ABSTRACT
We have seen calls by everyday citizens to cancel the careers of others due to bad behavior. The #MeToo movement and #BlackLivesMatter have exposed many “famous” people behaving badly, from saying culturally inappropriate things to sexually assaulting and raping women. Journalists used to serve as the gatekeepers of information and had access to investigate claims made, but with the increase in access to social media everyday citizens can gather information and share with millions. Cancel culture has also been deemed “woke” ideology, which is calling out those who comment on microaggressions, those everyday slights that people in marginalized communities experience. We have seen a pushback from people who believe the cancel culture and woke movement is about silencing those who are more conservative in their political perspectives. While others believe the cancel culture has provided a space for those who don’t have a lot of power to express their concerns and experiences.
