To be cancelled is to be ostracized, shunned, to be done with. "She's dead to me." It can apply to celebrities, peers, companies, and even countries. It's another form of peer pressure to promote conformity. "In the eyes of the masses you now only represent the very thing that you were canceled for." Think Anita Bryant, Pete Rose, and Nestle (infant formula).
The New York Times explains “When it comes to cancel culture, it’s a way to take away someone’s power." Teens could be cancelled for an accidental slight, political belief, or infractions adults can't fathom (video above). The shunning can be direct (e.g. at school), on social media, or both.
As a result of cancelling, our teens can feel betrayed, angry, anxious, or depressed. The loss of status takes an emotional toll on them.
Cancelling extends into the culture of sports. When coaches are accused of bullying, are they banished forever? The NFL cancelled Ray Rice, Ricky Williams, and Colin Kaepernick. Timothy Carney argues that the cancel culture hit Cooperstown with its dismissal of Roger Clemens (steroids) and Curt Schilling (politics). Robin Lehner discussed his behaviors and hockey redemption in The Athletic.
Sometimes there's pushback against cancelling and political correctness, such as in Dave Chappelle's special, Sticks & Stones (caution - harsh language).
I'm hearing about more examples of canceling and failed cultures in youth sports. As coaches, we need to be on the lookout for problems. It's not easy especially with generational barriers.
Summary:
- The cancel culture shuns individuals and entities.
- Cancelling eliminates their status and power.
- Seemingly minor infractions can result in cancelling.
- Cancelling inflicts emotional pain and mental health problems.
- Cancelling occurs at multiple levels in youth and professional sports.
Lagniappe: via Kevin Eastman, 'stronger with the ball'
Lagniappe 2: From the Playbook
Raptors DHO Roll
Lagniappe 3: A former President's take on cancel culture