Rikki Schlott, journalist and free speech activist, discusses cancel culture, Twitter bans, the increase in cancelations, the motivations of cancelers, the impact on free speech, and the expansion of cancel culture to encompass a wider range of views.
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Quick takeaways
Cancel culture, fueled by social media, has created echo chambers and pushed dissenting opinions into obscure corners of the internet.
Cancel culture fails to understand the importance of dialogue and perpetuates self-censorship and fear of speaking out.
Having free speech laws alone cannot guarantee a culture that values free speech; a widespread commitment to this ideal is necessary.
Deep dives
The Rise of Cancel Culture
Cancel culture has become a prominent topic of discussion in recent years, but why has it gained so much traction and is it truly getting worse? A journalist and free speech activist, Ricky Schlot, delves into the subject, exploring the increase in Twitter bans and the rates of cancellation. The data shows that cancel culture, fueled by social media, has created echo chambers and pushed dissenting opinions into obscure corners of the internet. The consequences of cancel culture extend beyond the individuals being canceled, as fear of retribution leads to self-censorship and an erosion of open dialogue. The issue is further exacerbated by the early exposure to cancellation experienced by young people on social media, perpetuating the culture of self-censorship and fear of speaking out.
The Mechanisms of Cancel Culture
Cancel culture is driven by a belief that attacking and shaming individuals with unpopular views will eradicate those views from society. However, this approach fails to understand the importance of dialogue and the fact that censorship does not eliminate ideas, but rather pushes them into more secluded and like-minded spaces. The enforcement of cancel culture includes not only the public shaming of individuals but also the softer mechanisms of alienation and exclusion. People who hold different viewpoints are subtly ostracized, denied opportunities, and isolated, creating a culture of self-censorship and conformity. The pressure to conform and the fear of reprisal make it increasingly difficult for dissenting voices to be heard.
The Disconnect between Free Speech Laws and Culture
Having free speech laws on the books does not guarantee a culture that values free speech. Examples from countries like Turkey, North Korea, and Russia, where free speech laws exist but are not upheld in practice, highlight the importance of a cultural commitment to free speech. In contrast, historical examples, such as the French Enlightenment, demonstrate that a culture that fosters open dialogue and intellectual exchange can flourish even without legal protections. Today, the erosion of free speech values and the rise of cancel culture reflect a shift away from robust dialogue and a growing unwillingness to confront differing opinions. The beliefs and attitudes of individuals shape the culture of free speech, and without a widespread commitment to this ideal, laws alone cannot preserve it.
Cancel culture evolving into backlash against cancellation
Cancel culture is evolving in a way similar to memes, where it is now considered low status to be seen as someone who calls for cancellation. The methods of cancellation have become more subtle as defense mechanisms develop. An example of this is the moral ideological shock test that emerged in 2020, where not posting a black square after the death of George Floyd resulted in being castigated and unfollowed. Going against the prevailing ideology became a demonstration of buying into the prevailing ideology. This evolution of cancel culture has led to a slow and subtle form of quarantining, with people avoiding those who hold heterodox views. Growing up in such an environment has polarized young people and pushed some towards reactionary or extreme positions.
Effects of cancel culture on young people
The impact of cancel culture on young people, who have grown up with smartphones and the constant threat of their past actions resurfacing, is profound. The fear of being canceled and the inability to make mistakes or explore different viewpoints during adolescence can lead to anxiety and a lack of intellectual humility. This lack of exposure to diverse ideas and the suppression of free speech creates a generation ill-equipped to engage in intellectual discourse or gracefully disagree with others. Additionally, cancel culture has permeated educational institutions, making touchy subjects off-limits for discussion. The lack of exposure to contrasting viewpoints prevents meaningful conversations and hinders personal growth. The future of cancel culture and social unrest is worrisome, particularly in the context of highly polarized political options in the upcoming 2024 election.
Rikki Schlott is a journalist, columnist, free speech activist, and author.
Saying "you can't say anything any more" is the internet's tagline. Cancel culture has been the hot topic over the last few years. But why has it taken over the discourse so much and just how much truth is there that it's getting worse than ever before?
Expect to learn what Rikki uncovered from a mass analysis of Twitter bans, whether the rates of people being cancelled are increasing, if the cancellers actually enjoy the cancelling of people, what drove the increase in cancellations, if free speech is really dead in America, whether apologising works and much more....
