Cancel Culture - What it is, Its History, How it Works and Its Impact on Mental Health

What is Cancel Culture?

There is a phenomenon called "Cancel Culture" that involves ostracism in the modern world. The process can take place both online and in person. It is said that those experiencing this sort of ostracism have been "cancelled". As a term often used in discussions of censorship and free speech, the expression "cancel culture" typically connotes negativity. Essentially, the term cancel culture refers to a boycott movement or shunning of a person (usually a celebrity) who is considered to have acted or spoken in an inappropriate or controversial way.

It is noteworthy that most people claiming they have been "cancelled" is still in power and are able to continue with their careers. It has been argued that some cancellations also promote accountability and are an act of free speech. Many criticize cancel culture for creating a chilling effect.

A Brief History of Cancel-Culture and How it Came into Existing:

Analysts differ on the timing of the movement, but some believe that it predated the #MeToo movement, which gained popularity after women began sharing their experiences in public. There are others who assert that conservative Americans historically engage in a cancellation culture, which means when something or someone does not fit the belief system, they cancel it. It is also characteristic that cancel culture has a tendency to engage in 'pile on' behaviour, where social media users engage in mass behaviour by identifying the individual who is publicly berated.

In a Washington Post column by Mehdi Hasan, he wrote: "The list of conservative groups targeted by the "cancel culture" movement dates back decades. After John Lennon said the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus" in 1966, right-wing Christians tried to cancel him. In the United States, the Beatles received death threats and Birmingham, Ala., radio stations advertised a bonfire to burn their Beatles records."'

Almost everywhere, including everyday conversation to broader social contexts, one can find the term 'cancel culture': "cancel X brand", "today's weather ", "actor X is cancelled", "Trump is cancelled ".

How does Cancel Culture work?

The way it works is that when a large group of people object to a public figure's action on social media, the public figure will be forced to stand down. By threatening to boycott or by engaging in any other actions that negatively impact the individual's reputation or finances, this cancellation occurs by either pressure from their workplace or pressure from brands.

Relationships are strained if a culture is cancelled. In a nutshell, you stop supporting someone when you "cancel" them.

The following are most often affected:

• Actors or celebrities
• Musicians and bands
• Political leaders
• Leaders who are influential
• Businesses and brands
• Movies and TV shows

Typically, cancellations are brought on by disagreement with their opinion or disapproval of their expression.

Here are some examples of things that were cancelled:

• There is a band that has lost fans due to racist lyrics in one of their songs.
• After an offensive reaction to a situation, politicians cannot count on the support of individual citizens.
• The viewers of a TV show boycotted it on account of its sexual exploitation of young girls.
• Generally, consumers would not spend money on a brand that goes against their viewpoint on freedom of speech.
• If you're cancelling something, you should:
• By using social media, you can get the word out
• Describe why you disagree with the cancelled person/thing and why you believe that it should be cancelled
• Utilize hashtags
• Do not give your attention, time, or money to them/that thing
• Avoid supporting that person or brand yourself and ask your friends to do the same

Impact of Cancel Culture on Mental Health:

In the context of cancel culture, there have been debates over whether ‘cancelling' someone or something has any long-term effects. The cancel culture can be viewed as a collective punishment aimed at public figures and, increasingly, private individuals who have suddenly found themselves in the public eye because of their own words and actions. In addition to requiring accountability from individuals, cancel culture has led to questions about whether it can be justified, particularly from a legal standpoint.

Sexism and racism have been combated extremely effectively with cancel culture. Many inequalities are addressed and social change is demanded. As a result of the lack of diversity among the Oscar nominees, many members of the global film community boycotted the awards that year. This is a real social change as a result of cancelling the Oscars. Black nominees for the Oscars won a record number of awards last year.

Taking action against a person who has acted in an unforgivable manner can empower a community. Additionally, people can be made to think twice before making inappropriate or offensive comments. Nevertheless, a cancel culture also has negative consequences.

On the set of the mockumentary, I'm Still Here, Affleck faced two lawsuits for sexual harassment as a result of applications of the cancel culture. It was reported during the 2017 Oscars that the actor had settled both cases out of court. Later, the actor was nominated and won the award for 'Best Actor for the movie Manchester By the Sea after these reports resurfaced.  At that moment, social media users had attempted to stop the Academy Award ceremony from continuing to recognize Affleck for the two incidents he had faced, and the public opinion strongly opposed this.

Here is another illustration of American actor Kevin Hart’s purported homophobic tweets and purported jokes for which he does not appear to have been held accountable. Hart had to step down from hosting the 2019 Academy Awards as a result of these reports. Critics noted Hart never sincerely apologized and that his tweets and jokes had no financial or career impact.

Sadly, we live in a society where cancel culture is inevitable, but we can make a more constructive society with the right critiques.

Good and Bad Aspects of Cancel Culture:

In many cases, cancelling becomes bullying. You may feel ostracized, socially isolated, and lonely after you've been cancelled, similar to bullying. Researchers have also found that loneliness is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. Many can begin to feel as if you have been abandoned before you have even apologized. You lose your opportunity to learn and grow from your mistakes or insecurities because the cancelers don't engage you in a dialogue to help you understand how your actions hurt them.

In some situations, the cancel culture is helpful in holding individuals and organizations accountable for behavioural misconduct. Conversely, bullying can be taken to a new level, resulting in mental health problems for those involved. Being ostracized or rejected can be overcome by not allowing what has been said or done to define your character. Reach out for help if you need it. It is easier to feel connected and less alone if someone is in your corner.