Cancel culture[1] is a popular term that originated from African-American Vernacular English in the late 2010s and early 2020s. It involves the public shaming of individuals, often celebrities, politicians or other public figures, who have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive. This practice is usually carried out on social media[2] platforms and often results in the individual being "cancelled" - that is, their career or reputation[3] being severely damaged or ended. Cancel culture is linked to social justice movements and is often seen as a way of holding people accountable for their actions. However, it has sparked controversy and debate, with critics arguing it stifles free speech and lacks due process. The impact of cancel culture is far-reaching, affecting public discourse[4], corporate responses, and individual careers. It is a topic widely addressed in popular media and is a subject of ongoing debate.
Cancel culture is a phrase contemporary to the late 2010s and early 2020s used to refer to a cultural phenomenon in which some who are deemed to have acted or spoken in an unacceptable manner are ostracized, boycotted, or shunned. This shunning may extend to social or professional circles-whether on social media or in person-with most high-profile incidents involving celebrities. Those subject to this ostracism are said to have been "canceled."
The term "cancel culture" came into circulation in the late 2010s and early 2020s and has mostly negative connotations. The term "call-out culture" is used by some as more positive verbiage for the same concept.
Some critics argue that cancel culture has a chilling effect on public discourse, is unproductive, does not bring real social change, causes intolerance, and amounts to cyberbullying. Some proponents argue that calls for "cancellation" promote accountability, give disenfranchised people a voice, and are a form of free speech. Still others question whether cancel culture is an actual phenomenon, arguing that similar forms of boycotting have existed long before the origin of the term "cancel culture."
While the careers of some public figures have been impacted by boycotts that have been widely described as "cancellation," others who have complained of cancellation have successfully continued their careers.