By Tamara Jones
If you have any social networking sites, then I’m sure you’re familiar with the phrase cancel culture, and if by chance, you’ve managed to escape the term, I will gladly explain it’s intended meaning and origin. Mariam Webster defines cancel culture as “the practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure.” The first known use of the term arose in 2016 during the #MeToo movement and since its inception, it has largely held a negative connotation, specifically in the political landscape. Many adversaries of cancel culture feel as if the act perpetuates an erasure of the First Amendment, more specifically – freedom of speech. In fact, cancel culture has often been touted as a liberal tactic for a suppression of conservative ideals. However, freedom of speech is often confused with the freedom to say whatever you’d like--without consequence. That consequence, in recent years has been inaccurately described as cancel culture. In fact, the act of “canceling” is merely just holding public figures accountable for their words and actions. Moreover, the so-called victims of cancel culture haven’t faced any repercussions that have impeded their freedom, careers, or safety. They have simply been called to task for racist, xenophobic, or homophobic statements. A few notable names of public figures who were “canceled” in 2021 are Ellen DeGeneres, J.K. Rolling, Justin Timberlake--all of whom took to their social channels and issued statements apologizing for the behavior they were called out for. As Communications majors we all know the power that words have. Certain words and phrases shape a narrative. I believe that cancel culture is a misnomer since the individuals being “canceled” don’t face any type of expiry. A more accurate name would be consequence culture. Sources: Americans and ‘Cancel Culture’: Where Some See Calls for Accountability, Others See Censorship, Punishment https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/05/19/americans-and-cancel-culture-where-some-see-calls-for-accountability-others-see-censorship-punishment/
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4/19/2023 02:46:15 am
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5/2/2023 01:05:20 am
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AuthorBowie State University SPR Group Student Blog Archives
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