March 7th, 2023
Introduction
Cancel culture has become an increasingly popular phenomenon in recent years, with people often taking to social media to express outrage or displeasure over certain topics that can quickly spiral out of control. This cancel culture – where those who disagree with a particular opinion are targeted and cancelled from society – has been seen as an impediment to progress and healthy dialogue within society. However, it can be difficult to overcome the challenge of cancel culture as some people may take offense to any form of criticism and lash out in anger or contempt rather than engaging in a constructive dialogue. Therefore, it is essential to promote respect, dignity and tolerance when tackling this issue.
Overcome the challenge of cancel culture – Use constructive criticism instead!
Criticism and cancel culture are two different things. Criticism is about providing feedback to help someone improve, whereas cancel culture is about boycotting or ostracizing someone for their actions or beliefs[1][3]. Cancel culture is often associated with personal attacks and harmful comments on social media [2]. It leaves no room for learning and growth, whereas criticism can be an opportunity for discussion and growth[3].
Criticism can be constructive or destructive. Constructive criticism aims to help the person improve by pointing out specific areas that need improvement and offering suggestions on how to improve them[1]. Destructive criticism, on the other hand, is intended to hurt the person’s feelings or undermine their confidence[1]
Cancel culture has become prevalent in recent years, especially on social media platforms. It involves boycotting or ostracizing someone for their actions or beliefs that are deemed offensive or problematic by others[2]. Cancel culture does not allow room for learning from mistakes and growing as a person. Instead of being advised of doing something wrong, our society is taught to cancel someone or something when a mistake is made[2].
In conclusion, while both criticism and cancel culture involve calling out problematic behavior, they differ in their approach. Criticism aims to provide feedback to help someone improve, while cancel culture seeks to boycott or ostracize someone for their actions or beliefs without allowing room for learning from mistakes and growing as a person.[4]
Sources:
[1] Eastman, J. (2022, April 16). Who Killed Constructive Criticism! Reasons the New Cancel Culture Sucks. Medium. https://ladye-ca.medium.com/who-killed-constructive-criticism-reasons-the-new-cancel-culture-sucks-f820f74fb44f
[2] Bottalico, S. (n.d.). ‘Cancel culture’ is unproductive, increasingly a concern in society. The Voice. https://fhsvoice.org/6877/opinion/cancel-culture-is-unproductive-increasingly-a-concern-in-society/
[3] Ravenna, S. (2019, June 18). Criticism, callout, and cancellation – what’s the difference? – Sophia Ravenna Belly Dance. Sophia Ravenna Belly Dance. https://www.sophiadances.com/2019/06/17/criticism-callout-and-cancellation-whats-the-difference/
[4] Waldman, K. (2019, March 21). In Y.A., Where Is the Line Between Criticism and Cancel Culture? The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/in-ya-where-is-the-line-between-criticism-and-cancel-culture
Combatting Cancel Culture: Respect, Dignity, and Tolerance
Cancel culture is a term used to describe the practice of publicly shaming individuals or institutions for actions considered objectionable or offensive[2]. While some view cancel culture as a way to hold people accountable for their problematic behavior, others argue that it does not promote real change and can be counterproductive[1].
Cancel culture can deny people their right to learn from their mistakes and engage in dialogue with those who disagree with them[1].To combat cancel culture, we need to engage with the issues we care about and work towards winning over the other side instead of eliminating it[1]. This requires us to have open and honest conversations with those who hold different views than us. We should also focus on addressing the root cause of an issue rather than just condemning individuals for their personal failures[1]. Furthermore, we need to recognize that humans are flawed beings who make mistakes, and we should handle bad speech through criticism rather than cancellation[3].
Being more tolerant involves recognizing that everyone has the right to express their opinions, even if we disagree with them. It means being open-minded and willing to listen to different perspectives without immediately dismissing them. Tolerance also means treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
Saving face involves acknowledging our mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions. It means apologizing when we have hurt someone and making amends where possible. Saving face also involves recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and that it is possible to learn from them.
In summary, cancel culture can be counterproductive in promoting real change. To combat it, we need to engage in open dialogue with those who hold different views than us and focus on addressing the root cause of an issue. Being more tolerant involves being open-minded and treating others with respect regardless of differences. Saving face involves acknowledging our mistakes and taking responsibility for our actions.
Sources
[1] Mitra, T. (2021, March 5). We can do better than cancel culture — Assembly | Malala Fund. Assembly. https://assembly.malala.org/stories/we-can-do-better-than-cancel-culture
[2] Is Cancel Culture Effective? How Public Shaming Has Changed. (2020, October 20). Pegasus Magazine. https://www.ucf.edu/pegasus/is-cancel-culture-effective/
[3] Cancel culture empowers the powerful — at everyone else’s expense. (2022, July 27). The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. https://www.thefire.org/news/cancel-culture-empowers-powerful-everyone-elses-expense
Promoting Tolerance & Understanding In Society | Practical Measures
Understanding, acceptance and harmony are essential elements in constructing a peaceful environment within our society. To promote such ideals, there were four key approaches identified by the United Nations Human Rights Council – intercultural dialogue to nurture reciprocal understanding between cultures; raising awareness of other beliefs apart from one’s own through education; criminalize hatred or prejudice against any group based on religion or belief as well as eliminating an individual’s internalized “dark obscuring cultural glasses” which inhibit them from appreciating different customs and practices[2].
Taking these tangible actions is critical for us all if we hope to have societies where people can live harmoniously regardless of their diverse backgrounds.Developing tolerance within oneself is also important for promoting tolerance in society[1][3].
Cultivating an open mind, learning about other cultures and people, developing curiosity, practicing respect, meditating, cultivating self-awareness, being patient, and making space beyond binary truth are some ways to develop tolerance within oneself[1][3]. By developing greater tolerance in one’s own life, one can become happier, more at peace with oneself and those around them, and have a greater appreciation for diversity[1].
It is important to note that trying to tolerate each other is insufficient. When the pursuit of tolerance becomes too powerful in society without proper boundaries or foundations it can lead to the opposite effect[4]. Therefore it is essential to harness tolerance appropriately by promoting it when needed while also ensuring that creativity is not killed in the process[4].
Sources
[1] B. (2021, August 12). 4 Tips for Building Tolerance for Others. Eugene Therapy. https://eugenetherapy.com/article/4-tips-for-building-tolerance-for-others/
[2] OHCHR. (n.d.). Practical measures to promote a culture of tolerance. https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2011/07/practical-measures-promote-culture-tolerance
[3] GOODNET – GATEWAY TO DOING GOOD. (2021, May 23). 5 Tips for Developing Tolerance Within. Goodnet. https://www.goodnet.org/articles/5-tips-for-developing-tolerance-within
[4] Knowledgeworkx.(Mar 26, 2021).How to Promote Tolerance with Killing Creativity https://www.knowledgeworkx.com/post/how-to-promote-tolerance-without-killing-creativity. You can also add a source manually.
How to Create a Community Without Cancel Culture | A Guide
Cancel culture has become increasingly common in society, leading to public ostracism without the opportunity for corrective education or growth. Establishing a community which fosters accountability is essential instead of just punishment.
Open dialogue and debate are key components of this accountable environment: if someone expresses toxic opinions, they can work with organizations to use their platform for conversations which actively oppose them1. In doing so, we could bring about real change against issues like homophobia and racism.[3]
In order to build a positive environment where individuals feel respected and supported, cultivating an accountable culture is essential. This entails having open conversations between informed parties in which people are responsible for their beliefs and actions yet still have room to learn from errors.
Such discourse carries with it the values of collaboration, self-efficacy, improvement cycles, ownership pride – all enabling both safety and growth opportunities within any given community.
In conclusion, open dialogue, patience, and discourse are key components of an accountable culture that celebrates respect, collaboration, improvement, learning cycles, pride in ownership, and safety for all to thrive[2].
Sources
[1] Buckley, R., PhD. (2022, June 23). Cancel Culture Is Lazy. We Need Revision Culture Instead. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/how-to-fight-the-laziness-of-cancel-culture/428513
[2] Pulliam, T. (2020, March 25). One Way Forward: From A Cancel Culture To An Accountable Culture. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/03/25/one-way-forward-from-a-cancel-culture-to-an-accountable-culture/
[3] Creating A Culture of Accountability. (n.d.). https://reporter.rit.edu/views/creating-culture-accountability
[4] Is Cancel Culture Effective? How Public Shaming Has Changed. (2020b, October 20). Pegasus Magazine. https://www.ucf.edu/pegasus/is-cancel-culture-effective/
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