The cancel culture is believed to derive from a slang term used in the 1980s, which refers to the act of canceling someone, similar to breaking up with them. The concept was popularized in various forms of media, including movies and songs, before gaining traction on social media platforms in the late 2010s. In 2015, the term “cancel” became popular among Black Twitter users. The term refers to the decision to stop supporting a particular person or work, either seriously or jokingly. The concept suggests a complete withdrawal of support and is often used to describe an upset reaction to provocative statements . Discussions about “cancel culture” intensified in late 2019, when the term was used to refer to perceived overreactions to non-political speech. In addition, the #MeToo movement also introduced “call-out culture,” which encourages people to name abusers, especially those in positions of power. 

Social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are the main places people engage in cancel culture. People can quickly spread their opinions through these platforms and call others to action. Hashtags are often used to encourage people to reject someone who is considered wrong. One way to do this is to publicly humiliate the person. As a result, the canceled person can experience things like being insulted online, losing their job, or shunned by people. The impact can be felt for a long time, both in their personal and professional lives. People who support cancel culture consider it a way to enforce social justice by holding people or organizations accountable for their bad behavior. It can also empower marginalized voices and raise issues that were previously ignored. On the other hand, some people argue that cancel culture can lead to censorship and vigilante-like actions. People can be immediately judged and punished without a fair process. This can create fear and discourage people from expressing their opinions openly.

You know the case of American rapper Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy, in 2024, which went viral everywhere. Diddy came under heavy criticism and experienced cancel culture after a series of serious allegations emerged, including sexual harassment, rape, sex trafficking, and physical violence, especially from his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, as well as many other victims. These allegations include acts of relationship violence, coercion in sex parties, and cases against minors. The video showing Combs attacking Cassie amplified public outrage. As a result, he lost various business partnerships, resigned from media projects, and faced severe legal proceedings, including sex trafficking charges and possible life imprisonment.

The debate about cancel culture has many points of view. Some people support it because it is an important tool to promote social change. However, others are concerned that it can create societal fear and oppression. The conversation around cancel culture reflects a larger societal tension between free speech and social responsibility. In today's digital age, how we reprimand and hold each other accountable has changed. Cancel culture has indeed influenced how we interact and judge the actions of others. It can promote social justice and awareness, but it also raises important questions about free speech, fairness, and the effects of publicly shaming someone. Therefore, we must find a balance between holding people accountable without losing the space for dialogue and understanding.

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Writer: Della Aulia Feronica 

Editor: Florenia Neve Suryani