Cancel culture

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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.

Terms definitions
1. Cancel culture ( Cancel culture )
1 Cancel culture is a social phenomenon that originated in African-American Vernacular English and gained popularity in the early 2010s. Rooted in social media platforms, it refers to a form of public shaming where individuals or entities are held accountable for their actions, often leading to them being ostracized or boycotted. Critics argue that it stifles free speech and promotes a mob mentality, while others see it as a tool for social justice and accountability. The concept has sparked debates on historical revisionism, cultural sensitivity, and the balance between criticism and censorship. It has influenced public figures, corporations, and institutions alike, changing norms around accountability. Public perception varies, with many expressing concerns about the impact on free speech and the potential for unfair punishment. The media has also played a significant role in shaping the discourse around cancel culture, with its portrayal in shows like *South Park* and discussions in outlets like *The New York Times*.
2 Cancel culture 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 platforms and often results in the individual being 'cancelled' - that is, their career or reputation 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, corporate responses, and individual careers. It is a topic widely addressed in popular media and is a subject of ongoing debate.
2. social media. Social media is a broad term encompassing a variety of digital tools and platforms that facilitate the sharing of information and the creation of virtual communities. Emerging from early systems like PLATO and ARPANET, it has evolved into modern platforms like Facebook and Twitter. These platforms offer unique features that differentiate them from traditional media, including the ability for users to generate content and engage in dialogic communication. They cater to over 100 million users globally and offer different forms of services, such as messaging apps and collaborative content creation platforms. The use of social media has far-reaching impacts on individuals, society, and businesses, influencing everything from marketing practices to political processes. However, it's also associated with ethical concerns, such as the spread of misinformation and potential addiction.
Cancel culture (Wikipedia)

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.


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