There are pros and cons to the social media age. One negative aspect is the tendency of certain users to form online mobs and demand someone be canceled for “wrongthink.” That this happens at all is a problem. Unfortunately, it seems to occur with more frequency as our political and cultural division sits at an all-time high.
Diversity in all forms is one of our strengths. Too often, this is only assumed to be the racial diversity of its citizens. In reality, intellectual diversity is just as important. Our homogeneity is belonging to a country we love that affords us the numerous freedoms we enjoy. It has nothing to do with thinking or believing as our neighbors do. When that is expected, problems arise.
The online landscape is the perfect setting for cancel culture to take root. A vast array of users, many looking for a verbal fight, will hone in on someone who may have shared a controversial or even offensive take. Instead of disagreeing and moving on, the mob may seek to push them off a platform or worse. In some cases, these “thought police” will venture out into the real world and attempt to ruin people’s lives and even their employment, simply because another person doesn’t align with them. This type of behavior should never exist in a free society where almost everyone doles out their opinions.
A recent example is that of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. During a Wednesday interview with Yahoo Finance, he was asked about NFL players who kneel during the national anthem. He replied, “I will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States of America or our country” and mentioned the importance of unity while finding solutions to our nation’s problems.
Of course, this was “wrongthink” in the eyes of many.
After a backlash, Brees apologized for his statements. But most in the online mob wouldn’t have it, as evidence by the #DrewBreesIsCancelled hashtag that made its rounds on Thursday. In 2020, this extremism toward those you disagree with isn’t surprising. However, it’s still disappointing.
The temptation to punish someone with real-life consequences should be condemned by everyone across the political spectrum. While the case can certainly be made that those who exist on the left side of the political aisle may be more inclined toward this behavior, it is also seen from those on the right side. This is wrong and entirely opposite of how people should treat one another, even those they vehemently disagree with on the issues that matter most to them. That one person disagrees with another does not mean they should be punished, either online or off. An employer or superior may decide to take action against a subordinate who behaved in a manner they deem inappropriate, but that is their decision to make.
The generally vicious nature of social media is not a net gain for society. Too often, it amplifies the worst voices and makes relatively minor issues seem major in the light of an audience. When that occurs, there can be calls for retribution simply due to thinking in an alternative way.
Whether Democrat or Republican and regardless of the topic, fanning the flames of revenge is unacceptable. The world is filled with people who hold vastly different worldviews than we do. It’s time to get used to it.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
