Sorry, But 'Canceling' Logan Paul Is Not The Right Answer
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Sorry, But 'Canceling' Logan Paul Is Not The Right Answer

Drowning out people whose actions we don't like is the wrong way the go about fixing things.

100
Sorry, But 'Canceling' Logan Paul Is Not The Right Answer
Logan Paul / YouTube

If you've been anywhere near the internet lately, you've probably heard about Logan Paul's latest and most controversial vlog. If you haven't, here's the rundown: Paul posted a video of himself and a few others touring Japan's "Suicide Forest," a place known for an unusually high number of suicides, and showed footage of the body of an apparent suicide they had come across.

While Paul blurred out the man's face and claimed to have shown the footage in the name of raising awareness, those on social media quickly went into a frenzy, and rightly so. Many seemed to be of the opinion that Paul's decision to show the body and even feature it in the thumbnail for the video was disrespectful and appalling, and even more so due to the fact the majority of his fanbase is comprised of adolescents. After such intense and unrelenting backlash, Paul apologized in both video form and a written statement on his twitter account, but, feeling as if his apologies were insincere and narcissistic, the internet storm carried on, resulting in "#LoganIsOver" and a call for Paul to be banned from Youtube.

I'll be honest — I completely and utterly agree that what Logan Paul did is disgusting and tasteless.

While I cannot claim to know his motives or the veracity behind his claims that he did not do it for views, it is clear to me, based on past incidents and the self-centered focus of his apology, that Paul's actions are not simply a lapse of judgment. They are a result of narcissism and a culture that encourages internet fame and the "importance" of getting views. To me, he obviously does not care who he hurts nor does he want to acknowledge the influence he has over young and impressionable minds; what he cares about is clout and attention, and that is despicable in itself. When you choose to have a platform like Paul does (yes, it is a choice), you choose to accept the responsibility that comes with it. Paul is a fantastic example of neglecting this. He may not have set out to be a role model that children look up to, but it doesn't change the fact that he is and he knows it. With that in mind, it makes his pure lack of consideration for how his content would affect others is all the more disturbing.

Even so, Logan Paul should not be removed or banned from Youtube.

Not only did Paul not technically break any of the platform's rules, banning him from Youtube has implications of voiding his right to free speech. I in no way condone what he did or has done, but it was unfortunately within his rights to do so.

We cannot claim to be a free country when every time someone does something we don't like, we shut them down.

Today, the response to any sort of controversy is to "cancel" whoever is the target of the hour by means of preventing them from having any sort of platform and muting their voice in order to pay for their crimes. Doesn't that sound scarily like an oppressive regime? Who are we to decide what is right and what is wrong, and to block out the voices of those whom we don't agree with? Is that not a violation of everything this country stands for?

I would like to repeat that I, in no way, shape, or form, agree with what Logan Paul did. I am just as outraged as the people who would like to see him "canceled." But I don't think that "canceling" him and others like him is the right answer.

The right way to handle this situation is to make sure it never happens again.

We need to take the spotlight away from Paul, and hit him where it hurts most--take the attention and the views away. Not by banning him entirely, but by actively and presently choosing to not watch his videos — not talk about him at all, really. Instead of aiming our attention at Logan Paul, let's aim it towards people and things that are positive and actually worthy of our attention. Let's teach our children that what he did is and will never be okay, nor is anything like it, and show them what is.

SEE ALSO: I Survived A Suicide Attempt And I Don't Think Logan Paul Deserves The Hate He's Getting

There will always, always be bad influences in the world — nothing we do and no one we ban can change that. The only thing we should change is our mindsets and actions. Put down the pitchfork and instead turn to more productive forms of protest: donate to charity, uplift worthy causes, support influencers who are not trashballs that post footage of suicide victims. Let's stop worrying about Logan Paul, and start worrying more about how to help people like the victim instead.

Let's form a culture that doesn't urge to "end" people, but one that promotes positive change instead.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43788
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27548
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952402
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

148958
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments