In the technological age, an uprising has occurred known as cancel culture. This process is when a public figure says or does something questionable worth “canceling.” Internet users, in turn, spread the news of these actions and demolish their careers and reputation.
No one should ever cross certain moral lines. Indeed, there are serious issues worth canceling that are outright disgraceful. Although in other circumstances, a minor statement ruins someone’s entire life. Just because one disagrees with another does not mean they are terrible. They are just sharing an opinion–a right they are entitled to.
So, how far can free speech reach? As I have discussed in my previous posts, free speech boundaries are blurred online. We have become so accustomed to our own online bubbles that an opposing opinion is earth-shattering. Unfortunately, we cannot handle it and immediately want to erase a converse online presence altogether. We are sensitive to differences but insensitive when it matters most.
We must push ourselves outside our comfort zones and listen to those we do not necessarily agree with. The beauty of America and free speech is that we are entitled to our words. Notably, the basic idea of a cancel culture is not entirely wrong. We, as consumers, must cancel immoral thinking and disinformation while ultimately spreading the truth.