Cancel culture forces people to face the consequences of their actions. ‘Cancelling’ occurs when a person commits an act of hate or makes hateful comments, specifically involving somebody’s race, gender, sexuality, or religion. For years, people in a place of power have been able to avoid the consequences of their actions. However, with the new age of social media and the quick spread of news they now have to be careful about what they say and do. 

One perfect example of cancel culture being beneficial was during the Me Too movement, when various celebrities were accused of sexual misconduct. These powerful people would have otherwise been able to continue their abuse if not for the wave of hate that stripped them of their positions and influence. Cancel culture brought people like Henry Weinstien, who has sexually harassed countless women, to justice, and acted as a warning for others. 

As America becomes more and more diverse and open minded, those that make racist remarks towards minorities quickly learn the meaning of the phrase, “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” In 2018, ABC canceled the TV show ‘Roseanne’, after lead actress Roseanne Barr went on a racist Twitter rant, one such tweet referring to Obama’s aide Valerie Jarrett as “the offspring of the Muslim Brotherhood and Planet of the Apes.”

Furthermore, cancel culture forces social media attention on those that have been accused of committing a crime. This allows the perpetrator to be brought to justice as information concerning the case is able to come to light quickly. For example, in recent weeks, controversial youtuber Gregory Jackson otherwise known as Onision has been ‘cancelled’ for the alleged grooming of young fans and pedophilic actions. Cancel culture and social media influence has caused Jackson’s Patreon to be shut down and ‘To Catch a Predator’ host Chris Hansen to involve the FBI in an in-depth investigation into his actions.

Though it may seem extensive, cancel culture has become extremely important in punishing people for their actions.