Cancel Culture: Fixing the System or Failing Free Speech?
- Jomanda Heng
- Jul 26
- 3 min read
Are we holding people accountable—or creating fear-based silence?
In the age of social media, one wrong word, one old tweet, or one controversial opinion can catapult a person into the unforgiving spotlight of public scrutiny. Once a movement rooted in social justice, cancel culture has grown into a force that blurs the line between accountability and digital witch hunts. But as society continues to “cancel” celebrities, influencers, politicians, and everyday individuals, a question arises: Is cancel culture a necessary tool for revolution, or a dangerous regression into fear-driven conformity?
Origins: Justice Through Visibility
Cancel culture didn’t begin as a weapon—it started as a voice. It was a way for marginalized communities to call out racism, sexism, abuse, and injustice in a world where traditional power structures ignored their pleas. Hashtags like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter weren’t just social trends—they were lifelines for truth, demanding real-world consequences for unethical behaviour.
Suddenly, the playing field seemed more level. Influential figures were no longer untouchable. Victims were heard. Silence was broken.
The Tipping Point: From Justice to Judgment
However, as the movement gained momentum, its scope widened, and its sharp edges became harder to ignore. Cancel culture began to engulf people not just for acts of harm, but for opinions, missteps, or even associations.
People have been cancelled for:
Tweets from a decade ago
Liking the “wrong” post
Comedic sketches that didn’t age well
Making a single misinformed comment
It raises a critical question: Are we creating a culture of growth, or a climate of fear?
Critics argue that cancel culture no longer fosters conversation but shuts it down entirely. When people are too afraid to speak, create, or challenge norms out of fear of backlash, innovation and progress suffer.
Academics, comedians, writers, and even activists have reported self-censoring to avoid digital backlash. What happens when even the good-faith participants are walking on eggshells?
Accountability vs. Redemption
One of the most debated elements of cancel culture is the lack of forgiveness. Once someone is cancelled, is there a path to redemption? Can people genuinely grow and evolve, or are they forever defined by their worst moment?
The binary of “good” vs. “bad” leaves little room for nuance. But humans are not binary. Growth requires conversation, education, and the space to make mistakes and learn from them.
Notable Examples: Where It Gets Complicated
J.K. Rowling: Criticized for comments on gender identity, leading to mass boycotts of her works. Supporters argue she’s being silenced; critics say she’s using her platform irresponsibly.
Kevin Hart: Lost his Oscar hosting gig due to resurfaced old tweets. He apologized, but many questioned whether past mistakes should overshadow current growth.
Ellen DeGeneres: Once seen as a beacon of kindness, she faced intense backlash over workplace toxicity allegations, showing how public perception can turn swiftly and dramatically.
These cases reveal just how murky the waters of cancel culture can be.
The Double Standard
Another issue? Selectivity. Not everyone is cancelled equally. Celebrities with larger fan bases or deeper pockets often weather storms that would obliterate smaller creators or everyday people. This inconsistency feeds resentment and highlights the performative nature of some cancellations.
So—Revolution or Regression?
The answer may not be either/or.
Cancel culture can be a powerful force for change when used to uplift the unheard, challenge oppressive systems, and demand accountability from the powerful. But it becomes regressive when weaponized for clout, used to settle scores, or applied without nuance.
In a truly progressive society, we must find balance:
Hold people accountable, yes.
But also allow space for growth.
Call out injustice, but also call in for dialogue.
We need a culture that doesn’t just cancel, but teaches, listens, and evolves. A culture where accountability is met with opportunity, not exile. Because the future of free speech, art, and activism depends on our ability to distinguish between justice and judgment.
References:
The New York Times – “How Cancel Culture Became a Force in American Life”https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/03/us/politics/cancel-culture.html
Vox – “The Real Story of Cancel Culture”https://www.vox.com/identities/2021/3/15/22328241/cancel-culture-free-speech-accountability
The Atlantic – “The Case Against Cancel Culture”https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/10/the-trouble-with-cancel-culture/619818/
BBC – “Cancel Culture: What Happens When We Cancel People?”https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58459671
TIME – “JK Rowling and the Limits of Cancel Culture”https://time.com/5869805/jk-rowling-cancel-culture/
The Uncommon Breed
Comments