Unpopular Opinion: Good Intentions Turned Toxic: Cancel Culture

Cancel culture began with good intentions - to hold people accountable for their actions, particularly those in positions of power. But as it has evolved, it has become a toxic and damaging force in our society, with real-life negative effects on the mental and physical health of individuals.

At its core, cancel culture is about ostracising and punishing individuals who are deemed to have behaved in a way that is unacceptable. But the problem is that cancel culture has become less about accountability and more about punishment, driven by a desire for vengeance rather than a desire for justice. It creates an atmosphere of fear and paranoia, where people are afraid to express their opinions or ideas for fear of being canceled. Sounds particularly similar to certain political ideologies and practices, does it not?

The impact of cancel culture on mental health is profound. People who are canceled often experience depression, anxiety, and even PTSD. They may feel like they have been shamed and humiliated in front of the entire world, with no hope of redemption. The toll that this takes on their mental health can be devastating, with some individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. But the impact of cancel culture is not limited to mental health. It can also have real-life physical consequences such as job loss, financial insecurity, and even physical harm. In some cases, canceled individuals have been the victims of harassment and even violence.

The irony of cancel culture is that it claims to be about justice and equality, yet it often perpetuates the very same injustices that it seeks to address. It silences voices, creates divisions, and can even perpetuate prejudice and discrimination. We need to find a way to hold people accountable for their actions without resorting to such practices where people feel safe to express their opinions and ideas, and where we can have difficult conversations without fear of retribution. We need to create a culture of forgiveness and redemption, where people who make mistakes can learn from them and grow.

Cancel culture may have started with good intentions, but it has become something toxic and damaging. It's time to move beyond cancel culture and create a better, more compassionate society.

by Teodora Aldea-Turcu