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How do we think about cancel culture?
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Cancel culture exists to promote a ruthless mob mentality

Cancel culture promotes a ruthless mob mentality that celebrates intimidation. It exists solely to victimise not only public figures, but anyone who happens to draw the ire of the mob.

The Argument

Proponents of cancel culture refer to it as a form of activism. But this method of activism is wholly misguided. Activism aims to enact positive change felt throughout society. But that is not what cancel culture accomplishes. What it does accomplish is something much more sinister. Cancel culture promotes a ruthless mob mentality that celebrates intimidation. It exists solely to victimize, not to correct. When a larger population decides for themselves that a certain individual is “evil,” they exact their own brand of vigilante justice on them by isolating or insulting them. Frequently, attacks are indiscriminate, without careful deliberation or consideration of the target. Social media users jump onto bandwagons to tear down their victims without wanting to engage with the issues they are fighting for. Cancel culture’s activist spin is just a front. For many, the appeal of cancel culture is in its thrill as a blood sport rather than an opportunity for positive change. For them, the point is not justice, but to satisfy their own wrath. The result is a sort of lawless judgment across the internet, and across the world at large.

Counter arguments

This argument tries to paint the targets of cancel culture as helpless victims. In reality, cancel culture targets powerful, influential people who spread harmful ideas. Such people need to be held accountable for their words and actions. But no one else will make them take responsibility; except the common people who unite against them.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

This page was last edited on Thursday, 16 Jul 2020 at 20:24 UTC

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