5 Things From The Past That Would Never Survive Today’s Cancel Culture

The term “cancel culture” is very well-known in today’s modern world. It has become a contentious topic, creating a phenomenon that straddles public shaming, social media smear campaigns, and the ostracization of public figures or entities. Cancel culture typically takes hold when people or companies are perceived as being offensive, using offensive language, or having offensive actions.

Some could argue that cancellation culture holds people accountable, but others might debate the point of it starting with harassment or bullying. Either way, there are some things from the past that would never survive today’s cancel culture, and probably for good reason too. Below, we’ll explore five things that wouldn’t make it in today’s multicultural world and shed a spotlight on the shift in perspectives and values since.

Disciplining Other People’s Children

You’re at the playground with your child, and they’ve been patiently waiting their turn to go down the new tunnel slide. You can see they’re giddy and so excited as their eyes dance with delight. They’re waiting and waiting, and finally, it’s their turn. But another child comes pushing through the line and cuts to the front, making it their turn to use the new tunnel slide and greatly upsetting your child.

As much as you might have the urge to go over and say something to that child about cutting the line, it’s best you don’t. Disciplining other people’s children is something that used to be socially acceptable and now would definitely get you discouraged. There are a few really good reasons for it, too. For example, you don’t know that the child who cut in line is actually trying to be mean or just isn’t aware that there is a line and an order to use the public slide. Another point to consider is that there could be a cultural difference that might result in that child being unaware of societal expectations and “waiting your turn.” It could just be a big misunderstanding, and taking it into your hands to discipline that child can cause you a lot of obstacles.

If you know the parents of the child you just disciplined, it could very well strain or change your relationship with them. If they perceive your form of discipline to be excessive, they may take legal action against you. The parents of the other child may feel judged and defensive, which can cause additional stress for them and you. All in all, it’s best to just redirect your child, reassure them that they can use the slide once that child is finished, and move along. Disciplining other people’s children is simply not a good idea, and cancel culture will leave you feeling like you’re unwelcome at the next playdate.

Cultural Appropriation

Cultural appropriation wouldn’t survive today’s culture, and we’ve seen it put to the test several times. Cultural appropriation refers to the use of objects or elements from a culture in a way that reinforces stereotypes or contributes to oppression. In addition, the use of the object or element doesn’t respect the original meaning of the culture. A few examples of cultural appropriation are:

Halloween costumes like gypsies or BlackFace.
Wear a Sikh turban if you don’t belong to that culture.
Wearing a religious symbol without knowing what it means.
Whitewashing in movies.
Using slang from other cultures without knowing its full meaning.

There are many reasons why cultural appropriation wouldn’t survive our words’ culture. A few are that we have an increased awareness of cultural diversity and a newfound eagerness to learn about it. Once marginalized communities are finding their voices and becoming empowered to speak up, many people are tireless activists and call out cultural appropriation when they spot it. It can be seen as ignorant, arrogant, unkind, and disrespectful, and it doesn’t jive in our world.

Using the Word “Gay” as an Insult

The word “gay” was often used as an insult in the past. It was used freely, describing something or someone as inferior. It was used to put someone down and insult them without any reference to their actual sexual orientation. Nowadays, using the word “gay” as an insult is simply not acceptable and would be canceled immediately. The word gay as an insult reinforces harmful stereotypes and paints a picture that being gay is something inferior and something to be ashamed of. It contributes to a culture of homophobia and discrimination and creates unwelcoming environments for those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Littering and Not Caring About the Planet

In a world where social activism, climate change, global warming, and an increase in environmental awareness are valued and prominent, it’s easy to see how disregarding the health of the planet would not survive today’s culture. Companies and public figures have faced increased scrutiny when they display a public disregard for the planet and its health for future generations. Littering, not recycling, and simply not having a care or concern for the well-being of the land would face cancellation immediately.

Telling Racist Jokes

Although there was a time when telling racist jokes was the norm, nowadays it would not survive our culture. This is because, as people, we are far more culturally aware, sensitive, and informed about the impact and harm it does. Racist jokes contribute to hostility towards marginalized communities and diminish large social issues that are actually important. They can be viewed as insensitive, offensive, and inappropriate in our society. It’s because of this that they would be canceled immediately.

The Takeaway

The changing cultural mosaic has prompted better understanding, increased empathy, and a thirst for knowledge that would make these five issues immediately canceled. Society has become more aware of injustices, inequalities, and insensitivities that were once mocked and ridiculed and now are called out for being unjust.

In today’s world, disciplining other people’s children, having an insensitive attitude towards other cultures, being homophobic and using derogatory slang, not caring about the environment, and telling racist jokes would all be canceled. These things are harmful and insensitive and are prime examples of how much society has changed. So although there are times when cancel culture may be going too far, with the above issues, it’s fair to say that they shouldn’t survive cancel culture as they represent societal beliefs and norms that we no longer live by.

Until Next Time!