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| Former New York Times columnist, Bari Weiss (NYT) |
The first time I encountered that phrase is when it was used about what happened to former New York Times columnist Bari Weiss. After being hired to show some balance - she was quickly smeared by colleagues that didn't like her views. Long story short she felt very uncomfortable and resigned in a letter explaining why she could not work under those conditions anymore.
The idea behind the phrase ‘Cancel Culture’ is that if someone expresses a view that counters the current politically correct ones they are ‘canceled’ meaning they are fired (or if they are TV commentators they are terminated and their shows canceled.) usually with an explanation that describes those views as bigoted or racist.
To cite what might be an example of a politically incorrect view worthy of termination - criticizing the violence that took place at many of ‘black lives matter’ protests. But does not make someone racist. Supporting the police does not make someone racist. It might just make them a supporter of law and order. And opposed to the kind of violence that can ruin the lives of innocent people. Not to mention physically injure them.
One can disagree with that view. But to see it as automatically racist and a reason to be fired is not only unfair, but as I indicated – a slap in the face of the 1st amendment. I would even go a step further and see it a step towards a totalitarian government where only ‘Big Brother’ defines what is right and wrong. Where free speech is censored when it contradicts ‘Big Brother’. If this is the America of the future, it is not a country I would want to live in.
Unfortunately ‘Cancel Culture’ is now used by the left against those that disagree with their liberal orthodoxy - accusing the right of being racists and bigots! Which is clearly not true.
It is with that in mind that I agree with Rabbi Gil Student. Where on his website today he links to the Philadelphia Statement. Which repudiates that kind of thinking and reinforces the principles of free speech guaranteed by the constitution. He signed it and urges his readers to sign it. I did. And if you believe in the constitution, you should too. Here is the link..
