Activism Vs. Slacktivism And 'Cancel Culture'
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Arts Entertainment

You Call Yourself An Activist Yet You're Not Actually 'Canceling' Anyone

Don't say you're boycotting something if you aren't actually going to.

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You Call Yourself An Activist Yet You're Not Actually 'Canceling' Anyone

In this age of social media, we have the ability to interact with celebrities in a way we never have been able to before.

They can follow you, tweet you back, DM you and even facetime you possibly. Anything is possible. But with that comes a new level of exposure for celebrities, as well. We know almost every facet of their lives if they allow us to. And sometimes that's not necessarily a good thing.

You see that they're just people, you see that they make mistakes and you see the ugly sides of their personalities, something everyone has.

I think everyone remembers when we figured out that Kanye West was a Trump supporter. So many people were shocked and surprised. There was also a large portion of people who were saying Kanye is "canceled" and "over." And then about a week later his album went to number one. So, I guess he wasn't actually canceled.

I guess this is based on your values, but if I say I'm boycotting something or someone, I actually do it. To me, if you're going to say someone is over and cut them out of your life for being problematic, then you actually do it. I don't care how much you love that person's artistic expression. I also don't believe in divorcing the art from the person, because someone's personality and values are always going to seep into their art.

You supporting them financially and artistically is you saying you align with their values.

I'm not sure if everyone here knows but one of my former favorites, Melanie Martinez, was accused of sexually assaulting one of her friends. When I heard this, I immediately stopped listening to her music. Did I love her music? God yes. But I can't continue to support the kind of person who does that. So, I had to stop. Also, listening to her music didn't feel the same. I get a slimy feeling every time I put my music on shuffle and her songs accidentally come on.

If you're fine supporting people who do disgusting and harmful things to other people, and you're OK listening to the voice of someone who hurts others, then cool. But be honest with yourself about it. Don't state that you have values and actively go against them, because that's when you become hollow and shallow. You stand for nothing if you're not living the values that you proclaim.

I remember when the incident at Starbucks happened and everyone was saying that they were gonna boycott Starbucks. I never said that because boycotting my specific Starbucks is not gonna stop people on other parts of the country from being racist. I wasn't being fake.

I went to Starbucks the day after it happened and I got my usual Grande Caffe Mocha.

Because I'm not a fake activist.

I understand when to fight and when not to, and what makes an impact and what doesn't. That happened at one location orchestrated by some crappy people, where listening to Borns or Chris Brown is supporting specific people who have to be held liable for the things they've done.

I don't want to hear anything else about canceling anyone online because everyone who says that, automatically continues to support that person.

If you don't intend on keeping your word, you're not actually canceling anyone.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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