RAHUL REHMAN & KELLY LEWI
Is it really necessary to cancel ‘cancel culture’? Not really… Despite the criticisms hurled by the woke mob, cancel culture has — in fact — highlighted the inequalities of our generation. You see, from #MeToo to NOC, the pressure created through social media has often resulted in accountability. So the question remains: Will we turn to cancelling someone if traditional justice is not a luxury to all?
The silence answers itself.
We cannot deny that ‘cancel culture’ has caused branches of the justice system to redefine themselves to ensure fairness, regardless of class. In the advent of digitality, social media has now become the ground for awareness to be generated almost immediately. For instance, Instagrams from @dietprada to @wakeupsingapore have collectively contributed to the heightened social awareness of major industry players. Regardless of endeavour, fashion has treaded carefully in an era of instant cancels to ensure the key players are not on the verge of being the next Dolce & Gabbana.
Sure, ‘cancel culture’ is ridden with negative connotations. However, as we move towards a politically correct society, ‘cancel culture’ has made us more accountable for the way we act and for the things we say. In a world where free speech is the most accessible luxury, we need to ensure that we call out hurtful and mentally damaging behaviours that benefit no one.
If not us, then who?
For all its flaws, ‘cancel culture’ has actually shifted the power dynamics of society to provide everyone with an entry into the conversation - all with a tap of any post.
“Society needs to recognise that cancelling
someone out ultimately needs a solution.”
That being said, society needs to recognise that cancelling someone out ultimately needs a solution. None of us are perfect, and the world is a constant learning environment. Hence, cancelling someone out should not be solely focused on bashing the mistakes made, but needs to expand to actual change. In our hyper-connected world today, ‘cancel culture’ sorely lacks in the avenues for people to move on after acknowledging their mistakes.
Let us not cancel ‘cancel culture’. Rather, let us refine it further to create a world that acknowledges mistakes yet allows for the strides to be made for everyone to become better; not cancelled.
Cancel the behaviours. Cancel the mishaps.
Not the person. Get your focus in check.