Essay Sample about Cancel Culture

In the past several years, a new term has emerged gaining popularity rather quickly on social media. It is known as cancel culture. While its true meaning may be different to each individual, the purest definition is the boycotting of a celebrity, organization, or business due to an offensive comment or act. This online form of ostracism allows any person or group of people to hold public figures accountable for their actions. This has been very effective at combating many social issues such as racism, sexism, and other injustices. However, there have also been instances where cancel culture has been abused, resulting in an individual receiving a needless amount of hate. Cancel culture being a relatively new movement has already emitted both positive and negative effects on our society. 

Cancel culture has the potential to be very empowering and can enable an expansive sum of change when used effectively. It has especially been incredibly powerful at demanding social change, and addressing many inequalities. By calling out the individual, it raises awareness of the situation, and can lead to a great magnitude of change. It ensures that people learn about the issue, and educate themselves on how to change their behavior. The past year or so, many celebrities have experienced cancel culture for themselves. For example, Morgan Wallen, a country singer-songwriter, was exposed casually saying a racial slur in a video around his home. Cancel culture took to social media, calling out Wallen for his actions. This caused a series of repercussions for the singer, as he lost his record label, was removed from the radio, and was ineligible for any music award ceremonies. Later on, Wallen posted a video-statement apologizing for his actions, and promised to educate himself regarding his actions. Not only did this hold Morgan Wallen accountable, but it also encouraged him to understand what he did, and further educate himself.  Social media and culture also allow those who are not typically heard, to be heard. It gives them a platform that they can discuss, and call out these social injustices. This lets these individuals feel that they have value and that their voice matters. It allows them to enact change while not being face to face. Most importantly, cancel culture has drawn the attention to the nations most powerful celebrities, racist and sexist comedians, and largest corporations. It provides a way to hold those accountable, and suffer consequences that concur with their actions. Cancel culture does not allow these individuals to go unnoticed when they do or say something that they understand is wrong. It is important that even the most influential people in the country are held accountable for their actions. 

Cancel culture is one of the most divise terms in modern--day America. Becoming a polarizing topic for debate, there are many people who view this movement as a negative impact to society. Cancel culture has commonly been called a toxic, and negative way of quickly judging, and punishing someone despite knowing the full situation. With cancel culture taking place on social media, it can go too far and become very destructive quickly. Canceling will often turn into bullying the individual or company. It can feel as if everyone has given up on you without giving you the chance to apologize. Another reason why many people disagree with the cancel culture movement is because of what they believe it is teaching. In its current form, cancel culture teaches us that if someone does something wrong, or says something that we disagree with, we must shun and stop supporting them. That there is no room for apologizing or stating why they support that opinion. Such as when cancel culture came upon the CEO of Goya Foods after making a positive remark regarding the former president’s administration. Although someone may not agree with what the CEO said, it is a key principle that each of us can freely state our own personal thoughts, and opinions. Cancel culture is also very quick to act. As soon as those on social media get a lead on something someone did or said, they immediately begin to cancel. It is shocking how quickly a person's career can come to a halt even with a false story. Finally, cancel culture does not allow the individual or business to apologize and recognize their mistakes. Typically, the damage is already done, and there is no open road to reconciliation.

Throughout the past several years, many celebrities and businesses have been canceled for appropriate reasons. Many times when a celebrity, or public figure is cancelled it comes as a shock to the fan, and often disappointing them. I can relate to this, as I used to be a very big fan of Ellen Degenerous, as I found her very funny, and generous. However, late last year, social media began condemning Ellen for creating a toxic work environment for her staff, making racial comments, and firing those who took medical leave. Not only did this go against what Ellen “supposedly” stood for, it created an unhealthy environment for her workers. Although her show is still being produced, I do not feel positive about watching it anymore. This is how many fans feel after someone they look up to, or found entertaining is cancelled. This occurs quite frequently with singers. How are we supposed to respond when someone we look up to, or are a fan of gets cancelled. Do we just stop listening to their music or watching their show, even though we love the lyrics or the content? It puts us in a very difficult position, trying to decide what we should, and how we should react. Even if you do not partake in the act of cancel culture, many times you are still affected by it. 

Cancel culture has gained popularity fast, and continues to do so. Personally, I agree with the movement to cancel culture to a certain extent. I believe that is a very effective way to hold each other accountable, as well as public figures and businesses. However, I think it has the opportunity to become detrimental to our society as well. In order for cancel culture to provide a benefit to our society, we must ensure that we are cancelling for valid reasons such as racial inequality, or sexism. If we begin cancelling individuals or businesses for simply stating their political viewpoint, or public opinion then this is where it can become harmful to us. Rather than dividing us even more, it can act as a learning point, and educate those that are in the wrong. Cancel culture has the opportunity to change the world if and when it is used effectively to the issues that matter most.