Exploring the Impact of Cancel Culture: A Societal Examination

Abstract

Argumentative Essay: is Cancel Culture Making the World a Better Place? The concept of Cancel Culture is a subject of debate, with many politicians, activists, and journalists questioning its validity on its actualization. Does cancel culture even exist? Who is right? Does it promote social justice, or is it a tool for censorship? Cancel culture entails boycotting individuals, companies, shows and movies, and brands due to offensive remarks or problems they create to the public. Cancel culture is a form of banishment on people who behave outside the perceived social norms. Social media has been at the forefront in placing individuals, media, companies, and many other institutions under scrutiny, enforcing correctness in their actions and deeds. Here is an example of how to cancel culture works; Cancel culture is a weapon society uses to critic the powerful, hence helping the less fortunate whose rights have been trampled underfoot. This essay upholds cancel culture as a phenomenon that promotes accountability and adherence to the social process that reinforces society's desired set of norms, making the world a better place. Many times there is a clear difference between right and wrong. Let's not complicate this statement but reason like the right-thinking men in society. One issue that celebrities often find themselves at the toes of the public, mainly social media, is cultural appropriation. This aspect spurs bitterness and anger, and the affected communities often opt for canceling the offenders, especially when they are exposing what is sacred and conservative. Cultural appropriation is an ongoing debate in American society, and ignorance of this issue yields a menace. The famous statement, "How will one know if an individual is mocking or appreciating the culture?" It is evident and transparent. How will an individual rock an Indian attire used in the temple in a club? Using it in the wrong place is demeaning to a particular culture. Donning another person’s dressing comes with a lot of responsibility, especially in the public domain. Cancel culture has been an effective tool in combating menace in society such as sexism, racism, discrimination, and wrongdoing to others. It has been used to promote accountability for offensive conduct and unruly behavior in society. The perception and attitudes of society on this behavior have recently become intolerant, and the privileged ed can refrain from shitting things in fear of public shaming and canceling. ABC News cut ties with Roseann Barr after making racist comments on Barrack Obama’s adviser Valerie Jarrette when she referred to ‘the Planet of Apes’ on Twitter. The aftermath was a backlash from the internet and losing her job (Schneider & Valencia). Cancel culture is working; employers will not be willing with the less reputable with issues of racism, sexism, or mayhem in the public domain. Companies are not willing to compromise when it comes to business. Of course, personally, I don't want a tarnished name to associate itself with my brand. Cancel culture is a way of speaking the truth to power and deterring bad behaviour in society. Those in higher positions and institutions can be held accountable for offensive conduct. According to (Romano), canceling shows that you do not have the power to change structural inequality. In this era of cancel culture, celebrities have become subjects of public criticism due to their privileged position. Film producer Harvey Weinstein in 2017 faced public scrutiny due to sexual abuse allegations, and social media intensified their critics, making him convicted as a sex offender (Arsonson 93). The free and liberal society has privileges and freedoms; hence there is a need for a redline that would threaten the...