About National Cancel Culture Awareness Day
In 2023, a new non-partisan national holiday aiming to oppose the spread of cancel culture and reinforce the societal values of free speech, due process, and open discourse was launched. The inaugural National Cancel Culture Awareness Day takes place on Wednesday July 12th 2023, and will continue with annual observances on the same date in years to come.
What is Cancel Culture?
Cancel culture refers to the phenomenon where individuals or groups in society collectively "cancel" or withdraw support for a person, organization, or entity due to their perceived objectionable behavior or statements. It typically involves public shaming, boycotts, or calls for boycotting, and social media campaigns aimed at holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Cancel culture often emerges in response to allegations of misconduct, offensive remarks, or controversial opinions expressed by public figures. The widespread use of social media platforms has amplified the impact of cancel culture, enabling swift and far-reaching consequences for those targeted.
While cancel culture aims to address issues of accountability and social justice, critics argue that it can sometimes devolve into online mob mentality, where judgments are made without proper investigation or due process. This can lead to reputational damage, loss of livelihood, and can stifle open dialogue and freedom of expression.
Cancel Culture is a dangerous practice that discourages some of our most important social values, and seeks to undermine systems long held in place of holding people accountable.
About National Cancel Culture Awareness Day
The mission of National Cancel Culture Awareness Day is to expose the inherent dangers of this alarming online trend, which swiftly destroys livelihoods and reputations with permanent and vindictive consequences that are disproportionate to the perceived offense of a collective.
Punishments imposed within the context of cancel culture are often carried out via vicious online attacks by "cancel vultures," or those who thrive on making mistakes permanent while conveying moral absolutism. Forgoing due process or the respect of opposing views, cancel culture directly opposes things like open discord, instead seeking to silence and harm detractors of a popular viewpoint. Often, the everyday person is most at risk of falling victim, not having a large enough public platform to combat the narrative used against them.
By setting aside one day each year to bring awareness, educate, and showcase the danger of cancel culture, we are reminded to check our own behavior and show compassion for others. The day also aims to quell divisiveness and emphasize the importance of empathy and forgiveness, serving as a reminder that everyone makes mistakes and should be afforded the ability to own and rectify them.
National Cancel Culture Awareness Day will call upon citizens from all walks of life, and both sides of the political aisle, to recognize the threat the practice poses to cornerstones of democratic society, and educate others about why the practice should be ended.
Here are ways to participate in Cancel Culture Awareness Day:
- Use #CANCELCANCELCULTURE on social media, for example:
*Choose Empathy – Not Outrage. #CANCELCANCELCULTURE
*Be Kind, Don't Cancel. #CANCELCANCELCULTURE
*Remember the Golden Rule. #CANCELCANCELCULTURE - Educate: Reach out to your network to educate them on the negative impact of cancel culture and how to defend against it.
- Show support: If you're the leader of a business/organization who supports free speech and diversity of thought, declare your support of National Cancel Culture Awareness Day to your network and on your social media channels.
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