The Cancel Culture On Twitter Needs To Chill
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Cancel Culture On Twitter Needs To Chill

Think before you tweet.

310
The Cancel Culture On Twitter Needs To Chill

Everyone who uses Twitter has probably noticed Shane Dawson near the top of the trending page for the past several days. Shane Dawson is a YouTube personality who has been relevant on the website for the better part of the past 10 years.

He has been attacked on Twitter numerous times in the past and faced with allegations of racism for use of blackface and other baseless claims of pedophilia and bestiality. He has said some pretty vile things in his past regarding children and animals, but most of these statements came from an old podcast he used to produce that was supposed to fall in the realm of shock comedy that pervaded the late 2000s and early 2010s.

The claims that he made on this podcast were clearly meant to be taken in jest. Twitter users have attacked him mercilessly for his old jokes, and some of the outrage is justifiable, but it is important for everyone to remember that they are jokes.

Shane has a very specific brand of dark humor that has allowed him to be successful on the internet for years, and he is someone who has been widely recognized for "lacking a filter" for years. No-one has ever come forward with legitimate accusations of pedophilia or bestiality against him. There is a difference between someone making a dark joke about themselves and a child coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse about an adult.

Shane announced his engagement to his longtime boyfriend, Ryland Adams, last night and what would normally be one of the happiest moments in someone's life has been marred for him by baseless bestiality accusations and merciless Twitter attacks. The engagement announcement has been assumed by many as a diversion tactic to divert attention away from the controversy.

In reality, he had been planning the proposal for some time as their third anniversary was yesterday.

People on the internet, including Shane, need to remember that their words carry weight. When you attack someone on the internet, you can cause legitimate damage to their lives and their psyche. Your words are a reflection of your personhood on the internet and what you say, well-intended or not, will follow you for a long time.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

98257
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments