Is it truly fair to punish people for their past errors because being “canceled” has become a public ritual? In digital form, we examine cancel culture, public accountability, and what it means to be “forgotten.”
Being ‘cancelled’ has almost become the norm for those in the public eye. From musicians and influencers to even politicians, very few manage to escape unscathed once old tweets and controversial comments resurface – leading to job losses or a decline in fans, no matter how long ago they were made or how much they claim to have grown since.
In the past few weeks, Love Island contestants have found themselves in the firing line over derogatory and racist comments. First it was Yulissa Escobar, kicked off the US version of the show just two days after a video of her using the N‑word resurfaced online. Then fellow contestant came Cierra Ortega was removed from the show after an old picture surfaced showing her using a slur.
Back in the UK, old tweets by contestant Helena Ford recently came to light, including one from over 10 years ago, which read: “All I can hear are these f**king foreign dickheads.” Viewers have called for ITV to remove her, yet she remains in the villa.
READ MORE: Love Island’s Helena Ford accused of sharing offensive tweet as post resurfaces
However, reality TV contestants are not the only ones. Millions of people actively participate in cancel culture online, even as they question whether it has gone too far, as both a tool of accountability and a source of conflict for many.
Is cancel culturejustifiable?
Many people think that cancel culture is a recent development, while others even attribute it to an overly “sensitive” generation. However, the concept of excluding someone for bad behavior dates back as far as the 1990s.
However, the term “cancel culture” gained traction in the mid-2010s, particularly as a result of the #MeToo movement, which saw a rise in sexual harassment and assault charges in the media.
In a 2024 study published in Acta Psychological, researchers Cheselle Jan L. Roldan, Ardvic Kester S. Ong and Dhonn Q. Tomas explored how Gen Z engage with cancel culture.
According to them, “Cancel culture places a spotlight on issues like sexism, racism, and abuse,” which might encourage or push people to become aware of the seriousness and specificities of the issue.
However, they also cautioned against “cancel culture easily turns into cyberbullying, especially for teenagers, as the act may narrow the way to empathy and forgiveness for the errant individual or organization.”
Can you cancel culture?
Cancel culture attempts to hold those responsible for harm, but it fails to always achieve its goals, especially when those responsible have wealthy, powerful fans, or well-known brands behind them.
Take J.K. Rowling, who faced backlash for her views on transgender people. Yet the Harry Potter franchise continues to generate significant revenue. Rowling is even working on the new TV adaption of the popular series.
And sometimes, fans choose to completely reject the artist’s legacy, regardless of their own opinions.
The internet is truly forgetful.
The notion that “the internet never forgets” is untrue isn’t it entirely? Individuals in the UK have the right to be forgotten under the GDPR law, also known as the “right to erasure,” which enables them to request the removal of their personal data in certain circumstances.
Source: Mirror
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