Shun Cancel Culture

Bini Dahal

A month ago or so, a news story had emerged stating how a young K-pop idol had written a letter profusely apologising to her fans for dating a man. Because the fan culture is quite strong in South Korea, it is not considered right for a popular idol who is in her peak career to date. There were reports stating how several of her fans had boycotted her.

This incident reminds me of the growing popularity of the term ‘cancel culture’. It is worth mentioning that cancel culture has become quite the norm today. This culture is not just limited to people. But in recent times, it has also included brands and the products that they sell. It is considered as a means to support a certain section of the society by showing total displeasure towards a person or a brand. The ongoing conflicts and wars around the world have resulted in people having contrasting opinions.

These days, people on the internet have taken up the responsibility to show displeasure and discomfort towards certain brands or products. They believe such products should be boycotted as they are supporting the perpetrators involved in a certain conflict or war. But the question arises: How factual is it? Because everything is getting viral through the internet, it could be plain truth or just news filled with malice.  

And another question could come up. As a consumer, should I really boycott a product I have been using just because there is a mass boycott culture? I feel it is about the values that we hold. Obviously, there are matters that have to be taken in a sensitive manner and it is essential to create awareness among people. But whenever I notice incidences of the cancel culture on the internet, I cannot help but feel the toxicity of it. Those supporting or using the boycotted brands are targeted badly. Bad words are used against such people and this causes heavy toxicity to them. 

The issue with this cancel culture is quite amusing, too. Even if a person is found committing crimes that are not pardonable, they are not targeted enough. And such people come back to the society and live their life easily. Likewise, the brands or products that have gravely affected the people also do make a comeback.  Personally speaking, I believe the cancel culture should be adopted only when the person, brand or any product has really crossed the line of inhumanity. I feel in a world of democracy, everyone is entitled to their opinion but no one should be pressured to follow a certain matter and should not be shown disrespect and displeasure for not following a fixed perception or idea. 

And most importantly, why cannot we encourage and demand a certain organisation or a group change its ways rather than showing a total boycott? We may be trying to prove a point but on the flip side, the same boycott could be affecting the other weaker sections of the society who are working with the same brand or product for their livelihood. The cancel culture could be wrong and it can have a multitude of negative effects. It is key to step back, understand the whole situation and act accordingly. We should know when to show leniency and when not to. The whole gamut on the internet should be analysed before taking any of such actions.