With the rise in popularity of the internet, media personalities — or influencers — are amounting to massive platforms. The majority of the people following influencers’ day-to-day lives are young and seem to have a passion for activism.
While speaking up about what you believe in is an admirable quality, the current circumstances beg the question: “Has Cancel Culture gone too far?”. Cancel Culture, or canceling someone, has become a polarizing topic of debate, as a recurring pattern has emerged: a public figure does something deemed offensive by the public. An immense wave of backlash arises. The public attempts to ‘cancel’ the public figure, boycotting everything they do, in order to end one’s career and credibility.
The truth is no one is safe from Cancel Culture, whether it’s a brand, a business or a person. But is it effective?
Although famous influencers and celebrities should be held accountable for their actions, is cancelling someone the best way to get a message across? Or does this common trend take away one’s opportunity to learn and grow from their mistakes?
In 2020 we should all reflect about the right way to bring awareness to certain situations, aiming for constructive criticism and education as an end goal, instead of ‘cancelling’ someone’s chance at growth and eventual forgiveness.
In the words of ex-president Barack Obama , “that’s not activism”.
Written by Daniela
Media by Ben Hyland
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