What is Cancel Culture? Everything You Need to Know

Many social media users use this term whenever they get offended by something a public personality or a brand, in order to boycott them, their work, products, or services.

But what does it really mean, and where did this phrase originally come from? Let’s understand.

Cancel Culture is basically the practice of boycotting, calling out, or “cancelling” brands, individuals, or companies due to perceived offensive behavior, actions, or controversial opinions that are not accepted by a large group of people.

It can happen both online and offline, and usually involves a collective effort by a large number of people to hold someone accountable for their words or actions, especially if they are deemed harmful, unethical, or socially unacceptable.

Cancel Culture often targets prominent figures such as athletes, actors, comedians, and influencers because they have large platforms and are constantly scrutinized by the public. Politicians are also common targets due to their visibility and influence; opposing groups sometimes use cancel culture to discredit rivals in highly polarized political climates.

Brands and companies can also be cancelled for reasons such as offensive advertising, mistreatment of employees, unethical practices, or controversial political donations.

Even ordinary citizens can face cancellation if their actions or behavior are deemed offensive, often resulting in public humiliation and negative publicity.

Cancel Culture has existed in various forms for decades, but since social media has amplified its reach and visibility. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook allow people to gather quickly and hold others accountable for their actions, often in real-time.

The phrase “Cancel Culture” is believed to have first appeared in a 2014 tweet by Myles McNutt, a TV critic and assistant professor at Old Dominion University. He used it in the context of TV shows being cancelled if not renewed, subtly likening it to socially rejecting or discrediting a person or creative work.

Many scholars note that while the phrase itself is relatively new, the concept of “cancelling” someone, cutting ties due to moral failure or wrongdoing, has existed for a long time, often as a tactic used by marginalized communities to protect themselves or withdraw support from harmful individuals.

Cancel Culture can be positive or negative depending on the context:

Positive: It holds powerful people accountable and gives marginalized voices a platform to call out harmful or offensive behavior.

Negative: It can become mob-like, punishing people without verifying facts or hearing their side of the story. Sometimes, it allows no room for apology, learning, or redemption, resulting in immediate cancellation of individuals or brands.

Cancel Culture is a complex phenomenon shaped by social media, public scrutiny, and collective accountability. While it can empower people to challenge harmful behavior, it also carries risks of injustice and overreach if not handled thoughtfully.