Member-only story
Branding in the Age of Cancel Culture
What happens when reputation moves faster than strategy?
In the old world, a brand could hide behind a press release, a publicist, or a tightly controlled TV spot. In the new world, it takes just one misstep, one post, one comment, one ill-considered partnership, and you’re trending. For all the wrong reasons.
We’re living in the age of cancel culture. And whether you believe it’s a tool for accountability or a digital witch hunt, one thing is certain: brands are no longer untouchable.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
Today, people don’t just buy products, they buy values. They align themselves with brands that reflect their beliefs. They boycott those that don’t.
You don’t get to be “just a soap company” anymore, “just an app,” or “just a fast-food chain.” You’re part of the cultural conversation now, whether you like it or not.
And with this power comes a new kind of pressure. The kind that doesn’t wait for a statement. The kind that demands you already know what side you’re on.
The Transparency Test
Cancel culture isn’t just about scandals or mistakes. It’s about perceived hypocrisy, and saying one thing on Instagram and doing…
