6 pages

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Yingxin Xu

English001A

Professor Elizabeth Williams

11/30/2020

Cancel Culture

Norris, Pippa defines cancel culture as a social rejection that existed right through

evolution (2).The word "cancel" stands for a rejection of anything.In terms of "cancellation"

culture, it refers to the cancellation of personality. The widespread practice of withdrawing

support for the companies or the public figures on the charge of any offensive act has become a

new norm in present-day society. It is mostly discussed on social media in the form of group

shaming. The public figure is targeted on social media for committing anything that is not

accepted by mainstream society. Cancel culture is a way to control society members for a

common goal of survival, and it is for the greater good of society. This essay would try to look at

the pros of cancel culture that how its pros tend to outweigh its cons.

Since the world has become interdependent and connected because of social media's rise,

the rejection has been continuously outweighing the very grain of our being. The cancel culture

on social media can be identified in hashtags such as #CancelX and #Xthepartyisover.

Furthermore, the most relevant example that can be quoted here is the #MeToo movement. The

#MeToo movement refers to the canceling of prominent showbiz figures in the allegations of

sexual harassment. So, one can say that this movement has helped the marginalized section

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(particularly women) that they can raise their voices against sexual harassment that they have

been experiencing in the courses of their daily lives.

Thomas, Zoe described the effects of cancel culture on the fashion brands that the

companies are relentlessly keeping their reputations by engaging their consumer base under

social media. For example, an American actor Colin Kaepernick went down on his knees during

the national anthem in an NFL game. He did this for protesting against police brutality, but he

faced a severe backlash that he disrespected the national flag. Despite this act, Nike decided to

hire him in their campaign with the slogan "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing

everything. Just Do It." In response, the brand was boycotted, and its products were destroyed on

social media. However, consumers' efforts in canceling the brand failed because Nike has added

more than $6 billion to its market value. People are cognizant enough to distinguish between

right and wrong and know the excellent purpose of the cultural manifestations. It is not that they

blindly follow its characteristics under the influence of a new thing and target a few individuals

for their vested interests. Likewise, it can also be said that the brands know when to stand with

their ambassadors to maintain each involved's integrity, which is ultimately a positive aspect of

concerning cancel culture. Therefore, it can be said that cancel culture does not affect the

businesses; however, it can raise awareness among people about protecting their cultural

affiliations and objects.

It was recently revealed that the former US President had sacked the Harry Potter author

over his anti-transgender remarks. According to a media report, Kylie Jenner was canceled for

weaving a "Web of Lies" (Romano). This canceling of the eminent personalities has got the

reader's attention that the actual reasons are becoming the baseline of cancel culture. Evans,

Rhiannon has explained why people are being canceled and boycott on the social media

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platform. The answer to this question lies in the understanding canceling is being done for the

greater good of society. The public figures are known as the influencers, and their quotes and

saying hold impacts on the general masses, so these figures have to think before speaking.

Moreover, cancel culture brings about social change. It has been observed that cancel

culture has been cherished for initiating civil rights movements. White, Constance C.R. stated

that cancel culture is being used by several big brands such as Unilever, Coca-Cola, and food

brands to boycott Facebook advertisement because the platform has refused to censor the speech

of organizations supposed hate groups. One can say that accountability is being framed by

inquiring about labor practices to uproot the companies' systematic racism. The most recent

example that can be quoted here is the movement of Black Lives Matter initiated on Twitter in

the wake of the killing of a black man at the hands of the white policeman. It was the top trend

on Twitter to support the black community. So one can say that cancel culture has positive

impacts on society as a whole because the marginalized sections get support from the online

platform and would be able to convey their concerns to their leaders. Therefore, the pros of

cancel culture outweigh its cons.

To sum up, cancel culture is the boycott of the public figures on social media platforms

for their immoral behaviors. It is usually meant for the more significant good cause of society as

different civil rights movements have begun following this culture, and it gave the voice to the

voiceless marginalized groups of the societies. So, the pros of cancel culture outweigh the cons

of cancel culture as criticism may positively modify individuals' behaviors by drawing

accountability for all.

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Work Cited

Evans, Rhiannon. "What Is Cancel Culture? And Who Has Been Cancelled Now?". Grazia,

2020, https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/in-the-news/what-is-cancel-culture/.

Norris, Pippa. "Closed Minds? Is A ‘Cancel Culture’ Stifling Academic Freedom And

Intellectual Debate In Political Science?". SSRN Electronic Journal, 2020. Elsevier BV,

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3671026.

Romano, Aja. "Why We Can’T Stop Fighting About Cancel Culture". Vox, 2020,

https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/12/30/20879720/what-is-cancel-culture-explained-

history-debate.

Thomas, Zoe. "What Is The Cost Of 'Cancel Culture'?". BBC News, 2020,

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54374824.

White, Constance C.R. "Pros And Cons Of Cancel Culture". The Purist, 2020,

https://thepuristonline.com/2020/08/pros-and-cons-of-cancel-culture/.