Cancel culture Facts for Kids

Cancel culture is a way that people sometimes react when someone, often a famous person, does or says something that many others find unacceptable. It means that person might be left out, boycotted, avoided, or even lose their job. This often happens with the help of social media. When someone is treated this way, people say they have been "canceled."

The idea of "cancel culture" became popular in the late 2010s and early 2020s. Most people see the term in a negative way. Sometimes, people use the term "call-out culture" to mean the same thing.

Some people think that cancel culture makes others afraid to speak their minds. They argue it doesn't lead to real change and can be like cyberbullying. Others believe it helps hold people accountable for their actions. They say it gives a voice to people who might not usually be heard. Some even question if "cancel culture" is a new thing at all. They point out that people have been boycotting others for a long time.

While some public figures have faced serious problems with their careers, others who said they were "canceled" have still been successful.

Where Did the Idea Come From?

The idea of "canceling" someone isn't entirely new. In 1981, the band Chic released a song called "Your Love Is Cancelled." This song compared a breakup to a TV show being canceled.

Later, in the 1991 movie New Jack City, a character mentions a woman being "canceled." This helped the term become more common in African-American Vernacular English.

Talks about "cancel culture" really grew in late 2019. By the 2020s, the phrase was often used by some people to describe what they saw as strong reactions to speech that was considered "politically incorrect."

"Consequence Culture"

Some people, like LeVar Burton and Sunny Hostin, think "cancel culture" should be called "consequence culture" instead. These two terms have different meanings.

"Cancel culture" often focuses on how discussions might be limited. It suggests people are afraid to share different ideas. "Consequence culture," however, focuses on the idea that people should be responsible for what they say or write. It means their words can have effects on others.

Cancel culture facts for kids

Where Did the Idea Come From?

"Consequence Culture"

See also