Is Cancel Culture Toxic?

Open to Debate | Nov 12, 2021
You know the drill. Someone does, or says, something offensive. A public backlash -- typically on Twitter -- ensues. Then come the calls to "cancel" that person, brand, or institution. That usually means the loss of cultural cache, political clout, and often a job or career. Some see "cancelling" as a modern-day means of holding people to account, while others express concerns about digital mobs policing speech. So, we ask: Is cancel culture toxic?  Arguing in favor of the motion is Kmele Foster of FreeThink with chess grandmaster and political activist Garry Kasparov. Arguing against the motion is Erich Hatala Matthes of Wellesley College with Karen Attiah of the Washington Post. Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

Mayor Mamdani on the Knicks' Victory

Rachel Goldberg-Polin on Losing a Son in Gaza. Plus, How Pablo Torre Is Changing Sports

The UK’s Violent Riots Were Stoked by Elon Musk and a Global Far-Right Network

Knicks jersey, FIFA shirt and a Puerto Rican parade hat: Archbishop embraces NYC's big weekend

YOU ARE ONLINE