Summary

The article discusses the historical prevalence of "cancel culture," illustrating that the phenomenon is not a modern creation but has been part of society for millennia, affecting both public figures and ordinary individuals.

Abstract

The concept of cancel culture, often perceived as a contemporary social media trend, is examined in the article, revealing its longstanding presence throughout history. The author provides examples such as Hester Prynne, Galileo, and Julius Caesar to demonstrate that ostracism and public shunning are not new. The piece argues that cancel culture has always been a part of societal interactions, from the personal level of being excluded at school to the public downfall of figures like Richard Nixon and Monica Lewinsky. The article suggests that while some cancellations are justified, such as in cases of abhorrent behavior, the practice is deeply ingrained in human nature and serves as a way for society to exert control in an often confusing world. The author concludes by reminding readers that even those who were once canceled, like Galileo, can eventually be redeemed.

Opinions

The author implies that the current discourse on cancel culture often overlooks its historical precedents, mistakenly treating it as a novel phenomenon.
There is a sentiment that cancel culture can be both a tool for justice and a form of unjust collective punishment, depending on the context and the individuals or entities involved.
The article suggests that the ability to cancel or ostracize is a form of power that people enjoy exercising, providing a sense of control and superiority.
The author posits that society tends to remember and categorize significant cancellations from different eras, using them as reference points to relate to a particular time period.
The piece questions whether cancel culture should continue in its current form, hinting at the possibility of a more compassionate approach that allows for second chances.
The author points out that history shows us that those who have been canceled can eventually be vindicated, as was the case with Galileo.

Cancel Culture Isn’t New

We just called it something else

A ‘Scarlett Letter’ was just the beginning

If you grew up in another era, you’d be well aware of the “canceled” folks of yore. Hester Prynne. Galileo. Heck, even Caesar was ultimately cancelled by his once-close friend. For more recent discussion topics, just look no further than the hysteria of the McCarthy era when being labeled a communist would have given you a mark that would impress even the likes of Ms. Prynne.

Et Tu, Brute?

A quick check in with most folks would reveal that every one of them could easily name their favourite canceled anti-hero. All you have to do is ask. Whether this anti-hero allegedly committed heresy for stating that the earth moved around the sun, or participated in an assassination of a former friend, history is rife with these characters.

And yet, if you gauged the pulse of popular culture, you’d think that to be “canceled” is to experience a treatment that is only in the domain of today’s woke arbiters. You know – the ones who take to Twitter and TikTok, pronouncing who we are to shun next. We follow suit, no questions asked, because it’s just what we’re supposed to do…I guess?

I Wish it Were 1978, Just For One Day

Back in the day, life was slower and the days were longer.

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A hot topic of discussion

“Cancel Culture,” as it is known, is all the rage as the hot topic of discussion on social media channels. Indeed, these platforms are not the only places that you will find lively conversations — and many arguments — about this now-common trend. It’s everywhere, with showing no signs of stopping.

Yet the discussions about how harmful it is allude to its apparent nascency, ignoring the fact that we’ve been canceling people for millennia.

The latest cancellations can be found by merely checking out online discussions about Dr. Seuss and Mr. Potatohead. But don’t think that cancel culture only goes after child-friendly targets. No — real life, grownups are also at the mercy of the social media judges, juries and executioners.

Regardless of where you stand on the position of cancellations, know that this supposed “trend” has always been with us and will continue to be part of society’s fabric.

The discussions about how harmful cancel culture is allude to its apparent nascency, ignoring the fact that we’ve been canceling people for millennia.

We may not have had a “hip” terminology for it, but rest assured it was happening. And not only with public figures or companies. It has been happening to your average Joe (and Jane) from day one.

Who doesn’t recall the pain of being left out, ignored or scorned by friends at school? It could be during the excruciating moments in gym class when sports teams were picked by fellow students. If you weren’t chosen, it was both painful and embarrassing. You, by definition, had been cancelled.

It could have been in high school when it was prom time. Everybody had a prom date except those unchosen few who, not dissimilarly to Hester Prynne, Were figuratively marked as “unacceptable,” no bright red “A” required.

Cancellations in every decade

The popular culture of each decade has its own capstone people, places and things that have been cancelled.

To wit; recent history recalls the plight of these people who never recovered from societal scorn:

1900s — The One-Piece Swimsuit

1940s — Ingrid Bergman

1970s — Richard Nixon

1990s — Monica Lewinsky

2000s — Chis Brown

Which brings us to today.

Here we are in 2021 and “to cancel” has a meaning that is immediately understood by most. We know that it is the rule, not the exception, and that the ability to turn on what was once considered good — even great, at times — is our collective prerogative.

And so we continue the exercise, choosing different people, companies, objects at will, and whenever suits our fancy. This behaviour is not going to change anytime soon as it is clearly something that is hardwired into us humans. It’s almost as if each era and each time period’s particular victims of cancellation are easily recalled and categorized for our memories, allowing us to quickly relate to a time of interest.

“Oh — the 70's? Yea, that Watergate was really something, wasn’t it?”

“The 80’s ‘greed is good’ mentality was so gross. Those stockbrokers deserved to lose their money and be cancelled.”

What causes people to cancel previously popular people, places or things?

One has to wonder. Perhaps it’s the psychological component that drives these types of actions. You know — those feelings of superiority that we all have (even if we won’t admit it) when are able to wield our personal power in our favour regarding a situation. It may be something small and inconsequential, or something impactful; so much so that a life — or lives — are changed forever.

Sometimes the cancellation is just. I’m looking at you, R. Kelly. Sometimes it’s not so cut and dry. There are many instances of this latter situation that can be argued either way, depending on who you ask.

The future may be cancelled. Please stand by.

So where do we go from here? Do we maintain the status quo and continue our arbitrary cancellations, our decisions to do so based on the slightest hint of wrongdoing?

Or do we take the high road, give people (and businesses) a pass, and continue on our merry way?

While there’s no definitive answer, human nature is such that we are, for the most part, fairly predictable. To this end, the probable outcome of the question as to whether cancel culture should continue is clear.

We like it. That is obvious.

And it works in this complex and often confusing works in which we live. There is so much that we can’t control; setting our sights on the next persona non grata gives us some pleasure, however misguided.

Don’t get me wrong. Some people absolutely deserve to be canceled. Their behaviour is abhorrent and their words are often poisonous. For these folks, cancel away.

For those who deserve a second chance, perhaps we can dig deep, and find it on our hearts to give them a pass. After all, aren’t we supposed to be a kind and compassionate society?

This is certainly a question we all must ponder and decide, before the next victim of cultural cancellation is chosen.

Before making this decision, however, remember this: in the end, Galileo was eventually forgiven for his alleged heresy and transgressions. It turns out he was right about the earth’s relationship with the sun. He is a perfect example of a historical figure who was cancelled centuries before the likes of Richard Nixon or even Ellen Degeneres.

Galileo was painfully cancelled but even he was eventually redeemed. His apology for being slighted happened a mere 400+ years later but who’s counting?

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