it is very disheartening.
Society needs to take a slow, deep breath and reflect on all the damage being done. We should try using this momentum to lift each other up and create a more positive environment. With all the pain and suffering in our world, we could use a little joy.
From now on keep in mind that our actions have consequences, even through a screen.
Casey Lehmann is a third-year Media and Culture major with a minor in Anthropology. CL914168@wcupa.edu