Cancel Culture: Supporting Social Justice or Stifling Growth?

Cancel culture is a topic that has sparked intense debate, with some seeing it as an essential tool for holding individuals accountable, while others view it as a divisive force that stifles growth and meaningful dialogue. On the latest episode of White Women Wake Up, we dive deep into these discussions, exploring how cancel culture interacts with social justice, and whether white women who engage in cancel culture are helping or hindering progress. As two women from different generations—one a Boomer, the other a Millennial—we bring our own perspectives to the table, but we also recognize that cancel culture is not a one-size-fits-all issue.

What is Cancel Culture?

Cancel culture refers to the social practice of calling out individuals for problematic actions, often on social media, and attempting to diminish their influence by boycotting their work or public presence. It’s a modern-day social justice tool aimed at condemning those whose actions—be it racist remarks, sexism, or other forms of injustice—harm marginalized communities. However, in our podcast discussions, we’ve acknowledged that the application of cancel culture often lacks nuance. What starts as an attempt to rectify an injustice can quickly escalate into a public shaming campaign, with little room for learning or growth.

Karen shared an insightful point: "Cancel culture can sometimes perpetuate the very thing it's trying to combat—white supremacy. It doesn’t allow space for people to learn and grow." This perspective may sound shocking at first, but let’s unpack why some believe cancel culture might actually reinforce the status quo rather than challenge it.

How Cancel Culture Can Support Social Justice

Holding Power to Account Cancel culture has proven effective in calling attention to harmful behavior, especially among public figures who have historically been shielded from accountability due to their fame, wealth, or power. In many ways, canceling these figures can level the playing field for marginalized communities.

Our podcast episode brought up a thought-provoking example where we discussed how cancel culture can shine a spotlight on inequity. Karen noted, "For so long, the powerful have escaped scrutiny, but cancel culture allows voices to rise up and say 'We will no longer tolerate this.'" The movement, when done with intention, can force society to reckon with its ugly truths and hold individuals accountable.

A Call for Change Cancel culture also creates opportunities for social change, as it challenges entrenched systems of oppression. When an individual is called out for problematic actions, it’s often a catalyst for reflection and dialogue. This leads to opportunities for education and transformation.

I believe that some individuals  are capable of transformation if we stop shutting down the conversation. Social justice isn't just about punishment, but fostering understanding.

Fostering Solidarity When we speak out against injustice, we stand in solidarity with those who have been harmed. Cancel culture can amplify voices that have long been silenced, offering a platform to those who have been marginalized. In this way, cancel culture can be seen as an act of solidarity, providing a voice to those who are otherwise unheard. "It’s not just about condemning individuals, it’s about showing up for marginalized communities. It’s about saying, 'We stand with you. Your pain matters.'" -Karen

The Harmful Side of Cancel Culture

However, while cancel culture has its merits, it also comes with its drawbacks. The concept of canceling someone—especially without room for growth—can lead to a culture of fear and defensive reactions rather than transformation.

No Room for Growth The core argument against cancel culture is that it often doesn’t allow for individuals to learn from their mistakes. When someone is called out for offensive behavior, the immediate backlash can shut down the opportunity for meaningful dialogue. Instead of encouraging reflection, it can push people into defensive stances that prevent them from understanding the harm they caused.

As we discussed in our podcast, “Cancel culture doesn’t leave room for nuance. It’s an all-or-nothing approach that can close the door to growth". This can be especially harmful when it comes to individuals who genuinely want to change but are not given the chance to make amends.

Perpetuating a Cycle of Silence Cancel culture can also create a culture of silence, where people are afraid to speak out or engage in uncomfortable conversations for fear of being canceled themselves. This is something Karen and Jonelle both explored during a conversation about a personal experience. Karen mentioned, “I was afraid to speak my truth during a confrontation because I feared being misunderstood, or worse, being ‘canceled.’”

The fear of cancel culture can stifle genuine dialogue, leaving individuals unwilling to engage in difficult conversations. Instead of engaging, some may choose to remain silent, perpetuating the same cultural divides.

Divisive Rather than Unifying While cancel culture seeks justice, it can often deepen societal divisions. In some cases, it can create an “us vs. them” mentality, where people who have been canceled are demonized, while the individuals who do the canceling assume a moral high ground. This cycle of division prevents productive conversation and keeps people from truly understanding one another.

Karen’s reflection on a situation where cancel culture was discussed on social media is a case in point: "In many ways, canceling someone too quickly forces us to judge them without understanding their story. We need to move beyond condemnation and towards true connection." This highlights the need for restorative justice over punitive action.

Finding Balance: A Middle Ground

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cancel culture for white women. There are instances where canceling someone is necessary—such as in cases of clear, ongoing harm—but there are also situations where offering a chance for redemption can lead to growth and change. As we discussed in our podcast, "We (white women) need to embrace the idea of generative love—of helping people transform, rather than just shutting them down."

Rather than viewing cancel culture as a definitive end, we, as white women, can reshape it as a tool for growth. Instead of immediately canceling, we can encourage people to reflect on their actions, engage in difficult conversations, and make amends.“The goal is not to cancel, but to learn, grow, and be better." 

This blog is meant to encourage critical thinking for white women, as we navigate the complexities of cancel culture. Marginalized groups have every right to engage in cancel culture to create safe spaces for themselves, as they have long faced harm and exclusion. However, white women must do the work within our own communities, taking responsibility to foster growth and understanding rather than dismissing those who have made mistakes. It’s up to us to decide whether we want to perpetuate division or contribute to meaningful transformation.

Let’s continue to have these difficult conversations, recognizing that accountability and growth are not mutually exclusive. As we move forward, let’s strive to create spaces where empathy, education, and understanding are prioritized—because that’s where true transformation begins.

Until next time, stay curious, stay open, and keep waking up.

-Jonelle