In today’s digital landscape, it is increasingly common to see public figures, artists and influencers face intense backlash over a comment, opinion or decision. Known as cancel culture, this phenomenon has been a defining feature of internet discourse.
While many see it as a way to hold people accountable, it has become so prominent that we are starting to suppress open dialogue and creativity.
So, is cancel culture simply about holding people accountable? Or has it evolved into something more restrictive? And if so, how do we know when we are taking it too far?
There have certainly been many high profile cases where public backlash led to meaningful consequences. Take author J.K. Rowling, for example. Best known for her “Harry Potter” series, Rowling first came under fire after posting a series of controversial tweets about the transgender community. This caused a public outcry, especially from “Harry Potter” fans and those in the LGBTQ+ community. Because of her actions, some fans boycotted her work, and several cast members distanced themselves. In this case, cancel culture acted as a form of social accountability.
But not every case is so clear-cut.
Take American filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. Known for his violent and controversial films, he received years of criticism for racial slurs used in his movies, his depiction of violence and a lack of morality highlighted in his films. While some appreciate how he portrays real world ugliness, some audiences have pressured him to “tone things down.” While some audiences may be uncomfortable with how certain topics are portrayed, undermining a creative path is suppressing artistic vision.
While there are ups and downs to the effects and purpose of cancel culture, artists have become more cautious with their artistic vision to avoid the possibility of being canceled. This does not necessarily mean their views have changed, but the effects of cancel culture come with possibilities of losing a platform, fans and income.
Nowhere is this pressure more visible than
in stand-up comedy, a space known for its brutal honesty and controversial takes. Comedians today walk a tightrope unsure of what will be seen as offensive or not.
“I don’t play colleges, but I hear a lot of people tell me, Don’t go near colleges. They’re so PC. They just want to use these words. That’s racist. That’s sexist. That’s prejudice. They don’t even know what they’re talking about,” comedian Jerry Seinfeld said.
With comedians now feeling pressure to tame themselves, the art form becomes safer, tamer and less provocative, losing the edge of what makes good comedy.
Even in songwriting, many artists are revisiting old work or editing new material to avoid backlash. Taylor Swift changed lyrics in her re-recording of “Better than Revenge,” due to being criticized for slut-shaming. Artists like Beyonce and Lizzo have both altered songs after public outcry as well. While some see this as progress, others see this as creativity being filtered through fear of offense.
So what does this mean for the future of creativity? Cancel culture is in no way going away and will most likely probably get more intense in the future. While it is important for public figures, just as any average person, to be held accountable when needed, it is important to know when it turns into limiting creativity. In a world where we thrive off of relatable music, books and comedy, it is important to not undermine different types of artistic views and standpoints.
