Canceling Cancel Culture Starts at Home

Wikipedia defines Cancel Culture, or call-out culture, as “a modern form of ostracism in which someone is thrust out of social or professional circles, whether it be online, on social media, or in person.”

The idea that Cancel Culture is a modern expression of the age-old practice of ostracism teaches us that it is not just a political abstraction that happens on social media: the practice of social erasure happens on a community and relational level.

Ostracism is a lonely and unforgiving feature of any social structure. The practice of banishing, or shunning people to the point where they are nonexistent is a harmful thing for the entire community.

And I think if we are honest, we will see that tendency in ourselves to one degree or another. We have done it to individual persons. We have done it to entire groups of humanity.

If we are concerned about Cancel Culture in the public sphere, then let’s begin at home: Who have we personally shunned or written off? Whose voices have we dismissed? Whose presence have we banned?

My guess is that specific names and faces came into your mind without much thought.

As we look at a brand new year, let’s be counter cultural: let’s show the world how Christians ought to love. We’ve got some making up to do and a good bit of ground to cover.

Shalom.