Uncancelled culture — forgiveness and redemption in the digital age

In 'Bad Feminist,' Roxane Gay presents a collection of essays that delve into various aspects of feminism, culture, and personal identity. She critiques the concept of 'essential feminism,' which she argues is exclusive and does not account for the diverse experiences of women, particularly those of color and from other marginalized groups. Gay's essays cover a wide range of topics, including media critiques of films and TV shows, personal narratives, and critical analyses of contemporary issues such as reproductive rights and racial justice. The book emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and the need for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of feminism, embracing the idea that being a 'bad feminist' is better than not being a feminist at all.

In 'So You've Been Publicly Shamed', Jon Ronson delves into the phenomenon of online shaming and its historical antecedents. The book features interviews with individuals who have been subjected to intense public shaming, including Jonah Lehrer, a journalist who plagiarized quotes, and a woman who was shamed for a tweet at an airport. Ronson also speaks with practitioners of modern public humiliation and examines the immediate and long-term consequences of such shaming. The book raises questions about righteousness, reputation, and conformity in the context of social media and its impact on individuals and society.