My Critical Essays

To Cancel is to be Cancelled PT 2

The Political Climate of 'Cancel Culture' and its Significance

'Cancel culture' is a political concept, because without politics, the phenomenon would not exist. Thus, to understand the nature and the occurrence of 'cancel culture' you need to understand how politics plays a role in its emergence.

COVID-10's influence on 'cancel culture' has been anything but quiet. With cities and countries everywhere under lockdown, people have turned to social media to pass the time. The alleged relationship between social media and 'cancel culture' has created animosity and scrunity throughout communities.

Tina Sikka explained, "I think the extra time some people had (during the pandemic) might have exacerbated 'cancel culture'. It drew more attention to past transgressions, which can be harmful if those individuals are not provided avenues to learn, apologise and grow." As people spend more time on social media, especially during lockdown, more attention is drawn to arbitrary content containing abhorrent themes that are viewed as degrading and explicit, deflecting society's shared values. The amplification of 'cancel culture' can be said due to the frustration of being under lockdown for weeks on end. With families staying at home, the increase in social media use was inevitable, leading to more time for 'cancellations'.

Social media's virality can create political and social movements that encourage the possibility of change. Hugh Breakey describes social media as a tool in advocating for 'political correctness' and accountability, "Social media makes many political and social movements possible in a way they have never been before. Sometimes this is very good, for example, the MeToo movement, which probably never would have occurred without the social interconnectedness provided by social media". Not only that, but the development of morality in society, as people educate themselves further, virality becomes a sort of weapon against public figures. For example, in 2020 alone, many figures and groups have faced backlash by the media for voice anti-progressive values, such as JK Rowling for her transphobic views, Ellen DeGeneress for alleged workplace bullying, and Jimmy Fallon, where a video had resurfaced of the TV host wearing blackface during an SNL skit.

Not only that but 'cancel culture' seems to only be fully impacting non-celebrities, creating a contradictory phenomenon; an article written by Waleed Aly claims, "The people who seem to suffer most are non-celebrities. Someone might be filmed saying something racist, say, only to have Twitter users hunt down and publish their personal details with the consequence of them being harassed if not fired from their jobs." The general media seems to have deep-rooted bigotry regarding society's actions and how to establish consequences. With society trying to become more progressive and understand each other's culture, the media's reaction to society's behaviour exhibits tensions, therefore, relinquishing the relationship between the two. This can be seen in the 60 minutes interview with John Cleese, "It is this pathetic idea, that people can't stand up for themselves and can't hear different opinions. And I don't believe we should encourage the easily upset, the most easily offended, the most hypersensitive people." The comedian's take on 'cancel culture' is one where the tensions between media and society are tense. His opposition to 'cancel culture' relays on the media's standpoint on the phenomenon.

Moreover, 'political correctness' plays a massive role in 'cancel culture' development and urgency. With the movement revolving around the values of secularism, democracy and freedom, it is important to note that social values drive 'cancel culture'. 'Political correctness' is also leading to the cancellations of not only public individuals and groups but also brands. As such, it has become prominent that companies are withdrawing brands that are promoting colour bias. The Times Now states, "One glaring example of this ('political correctness' impact on 'cancel culture'), is that of the popular 'Fair and Lovely' cream in India being replaced by the new brand name - 'Glow and Lovely'. It is no more considered politically correct to push being 'fair' or whiter'". As 'cancel culture' moves from individuals to individuals, groups and brands, it increases its prominence in society, creating a tenuous relationship between communities and media and society.

Furthermore, 'cancel culture' ties in with democratic legitimacy as both rely on the community's actions. Hugh Breakey explains, "There are harms to democratic legitimacy, as democracy relies on a level of civic responsibility and discussion to ensure that voters are informed about the issues they are voting on. Without a socially inclusive deliberation, democracy becomes less legitimate." Not only does 'cancel culture' inspire social exclusion but it also debilitates democracy as it creates concern with its capacity to silence and pressure people with different viewpoints; therefore, driving political polarisation. If political polarisation occurs, more disparity between communities emerges, leading to more conflict. The media standpoint on this is to be against the phenomenon, and against the conflict; however, much of society believes that 'cancel culture' is necessary in achieving social justice and views it to be prejudicial. An example of the media being against 'cancel culture' is, "The threat of 'cancel culture' to the free speech and expressions of both individuals and groups is relatively new, but the age-old hatred known as antisemitism is thriving again, more than ever. Under the guise of progressive politics, even elected officials like Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar are spearheading efforts to legitimise antisemitic and inflamatory rhetoric that costs Jewish lives. This article sheds light on the negative uses of 'cancel culture', showing the inefficiency of the phenomenon while also condemning the action of 'cancelling' a person, business or country. It further sheds light on the use of 'cancel culture' not for a progressive society, but for personal agendas that go against the values and beliefs of social democracy.

Nonetheless, the media's bias of 'cancel culture' depends on the leaning of the media outlet and the circumstances that surround the phenomenon. The rebranding of the Captain Cook Hotel is a good example of this as many different media sources have different opinions and beliefs as to such 'wokeness'.

The resistance of 'cancel culture' can be traced back to the nature of the phenomenon. Breakey states, "People can be against 'cancel culture' for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it may only be that they identify with the political right, and cancel culture is a movement stemming from the political left." The values of the political left is characterised by an emphasis on ideas such as equality, freedom, rights and reform. Furthermore, because social media encourages short, bite-sized interactions and rewards exciting and outrageous content, it tends to suppress careful and considerate arguments for self-interest.

Moreover, the phenomenon has reached new peaks. Asher Lieberman, well-known social media influencer, states his own personal experience regarding 'cancel culture', "...some things I didn't even know were offensive, like, I got called out because I didn't put a trigger warning for chewing on my videos." 'Cancel cultures' use of 'political correctness' can sometimes be used as an excuse to negatively impact someone's life. Furthermore, 'cancel culture' has changed the way we view humour; more content is deemed to be offensive, " And I feel that the internet, it used to be that way. You know, the jokes were a little bit offensive. satire is a little bit offensive. And I feel that especially because my account used to be all completely satire. So that impacts me now. I have to be careful what I say." Society has largely manipulated how the media is used and seen through the time it has been prevalent. More and more clashing between the two creates more conflict, and thus, social exclusion comes into play.