Cancellers

Cancellers refer to individuals, groups, or entities that actively participate in the act of cancellation. This involves the public removal, disapproval, or ostracization of a person, product, or idea, often following perceived offenses or controversies. They may initiate boycotts, petition campaigns, or online shaming tactics to pressure targets into apologizing, changing behavior, or facing professional consequences. The motivations of cancellers range from upholding ethical standards and seeking accountability to expressing disagreement or seeking personal gain, and in various forms can range from social media groups up to government officials. The impact of cancellers on individuals and societies is subject to ongoing debate, with arguments both supporting and condemning the practice.

Cancellers meaning with examples

• Following a series of offensive tweets, a group of online cancellers launched a hashtag campaign, urging sponsors to drop their support for the comedian. The campaign quickly gained traction, leading to the comedian losing a major contract and facing significant public backlash, demonstrating the power of collective online action and cancel culture.
• The board members, acting as cancellers of a proposed development project, faced significant backlash. They were driven by concerns about environmental impact, the board faced mounting pressure from local residents and environmental organizations, leading to the project's eventual abandonment and a public battle.
• Historical figures are often subject to the scrutiny of modern-day cancellers, whose re-evaluations of historical contexts can impact the removal of statues and other public tributes. This reflects changing societal values and demands for accountability for past actions, resulting in changes in national monuments.
• After a controversial article went viral, a group of social justice advocates acted as cancellers, demanding the resignation of the editor-in-chief and a retraction of the publication. This action aimed to promote diversity and inclusion within media organizations and hold them accountable for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.