Cancel Culture

In the social media era, starting in the mid 2010s and accelerating in the late 2010s, there seemed to be a new form of social accountability emerging from the internet. On Black Twitter, some called it “canceling,” and it peaked with high-profile “cancellations” of celebrities who had engaged in some form of misconduct, whether it be sexual misconduct, racism, homophobia, or transphobic rhetoric. In the aftermath of these “cancellations,” many started to take a hard look at this phenomenon: its origins, its purpose, and whether or not it has been a force for good overall. In this section, we’re going to get into a bit about these questions: What is it to be “canceled?” Is “canceling” someone ok, and, if so, in what context? Is “canceling” an important avenue towards advocating for social justice and holding people accountable for wrongdoing, or a form of excessive social punishment? Can it be both? During this lesson, let’s be mindful and reflect on our own identities and how they might influence our own experiences, as well as be mindful of the experiences of everyone else in the room.

Supporting Social Studies series episode: 2

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