The Dangers of Cancel Culture
Social media is simultaneously one of the best and worst things invented. Throughout this pandemic it has given us the ability to connect despite being physically distant, but cyberbullying is also a very real problem.
One thing that has been popular lately is ‘cancelling’ someone on social media. It typically happens with celebrities, and the idea is simply that if they say or do something wrong everyone trash talks them and stops supporting them. In some cases it makes sense, we all need to be held accountable. No matter how wealthy or influential someone is it doesn’t excuse their being a horrible person. Especially with regard to the many men who still have successful careers despite being accused of assault and harassment. People deserve to know the truth and justice needs to be served.
Oftentimes, people are ‘cancelled’ for ignorance, for being uneducated or for making a mistake. In cases such as this I think that taking the time to forgive and educate holds more potential for change rather than jumping right away to shunning or bullying. Imagine the difference we could make if we use the same level of energy we use to cancel someone to educate them instead. It needs to be normalized to change opinions and views after becoming educated and growing as a person.
There are times when no matter how well known, wealthy or loved someone is we as a public must step away and stop supporting them because of continued abuse of power, of racism, and hate. However, there are times when we should respond to negativity and hate with compassion, instead of jumping to conclusions. Sometimes we need to believe that people really can change and we as a public have the power to educate and change ourselves and others. We all have a voice, no matter our platform, so don’t be afraid to use your power, spread positivity, educate others, together we can make a difference for good in the world.
Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.