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Writer's pictureDr Ashutosh Srivastava

Cancel Culture in India: Understanding Its Impact and Consequences

In recent years, you've likely heard of "cancel culture," where public figures, companies, or even ordinary people face mass withdrawal of support and public shaming for behavior or statements deemed offensive. Fueled by social media, this trend has sparked heated debates about its implications for our society, including in India.



The Genesis of Cancel Culture

Imagine being in a small Indian village where everyone knows each other. If someone did something wrong, the whole community would know, and they'd face collective disapproval. This concept isn't new, but social media has amplified it on a national and global scale. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow information to spread rapidly, enabling collective action almost instantaneously. The heightened awareness of issues like caste, religion, and gender equality has made cancel culture more prominent in India.

A study by the Pew Research Center found that 58% of U.S. adults believe that calling out people on social media for their offensive statements or behavior holds them accountable. However, 56% also think that it often punishes people too harshly . Similar sentiments are observed in India, where social media activism has grown exponentially.

How Cancel Culture Operates

Think about the last time you saw a Bollywood celebrity trending for the wrong reasons. It often starts with a tweet or a post that goes viral. Before long, thousands or even millions are voicing their outrage, demanding apologies, and calling for boycotts. High-profile cases, such as those involving celebrities or brands, highlight how quickly public opinion can mobilize, often with influencers leading the charge.

For example, the controversy surrounding Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut's comments on various political and social issues led to widespread backlash and calls for boycotts . Similarly, brands like Tanishq faced boycotts after their advertisements were perceived to offend certain cultural sentiments .

Arguments Against Cancel Culture

While cancel culture aims to hold people accountable, it often brings significant downsides. Here are some stronger arguments against its practice:

Suppression of Free Speech and Open Dialogue

  1. Chilling Effect on Expression: Have you ever held back your true thoughts for fear of backlash? Cancel culture creates a similar environment on a larger scale. Academics and professionals might avoid controversial topics, and public figures may retract statements to avoid public condemnation. According to a report by PEN America, cancel culture can lead to self-censorship, particularly in educational institutions, where the fear of repercussions can stifle academic freedom and open discourse .

  2. Erosion of Debate: Remember the excitement of a lively debate in school? Healthy debates and the exchange of diverse viewpoints are crucial for growth. However, social media platforms can become echo chambers where only popular opinions are safe to express, leading to intellectual stagnation. A study published in the Journal of Communication found that social media users are often exposed to homogeneous viewpoints, which can reinforce existing beliefs and discourage open discussion .

Disproportionate Punishment

  1. Lack of Proportionality: Imagine losing your job for a mistake you made years ago. The public's reaction can often outweigh the offense, with individuals facing severe consequences without context or intent considered. The case of comedian Agrima Joshua, who faced severe backlash and threats for a joke made years earlier, highlights the disproportionate nature of cancel culture in India .

  2. Mob Justice: Think of times when rumors spread like wildfire. Cancel culture can resemble mob justice, where due process is ignored, and people are judged based on incomplete or inaccurate information. The concept of "trial by Twitter" bypasses traditional legal standards, often leading to unfair outcomes without a fair hearing .

Impact on Mental Health

  1. Psychological Harm: Imagine the anxiety and depression from being publicly shamed. The targets of cancel culture often experience severe psychological distress, including suicidal thoughts. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that social media-induced stress, including from public shaming, significantly affects mental health, leading to anxiety and depression .

  2. Long-term Consequences: Think about how hard it would be to rebuild your life after such an ordeal. The long-lasting impact on an individual’s personal and professional life can be devastating, making it difficult to find employment and leading to social isolation and damaged reputations. Journalist Barkha Dutt has spoken about the intense online harassment she faced, highlighting the enduring emotional and psychological toll .

Societal Division and Polarization

  1. Increased Polarization: Remember family dinners where politics were off-limits? Cancel culture exacerbates societal divisions, making reconciliation and understanding more difficult. Political and social groups become more entrenched in their views, unwilling to engage with opposing perspectives. Research from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center shows that cancel culture can deepen political divides and reduce the likelihood of constructive conversations across ideological lines .

  2. Us vs. Them Mentality: Picture a schoolyard where cliques form based on a single incident. Cancel culture creates an "us vs. them" mentality, causing communities to fracture as people quickly categorize others as allies or enemies based on a single statement or action. This divisive atmosphere can lead to an erosion of community cohesion and mutual respect .

Hindrance to Artistic and Intellectual Freedom

  1. Self-Censorship: Have you ever avoided speaking your mind in fear of judgment? Artists, writers, and thinkers may avoid exploring controversial or innovative ideas to avoid backlash. Authors might steer clear of certain topics, comedians might avoid edgy material, and academics might shy away from certain lines of inquiry. A survey by the Cato Institute found that a significant number of Americans practice self-censorship due to the fear of offending others or facing backlash . Similar trends are seen among Indian artists and intellectuals.

  2. Cultural Stagnation: Imagine a world where no one pushes boundaries. When creative and intellectual exploration is stifled, cultural and academic progress suffers, leading to a more homogenous and less vibrant cultural landscape. Historical examples show that periods of strict censorship often correlate with slower cultural and scientific advancement .

Legal and Ethical Concerns

  1. Lack of Due Process: Think of the principle of "innocent until proven guilty." Cancel culture bypasses legal and ethical standards of justice, denying individuals the right to defend themselves, often leading to people being “tried” and “convicted” in the court of public opinion without any formal investigation or opportunity for defense. The principles of due process are foundational to fair treatment in democratic societies, yet cancel culture frequently overlooks these safeguards .

  2. Questionable Ethics: Imagine your personal information being shared without your consent. The ethics of cancel culture itself can be questionable, particularly regarding privacy and fairness, with tactics like doxxing, spreading personal information, and encouraging harassment often used in cancel campaigns. Privacy advocates warn against the ethical implications of such practices, which can lead to harassment and even physical danger for those targeted .

The Broader Impact on Society

Cancel culture can lead to increased division and polarization within communities. The resulting culture of fear and self-censorship hampers artistic and intellectual expression, as creators and thinkers avoid controversial topics to evade backlash.

Potential Benefits of Cancel Culture

Despite its drawbacks, cancel culture can play a role in holding individuals and organizations accountable for harmful behavior. It can empower marginalized voices, providing a platform to call out injustice and promote social awareness. By shining a light on issues that might otherwise be ignored, cancel culture can contribute to social justice movements.

For instance, the #MeToo movement used elements of cancel culture to bring attention to widespread sexual harassment and assault, leading to significant changes in various industries, including Bollywood .

Finding a Balance

To mitigate the negative effects of cancel culture, it is essential to promote responsible social media use and encourage constructive dialogue. Emphasizing forgiveness and understanding can help foster a more balanced approach. Legal and ethical frameworks may also need to be considered to protect free speech while addressing harmful behavior.

Conclusion

Cancel culture is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with both positive and negative aspects. While it can serve as a tool for accountability and social justice, it also poses significant risks to free speech and social cohesion. A balanced approach, fostering open dialogue and responsible behavior, is crucial for navigating the challenges it presents. As society continues to grapple with these issues, finding a way to hold individuals accountable without resorting to disproportionate punishment or suppression of free expression will be key to fostering a healthier, more inclusive public discourse.

References

  1. Pew Research Center. (2020). The state of cancel culture: Canceling public figures has been happening for centuries. Link

  2. Hindustan Times. (2020). Kangana Ranaut faces backlash over political comments. Link

  3. BBC News. (2020). Tanishq ad controversy: Jewellery brand pulls ad after backlash. Link

  4. PEN America. (2019). Chilling Effects: NSA Surveillance Drives U.S. Writers to Self-Censor. Link

  5. Journal of Communication. (2017). Social Media and the 'Spiral of Silence'. Link

  6. The Indian Express. (2020). Comedian Agrima Joshua faces threats over old joke. Link

  7. New York Times. (2020). Opinion | Cancel Culture: Accountability or Mob Rule? Link

  8. American Psychological Association. (2020). Social media-induced stress and its impact on mental health. Link

  9. The Quint. (2019). Barkha Dutt speaks about online harassment. Link

  10. Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center. (2019). The impact of cancel culture on political divides. Link

  11. Cato Institute. (2017). The State of Free Speech and Tolerance in America. Link

  12. NDTV. (2018). #MeToo Movement in India: Bollywood's Moment of Reckoning. Link

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