What Is Cancel Culture and What Does It Mean in 2024? (2024)

Cancel culture, as a concept, has swept the globe in recent years. Though born from a specific social activist group it has exploded into the mainstream.

It was the Australian Macquarie Dictionary’s word of the year in 2019 and was also on their shortlist for word of the decade in 2021. But, since at least 2020, it’s been deployed by conservatives as a catchy phrase to incite outrage alongside other ‘“leftie” agendas like political correctness or wokeness.

But what is cancel culture? What does it mean to cancel someone or something?And is cancel culture a myth, anyway?

What is cancel culture?

You might be wondering how to define ‘cancelled’ – let’s start with the Macquarie Dictionary’s definition of cancel culture.

Cancel culture:

noun the attitudes within a community which call for or bring about the withdrawal of support from a public figure, such as cancellation of an acting role, a ban on playing an artist’s music, removal from social media, etc., usually in response to an accusation of a socially unacceptable action or comment.

In other words, cancel culture is the act of collective boycotting of something or someone after a perceived wrongdoing. The act of getting cancelled is enabled by social media.

Despite how Macquarie defines ‘cancelled’ or ‘cancel culture’, cancelling isn’t just targeted at public figures – any person, brand or thing can be cancelled.

Author and academic Eve Ng points this out in her definition of the term in Cancel Culture: A Critical Analysis. Ng defines cancelling and cancel culture as both the practice of cancelling someone (an individual, group, organisation, brand or even nation) and the surrounding commentary about their wrongdoing.

This means cancelling someone is less like hitting backspace and deleting their name from the page and more likestriking through the name and continuing to write about it alongside other people.

What are some cancel culture examples?

Some early cancel culture examples can be traced back to what Clyde McGrady, from the Washington Post, defines as the first usage of “cancel” in today’s understanding. The lyrics of Chic’s song “Your Love Is Cancelled”, off their 1981 album Take It Off, is a sparse track punctuated by slap-bass and an undeniably 80s flute synth, where Nile Rodgers sings the titular phrase and gives birth to the metaphor that would culturally peak decades later.

Ten years later, the word “cancel” emerges again in a film that boasts an all-star cast including Ice-T and Chris Rock (who had his own brush with cancel culture). In New Jack City, rising drug lord Nino Brown, played by Wesley Snipes, yells “Cancel that bitch!” after a fight with his girlfriend.The same phrase and scene are directly referenced in 50 Cent’s 2005 song “Hustler’s Ambition” and in Lil Wayne’s 2009 track “I’m Single”, securing its existence in the cultural unconscious.

When the idea of cancelling re-emerges years later, the misogynistic undertones of these earlier contexts are repressed.

The origins of cancel culture

But when did cancel culture start?

Cancel culture manifested itself into the online term we know and understand now heavily because of social media.

Social media was crucial in enabling cancel culture to develop, specifically the online realm of Black Twitter – a space for both serious conversation about matters that affect Black communities, but also a space for humour and entertainment, by and for a collective of Black identities.

There, the idea of cancelling, adapting older traditions of dissing and calling out, started alongside hashtag movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter, which helped spread the action and language of cancel culture further.

It’s clear that the verb “to cancel” (like the history of other words like “woke”, “cool” and “on fleek”) originated in Black culture but has been appropriated into white mainstream culture globally.

This is why it’s particularly interesting that a phrase like cancel culture can be awarded word of the year from Australia’s authority on our version of English, without clear reference to its origins.

But, as McGrady points out, the notion of cancel culture has now been weaponised to “sneer at the values of many young Black liberals”, who were integral to the concept coming into popular circulation.

The evolution of cancel culture on social media

After decades of sexual abuse allegations, the hashtag #MuteRKelly led to a successful financial boycott of the now-convicted musician, who was handed a 20-year prison sentence for child pornography earlier this year.

Other examples include Woody Allen, Louis C.K. and Kevin Spacey – who at various times were “cancelled” by various groups over abuse allegations.

And Pepsi was cancelled after their ad featuring Kendall Jenner was condemned for appropriating a Black Lives Matter protest.

But it’s not just happening in the United States, K-pop group BTS were cancelled by Chinese fans over a comment by a band member paying tribute to American and South Korean troops who fought in the Korean war.

You also don’t have to be alive to be cancelled. For many, Picasso is cancelled and debates continue on whether Michael Jackson is cancelled.

In Australia, more recently, student groups at the University of Melbourne have asked for philosophy academic Holly Lawford-Smith’s classes to literally be cancelled in a campaign on campus and online, that led to debate over academic free speech.

Cancel culture vs. free speech

Cancel culture has a fraught relationship with free speech. Some argue that cancelling gives rise to the voices of marginalised communities, who have previously had their opinions suppressed. Others say it stifles open debate.

The examples listed above suggest there isn’t a specific way to cancel something – the effects of cancel culture are often quite disparate.

Different groups of people may consider someone to be cancelled when others do not. There doesn’t appear to be a One Size Fits All to cancelling.

While some consider cancel culture as an act of free speech, conservatives have identified cancelling as a threat to free speech. In response, the US Conservative Political Action Conference in 2021 focused on the theme ‘America Uncancelled’. It’s a phrase that’s been plastered on t-shirts ever since.

Is cancel culture just call out culture?

While it may seem that cancel culture and call out culture align with the same purpose, both concepts differ in resolution.

Call out culture has more of a direct focus on education and progress, provided the person being ‘called out’ has the desire to grow and learn from their wrongdoings or mistakes. Anyone can be called out, and by doing so, anyone can learn to educate themselves and/or change their perspective for the better.

Cancel culture aims to rid the person on the receiving end of any kind of redemption. So while the two are similar, keep in mind that they both come to different conclusions. And if you’re going to cancel or call someone out, remember what you want from it.

Negative effects of cancel culture

According to Refocus AU, cancel culture can have definitive effects on the mental health of the person being cancelled because of its ability to socially exclude and alienate. These feelings of isolation then potentially lead to depression and anxiety, and even exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

A sense of shame may also be felt by the cancelled person if they are concerned over what people think, or are dealing with the consequences of their actions, and therefore, facing backlash for it.

But the cancelled are not the only party affected by cancel culture.

The canceller also faces mental health challenges when they accept a fleeting sense of hope and justice as redemption from the cancelled. If the cancelled party doubles down on their opinion or continues to defend themselves from the backlash, this could compromise the sense of hope the canceller holds, and may make them feel like their work and effort wasn’t effective. This may result in feelings of self doubt and helplessness.

Carlow University asked counsellors about how to protect your mental health from cancel culture and found that the best solution is to unplug from social media, apologise, refrain from posting online when feeling emotional, consider the feelings of others, and talk to others about your feelings. A gradual sense of acceptance and forgiveness should develop thereafter, and sooner rather than later, you’ll be rid from the torturing dread that follows you (hopefully).

No one is ever truly safe from the mental anguish of cancel culture. No matter where you sit on the cancellation scale, you are still vulnerable to the repercussions of it, and its important to look out for yourself if you’re in deep.

The controversy surrounding cancel culture

Many may find cancel culture problematic in itself, and may wonder why or how cancel culture is, or can be, toxic.

Cancelling is one way social media was used to establish social justice. But the idea of media or activists playing a role in delivering justice isn’t anything new.

Concerns have been raised about the effects of cancel culture on everyday citizens who aren’t as well-resourced or powerful as high profile people. At the same time, cancel culture has brought significant attention to the shortcomings of the legal justice system, particularly in relation to cases of sexual assault.

Like any social phenomena, cancel culture is complex, and has been interpreted and deployed in many, many ways.

Cancel culture in Australia

Australian society has seen engaged in it’s fair share of cancellations and cancel culture in recent years as social media becomes the birthing ground for holding people accountable.

One particular case, which has proven to be (somewhat) longwinded is the cancellation of Australian band Sticky Fingers.

The band’s frontman Dylan Frost was called out online in 2016 by the lead member of First Nations hardcore punk bank Dispossessed for complacent behaviour and shirtfronting at one of their gigs. Frost would be accused of violence in the same year after Indigenous singer Thelma Plum made an online statement detailing an altercation she had with the band member.

Many of the band’s attempts to rectify the situation wouldn’t suffice, and the band would essentially face pushback from radio stations, and be removed or blackballed from festival lineups.

While acts of cancelling are quite obvious throughout Australian society and culture, many believe that there is a double standard.

There have been countless celebrities or public figures who have gone on to be cancelled, however the effects of their cancellation aren’t as felt as people expected. Like when Sonia Krueger called for an end to Muslim migration because she “wants to feel safe” or Samantha Armytage said “good on her” to one twin on live TV for having lighter-coloured hair and eyes as opposed to her darker-haired and skinned twin. Even all-round awful politician Pauline Hanson has been cancelled multiple times for her often racist and xenophobic views, but she still has a backing because, well, we live in Australia.

So while the effects of cancel culture are most certainly felt, the length at which people remain cancelled works on a case-by-case basis.

But does cancel culture even exist?

The version of cancel culture that conservative factions of society decry, isn’t real.

Yes, people are called out for their questionable actions all the time, but a person is only truly cancelled if they face consequences, be they social and/or financial or within the justice system.

But we see time and time again that people’s reputations and livelihoods remain firmly in tact even after their wrongdoings are exposed. People and groups can and often are called out, yet they remain protected by the structures of our society – like the patriarchy – enough to hold onto their high-profile jobs or keep getting booked for gigs.

Without being held accountable, is someone really cancelled?

Madeline Lo-Booth is a journalist who writes on culture and politics.

Read more from VICE Australia and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, This Week Online.

What Is Cancel Culture and What Does It Mean in 2024? (2024)

FAQs

What Is Cancel Culture and What Does It Mean in 2024? ›

For those of you who aren't aware, cancel culture refers to the mass withdrawal of support from public figures or celebrities who have done things that aren't socially accepted today. This practice of "canceling" or mass shaming often occurs on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

What exactly is meant by cancel culture? ›

In other words, cancel culture is the act of collective boycotting of something or someone after a perceived wrongdoing. The act of getting cancelled is enabled by social media.

What is an example of being canceled? ›

23 brands that have experienced cancel culture
  • Urban Outfitters' Cultural Appropriation. ...
  • GoDaddy's Inappropriate Behavior. ...
  • Aunt Jemima's Stereotypes. ...
  • Balenciaga's Child Models. ...
  • Kanye West's Controversy. ...
  • Goya's CEO steps into it. ...
  • Tampax Gets a Bit Too Spicy on Social Media. ...
  • Amazon is Shut Out of New York.
Jun 17, 2024

Why is cancel culture harmful and wrong? ›

There is an active fear of being canceled that stifles open, healthy discourse and discourages individuals from speaking out or admitting their mistakes, ultimately hindering progress toward meaningful change and growth.

What happens when you are cancelled? ›

In contemporary culture, the term "cancel" has evolved to take on a specific meaning. To "cancel someone" refers to the collective social act of withdrawing support, often in response to perceived offensive behavior or controversial views expressed by a person of some profile.

Who was the first person to be canceled? ›

According to the news site Vox, the first reference of canceling a person in pop culture possibly comes from the 1991 movie New Jack City, when Wesley Snipes' character, Nino Brown, says, “Cancel that [woman].

What are the positive effects of cancel culture? ›

Here are five advantages of canceling culture:
  • It Gives the Public Access to Justice. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, 1830, via Louvre. ...
  • It Can Be Used to Bring Attention to Critical Social Issues. ...
  • It Serves as a Deterrent. ...
  • It Fosters Accountability. ...
  • It Gives a Voice to the Voiceless.
Aug 15, 2023

What is the cancel culture in real life? ›

Cancel culture is a cultural phenomenon in which an individual deemed to have acted or spoken in an unacceptable manner is ostracized, boycotted, shunned, fired or assaulted, often aided by social media.

Who has been cancelled in 2024? ›

2024's Canceled Shows, for Your Final Consideration
  • The Acolyte (Disney+) What's it about? ...
  • Buying Beverly Hills (Netflix) What's it about? ...
  • My Lady Jane (Prime Video) What's it about? ...
  • Life & Beth (Hulu) What's it about? ...
  • Clone High (Max) ...
  • American Rust (Prime Video, Showtime) ...
  • Halo (Paramount+) ...
  • Make or Break (Apple TV+)
3 days ago

Who has been falsely cancelled? ›

21 Celebrities Who People Believe Were Unfairly Canceled
  • Shannen Doherty. United Archives / Frank Hempel / United Archives via Getty Images. ...
  • The Chicks. Brian Zak / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images. ...
  • Janet Jackson. ...
  • Rebecca Black. ...
  • Fiona Apple. ...
  • Hayden Christensen. ...
  • Bob Paris. ...
  • Tiger Woods.
Jun 14, 2021

What are the side effects of cancel culture? ›

For many teens, getting canceled is the worst punishment imaginable. Rejection by their peer group is their biggest fear. That's why there's a link between cancel culture and mental health. Being canceled can lead to teen anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

How can cancel culture affect someone? ›

Individuals who find themselves at the center of a cancel culture storm often report feelings of anxiety, depression, and a sense of social isolation. This acute social rejection can exacerbate existing mental health conditions or even trigger new mental health problems.

What is the psychology behind cancel culture? ›

The study researchers that individuals with a high centrality of political identity were more likely to exhibit canceling behaviors. This relationship was mediated by two specific psychological mechanisms: social vigilantism and virtue signaling.

How to avoid being canceled? ›

We cannot ignore the fact that cancel culture is here to stay; however, there are things we can do to avoid being canceled online.
  1. Don't act upon your emotions immediately. ...
  2. Practice kindness. ...
  3. Think before you click. ...
  4. Don't be afraid to apologize. ...
  5. Detach from social media and seek real-life experiences.
May 5, 2023

What is an example of cancelled? ›

Examples of cancel in a Sentence

Verb The event was canceled at the last minute when the speaker didn't show up. We canceled our dinner reservation. My flight was canceled because of the storm.

What does it mean if someone is cancelled? ›

to completely reject and stop supporting someone, especially because they have said something that offends you: A celebrity who has shared an unpopular opinion on social media risks being "canceled": they are completely boycotted by fans. College students decided to cancel her after her homophobic tweet. More examples.

Is cancel culture moral? ›

What are the moral implications of cancel culture? If it is viewed as a means to achieve social justice, we might be more inclined to say that cancel culture is morally good. However, one could argue that cancel culture has too harsh consequences or involves immoral – even hateful – behaviour.

What does cancel culture mean in urban dictionary? ›

The Urban Dictionary defines cancel culture as “a modern internet phenomenon where a person is ejected from influence or fame by questionable actions … caused by a critical mass of people who are quick to judge and slow to question.”

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