“Cancel culture” (“canceling” someone for wrongdoing) has become a huge trend on the Internet and beyond. But is “canceling” someone always the right move? If people act in terrible, unforgivable ways, I completely understand “canceling” them. But is it always appropriate to immediately “cancel” someone? And shouldn’t we give people who’ve done something wrong room to redeem themselves?
Here are a few reasons why “cancel culture” can be detrimental, especially to those in the public eye.
1. “Canceling” someone can have a negative impact on those who make honest mistakes.
Say a celebrity misworded something in an interview. Maybe their point was actually the opposite of what people perceived that they were saying, but now the entire Internet has “canceled” them. No matter what they say next or how they explain their true intentions, no one will hear them out because they’re “canceled.”
2. People grow and change.
Some people who’ve been “canceled” have said or done truly hurtful things, but when they learn from their mistakes and work on improving themselves,no one seems to care. Many people can change for the better, and they deserve a second chance to prove their growth.
3. It’s not possible to be perfect if you’re constantly in the spotlight.
I’ve personally made my fair share of inappropriate comments mistakes in my lifetime. Who hasn’t? But for those in the public eye, it’s especially impossible to please everyone and maintain a “perfect” image. Instead of immediately rushing to “cancel” problematic celebrities, we should educate others and help everyone grow.
4. Staying open to self-improvement shouldn’t be taboo.
Some of us were raised in toxic households, but we can unlearn the toxic ideals we grew up with. Thanks to the power of the Internet, many people in my life have learned to be more politically correct and have grown immensely. Remember these wise words:”If I’m wrong, educate me, don’t belittle me.”
In the case of non-forgiveable acts (rape, incest, child abuse, spousal abuse, animal abuse, predatory behavior, homophobia, transphobia, and blatant racism) it’s completely appropriate to “cancel” the perpetrator. But if that person simply didn’t know that their comments were racist, homophobic, or transphobic, we should give them the opportunity to better themselves.
Educating people is so important and the responsible thing to do, but if we immediately “cancel” people for wrongdoing, we don’t have the opportunity to educate. Instead of “canceling” celebrities, let’s continue to help those who are willing to learn and watch the impact it’ll have.
Featured Photo via Pexels
