The Case for Cancel Culture: How This Democratic Tool Works to Liberate Us All

by Ernest Owens

Refinery 29 's Most Anticipated Books By Black & Latine Authors in 2023!

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"A necessary discourse about power and control, and who ultimately has a voice versus whose is often stifled." ―Preston D. Mitchum, LGBTQIA attorney, activist, and adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University

The first major case for cancel culture as a fundamental means of democratic expression throughout history, and timely necessity aimed at combating systems of oppression.

“___ is canceled.”

Chances are, you’ve heard this a lot lately. What might’ve once been a niche digital term has been legitimized in the discourse of presidents, politicians, and lawmakers.

But what really is cancel culture? Blacklisting celebrities? Censorship? Until now, this has been the general consensus in the media. But it’s time to raise the bar on our definition― to think of cancel culture less as scandal or suppression, and more as an essential means of democratic expression and accountability.

The Case for Cancel Culture does just that. This cultural critique from 2023 Philly News Award-Winning journalist Ernest Owens offers a fresh progressive lens in favor of cancel culture as a tool for activism and change. Using examples from politics, pop culture, and his own personal experience, Owens helps readers reflect on and learn the long history of canceling ( the Boston Tea Party was cancel culture); how the left and right uniquely equip it as part of their political toolkits; how intersections of society wield it for justice; and ultimately how it levels the playing field for the everyday person’s voice to matter.

Why should we care? Because in a world where protest and free speech are being challenged by the most powerful institutions, those without power deserve to understand the nuance and importance of this democratic tool available to them. Readers will walk away from this first-of-its-kind exploration not despising cancel culture but embracing it as a form of democratic expression that’s always been leading the charge in liberating us all.

"Journalist Owens debuts with an incisive defense of cancel culture... his arguments are thought-provoking and well supported. The result is an invigorating survey of a hot-button political issue." ― Publishers Weekly

"An important tool for all times, and for anyone looking to learn how to have the difficult but necessary conversations about race, injustice, inequality, and oppression." ―Dawn Ennis, award-winning journalist, advocate, and university professor

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Sociology, History, Social Justice, Audiobook

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 21, 2023

About the author

Ernest Owens (he/him) is an award-winning journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, LLC. He is the editor-at-large for Philadelphia Magazine and President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. He hosts the hit podcast "Ernestly Speaking!" As an openly gay black journalist, he has made headlines for speaking frankly about intersectional issues in society regarding race, LGBTQ+, and pop culture. In 2018, he launched a growing media company that specializes in multimedia production, consulting, and communications.

Reviews

[Mai H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conservative right won't like this, but I don't care. Cancel culture is a hot topic. Boomers blame millennials. Conservative millennials blame liberals. Does it matter? Anyone can be canceled. More often than not, there is a reason for it.

Those that have never been oppressed seem to have the most issues with this phenomenon. And no, you can't cry reverse racism. There are many modern examples used in this book, such as the author's Twitter battle with Justin Timberlake. Justin makes off well as a white man. In the media's condemnation of Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, he got zero to no blame until quite recently.

I know I read a lot of books about royalty for someone that doesn't believe in the monarchy, and I refuse to take sides on the Crown against Harry and Meghan, but Meghan was vilified by the British media. Even Americans will take the Crown's side.

Another one I had forgotten about was the Chrissy Teigen debacle. For someone that was so vehemently loud on social media regarding the canceling of others, she didn't take her own so well. Stay in your lane.

Not for everyone as evidenced by the ratings and reviews, but I'm a non-white liberal millennial. I'll be over here eating my avocado toast.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Critics of “cancel culture” and the “woke” mentality like to believe that it is a form of censorship or the Left’s ultimate agenda of destroying a person’s freedom to have fun. (Because those of us on the Left clearly hate to see people having fun, according to just about every pundit and host of FOXNews.)

But let’s be honest: the Right seems to be the ones who want to truly cancel stuff. Look at Colin Kaepernick, a football player who had the audacity to peacefully protest racial violence and, because of that, essentially lost his job and has never been able to play again. And the Right likes to accuse us of destroying a person’s freedom to have fun?

What about the Right’s campaign to make it harder for teachers to do their job by not allowing them to even talk about stuff in the classroom like homosexuality, transgenderism, or our nation’s history of genocide and racism against indigenous peoples, black people, or Asians? Isn’t that basically censorship?

Yeah, like a lot of people, I am also sick of hearing about “cancel culture”, but not for the reasons you might think. I’m actually for cancel culture, because the truth is, some things need to be cancelled.

You can’t tell me that assholes like Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, and Matt Lauer didn’t deserve to be cancelled. Louis C.K.? Iffy, but it’s not like he’s in prison or has lost an opportunity to do his stand-up comedy. Sure, Netflix won’t be signing him up for any specials anytime soon, but you can still go to his website. Cancel Culture seems to have a way of balancing things out.

You also can’t tell me that we really needed those statues honoring Southern racist assholes who were for secession and started a war between the states that resulted in thousands of needless deaths. The same goes for that stupid Confederate flag. It’s way past time to cancel that fucker. And if it means I never have to watch an episode of “The Dukes of Hazzard” again in my life, that’s great!

I’m sick of hearing about “cancel culture” when it’s being used as a pejorative. In my mind, there’s nothing really wrong with cancel culture. People who whine about it don’t like it because they don’t get it. They have a completely wrong idea about what cancel culture is. These are, typically, the same people who whine about their co-worker (behind their back, of course) who prefers the “they/them” pronoun as if it’s something that actually causes them physical pain. These are the same people who rail and deride “critical race theory” but wouldn’t be able to define it if asked. (And I have asked, of course. That’s when they attack me for wanting to cancel them, as if asking to clarify is somehow akin to censorship.) These are the same morons who cried “Lock her up!” And “Hang Mike Pence!” but thought the insurrectionists on January 6, 2021 were patriotic sight-seers.

Ernest Owens defends cancel culture in his book “The Case For Cancel Culture: How This Democratic Tool Works to Liberate Us All”, and he does a fairly decent job of it.

Owens probably could have expounded a bit more in some of his chapters, and he probably could have not picked on Justin Timberlake so much, but those are petty complaints. Overall, he does a good job explaining what cancel culture is and what it isn’t. He also makes the fair point that cancel culture isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s been around for quite awhile, starting with the Boston Tea Party. Indeed, it’s based on an ideal upon which this country is founded: protest.

“Before we called it cancelling,” he writes, “we called it taking a stand, speaking truth to power, saying it like it is, giving power to the people, and making sure that the revolution would not be co-opted. Cancel culture is the new digital wave of individualized protest and a way to demand change in a society that has yet to grant liberation to all. While previous iterations of protest and public outcry were more traditionally coordinated, in person, and institutional, cancel culture is more personal and is carried out on social media. (p. 26)”

I’ll be honest: I hate Facebook, and I have never used Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram, so I’m not what one would call social media savvy or “woke”. But if social media can be used for good—-and Owens seems to think we can—-then I’m all for cancel culture. The Revolution will not be televised, but it will definitely be posted and receiving millions of “likes”.

[Anne Jisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the look at history, and how cancel culture has always happened. The age of social media has changed how it takes place, and given a voice to the marginalized. It’s a good thing! Cancel culture is simply accountability. When someone is not willing to have the hard talks, admit wrongs, and makes changes, then cancel culture is a good step. It’s never the first step.

I really appreciated the look into how progressives and conservatives use cancel culture. It’s not the same! Progressives will cancel another progressive, if their words or actions demand it. Whereas conservatives will band together and protect its own based on their litmus test.

Progressives cancel to revolutionize. Conservatives cancel to restore, to bring the status quo of conservatism back. A time where they had power.

These two quotes sun it up well:

“Their imagined powerlessness and their need for a strong authoritarian leader to protect them is at the root of their racial and social animist. Their persecution complex is a heavy mix of their fear of socialists, Muslims, independent women, lgbt people, and immigration. Their feelings if fragility, despite positions of power, makes them vote for people like Donald Trump.”

“To make America’ great again, is to return it to the culture and thinking that gave conservatives the confidence and power they grew accustomed to.”

I loved how he brings up many times that those who push back against cancel culture are usually those in a position to be cancelled. Spot on.

All in all, very informative book, and I really appreciated it!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC so I could review.

[♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

DO NOT RECOMMEND. Don’t waste your time reading this awful book. The author’s writing is bland and pretentious. Couldn’t even get more than halfway through.

[Sarah Gibson · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a bad sign from the beginning when the book began with ramblings against Justin Timberlake over a social media grievance. Timberlake is an idiot, but the author makes himself sound a bit petty. He then goes on to describe Cancel Culture so broadly that he is able to compare the Abrahamic god sending Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden as “cancelling.” The same was said of the Boston Tea Party. Trying to include mythical stories and government protests as “cancel culture” simply doesn’t work for me. You bring up cancel culture to anyone and I’m pretty sure they’re going to think of social media shunning and condemning of individuals and maybe companies, not so much government protests/revolts (or stories of human origin lol). Maybe some have argued such against protests such as BLM or the Women’s March after Trump was elected, but I imagine if you conducted surveys most would disagree with that assessment. So I disagreed with the author’s basic premise. The author also came across as immature and the book lacking in academic rigor. The beginning of the book should have began with defining of the term cancel culture and academic resources showing how he came to that conclusion. Instead we got the author trying to prove why he was right and Timberlake wrong and the how the black community has been mistreated. He’s not wrong, but that’s not good enough. Very disappointing and feels like a waste of time.

[Shir · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is basically a long winded version of what should be an article. Basically, the book postulates that cancel culture is a new term for something that has been around forever, and that historical protests (e.g., Boston Tea Party) could also be described as "canceling" whatever is being protested.

**Thanks to Netgalley for providing me an eArc of this book.

[Abagail · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cancel culture is more than just a tool for accountability. It is a deliberate form of free speech that works to liberate us all."

The unfortunate thing about this book is that the people who need to hear this message the most would rather have their eyes poked out than read it. Ah well! It is affirming for the rest of us. This book is a well-written exploration of how cancel culture came to be a tool for the people to hold the powerful accountable for their actions. It's possible this book could be considered preaching to the choir. Personally, I enjoy reading books like this, because I know what I think, but cannot always organize my thoughts into anything I am confident about. Books like this help me think about my stances with new evidence and examples, and put them into the words I wish I had. Unlike news stations and boomers on Facebook, Owens doesn't brush off cancel culture as the laughable scourge of millenials. With the utmost respect, he examines the voices of the people, and this new way in which they are being heard. If the quote at the beginning of this review doesn't make your little heart boil over with rage, you'll probably enjoy this one!

[Nicholas Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Libro.fm and St Martins for a complementary listening copy.

It took me essentially the whole book to understand the point with clarity, but it was still a pleasant ride.

This book explores what cancel culture truly is—a tool for protest. Using personal anecdotes, historic and recent examples, and commentary that brings them all together, this quick read should challenge even the most thoughtful reader. These challenging and controversial topics should be added to your list of things to consider and Owens provides a great many things to consider.

You might hate it, but you should read it.

[Kat]

no rating no review because of the Saint Martin Press boycott

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cancel Culture is an important piece of activism in the modern world. Deemed toxic by those who claim not to use it, Cancel Culture is used by both political parties and nearly every culture. What I liked about this book was the timeline laid out of how Cancel Culture came to be. What was a miss for me was the rambling that often seemed to take over. I’m not sure this should have been a full sized book and probably would have benefitted from being a novella or article series. Still I appreciated the thought the author put into the writing.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC to review.

[Candace Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THE BOOK! It definitely gave the history on what early Cancel Culture looked like and what it has become today. I appreciate the perspective that Ernest gave because I honestly never even thought about the the facts listed in the book! So much history that basically correlates to today’s Cancel Culture. Bravo! I think everyone should read the book to get a better understanding! Highly recommend and I’m giving the book as gifts to people as well!

[Andre Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cancel culture was a great read! Often times our opinions are tainted by the negatives of this tool. The author, Ernest makes a great case as to why the tool is necessary. The work of activists depend on outcomes and cancel culture has been a tool to hold folks accountable. Thank you Ernest for this read.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features a methodically analysis of Cancel Culture. The author gives a history of cancel culture & how it was originally used. In my view, Owens covered the topic Cancel Culture in a neutral manner. He covered how both the left & the right have weaponized Cancel Culture over the years. This book is worth a read & you might learn a little bit along the way.

[Kaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks like this is getting review bombed a bit so I'll be generous with my rating.

I liked this! Really interesting discussion of cancel culture and its history as well as notable instances of the impact its had. It reads like a really long thinkpiece. It can definitely be repetitive but I think that's to be expected the nature of the subject. Though the author is obviously progressive, I really liked the examination of how both conservative and progressive political parties use "cancel culture" for their benefit.

I wouldn't say much of this was particularly groundbreaking or new information/realizations for me but it was nice to read about all of it in an organized, well-thought out narrative. I tend to struggle with organizing my thoughts and feelings about big issues and concepts sometimes so this made it easier to digest and understand. I think I probably enjoyed it more having been familiar with many of the given examples and situations than I would have otherwise, because it gave a frame of reference to everything in that I remembered watching it happen in real time. I'm also fully in support of deplatforming problematic people so overall it was an insightful and satisfying read.

The unfortunate truth is, the people who need to read a book like this or would benefit from a bit of critical thinking are not going to read this book. Or, they are going to read it and it's going to go right over their head and they're going to keep doing exactly what they're doing, and continuing to complain about cancel culture. To put it simply: you probably already know if you're going to like this book based on how you react to the title.

Thanks Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the arc!

[Charisse Vizcarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really got excited when I was able to receive an advance reader’s copy of this book. The title says it all for me.
Before reading this book, I too associated cancel culture as a death sentence to one’s career, and reputation. But after reading this book, I do hope as a society, we can change from vilifying to humanizing those we “cancel”.
Thank you to St. Martin Press for providing me with an advance reader’s copy for this review.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking look at the climate of cancel culture in modern society. Boycotts have been used as a protest tool for over a century, however the emergence of a 24-hour news cycle coupled with the advent of social media, has transformed the historical boycott into an all encompassing ban of companies/individuals. This book examines the evolution of cancel culture and its use as a tool for marginalized communities.

[Sharron Cooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case for Cancel Culture is an instrumental tool for examining historical events and facts that are linked to contemporary pop culture events to illustrate the concept that “cancel culture” has always been present through time just by various other names like, boycotting, and witch-hunting . The case for cancel culture was definitely made by Owens in this book. A very enjoyable and educational read. I believe this book belongs in an academic curriculum.

[Shanita Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the honor of reading this book a few months ago and it did not disappoint. It was well-written, engaging, and smart. His argument was clear and the points were delivered with clear-eyed analysis.

[George D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case for Cancel Culture provided me with a very necessary educational and historical perspective on how accountability is essential to our progress. Ernest Owens' wit, commentary, and presentation of facts made this a truly enjoyable read. I highly recommend!

[Darkowaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Nicole Cashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an important book! Ernest brings a perspective that is unique and compelling. I believe everyone can benefit from this well written, insightful and highly recommended book.

[Lauren Footman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely book to help analyze the nuanced moment we find ourselves in with politics and popular culture.

[Amy Del Rio-Gazzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's easy for some to get triggered by the term "cancel culture" and have a negative reaction or pre-conceived notions, but I think this book and the author do a great job of outlining "cancelling" as a means of democratic expression and a tool for protest to bring about positive change. Ernest Owens was a great narrator, and I really appreciated his point of view on the topic. Rounding up to 4 stats, absolutely worth a listen.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

This book is about the history of cancel culture and although I believe Mr. Owens has it wrong when he compares the tea party and boycotting South Africa is cancel culture I do understand what he’s trying to say. However this cancel culture that he keeps referring to is a great thing has had innocent people fired from their jobs and others who have lost their whole career due to this get them now and ask questions later cancel culture. In the beginning of the book he took up Janet Jackson’s cancel culture“Faux pas“ when Justin Timberlake tore her shirt off on the Super Bowl halftime show and he blamed Justin Timberlake… Even though that was a choreographed routine they both agreed to do and she knew it was going to happen. Now it was wrong that people shamed her and did nothing to him but I don’t see how that’s his fault. Why didn’t you take up Bob Paris is cancel culture moment Who was the first man to come out as a gay bodybuilding champion or Tiger Woods who people supposedly canceled because he was a sex addict. What I also didn’t understand is he called him a racist and Even had the nerve in the same comment to say he was white explaining. He insinuated that Justin Timberlake was racist and homophobic because he Ernest Owens is a gay man and I guess if you don’t agree with him or do what he wants you to do that makes you racist and homophobic? Now he did bring up some great points with the school shooting in Florida and all the kids speaking out . He also brought up the murder of Brianna Taylor . He associated Breonna with the Black Lives Matter movement and her mother said she doesn’t want them using her name. Tamika Palmer who is Breonna Taylor‘s mother said Black Lives Matter is a fraud and they were forced to take there post down that mentioned her daughter. I think Mr. Owens should do his research before writing another book and if you want everyone to listen don’t speak to everyone if you want people not to be racist and quit bringing up peoples race.. I believe there are things we still need to iron out when it comes to race and respecting peoples religion and sexuality but I don’t think trying to coin a new term like white splining is helping. I found this book very interesting and those are the only two real issues I wanted to bring up I do want to say what happened to George Floyd is terrible but I do believe their are parts of Black Lives Matter that are equal to antifa because they have bad in every group. I think antifa is a bunch of clowns who have nothing better to do with their life then to hold on to a cobweb version of America. To me cancel culture is a rush the judgment as long as you’re the first to complain you’re the victim. I also think as soon as we start treating each other with kindness and treat everyone the same then we will start to heal. I don’t like when someone carried a victim mantra and I believe that’s what Mr. Owen does and that makes me sad because he is a successful black gay man in America and instead of celebrating that he wants to point out those who don’t like it. You have my sympathy sir I am blind and do not see peoples race when I speak to them and although I can tell sometimes what race they may be there’s times I’ve been wrong so I’ve learned not to assume. It’s great to have a cause we believe in but too many times we have become a victim of our own efforts. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Gwen Jensen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate this book. How are you going to write 200+ pages about cancel culture without ever establishing a definition of it. Overall fairly elementary prose.

I see the connections he was trying to make between radical movements of the past, but I think cancel culture at its core is a new iteration of protest that can’t be compared to the Bible (???) or Ghandis work the liberate India (canceling Britain?? ) I get what he was going for but for me it fell flat. I’m definitely in favor of holding people with influence on culture/society/politics accountable for their actions and I agree that social media “callouts” may be the most effective form of mass civil disobedience, but cancel culture has so many nuances and good example that the author neglects to dive into. An easy read, more like a long op-ed in my opinion than a fully fleshed out work of research. It felt really rushed and the examples jumped around so much. I also think using “cancel culture” synonymously with boycotts and protest is down right disrespectful..

I don’t think Twitter beef with Justin Timberlake makes you a qualified expert in cancel culture.

I lost it when I read “canceling grapes” in print

Why is he so obsessed with Obama ???

[Mallory · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF; not for me. The author argued his definition of 'cancel culture' and explains how cancel culture is not a new phenomenon, but rather deeply rooted into our history i.e. MLK, Gandhi, etc... I appreciate his research for this book, but it is not for me.

[Kelly A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting. Energetic. Educational. Eye-Opening.

When I received "The Case for Cancel Culture: How This Democratic Tool Works to Liberate Us All," I thought I knew what cancel culture was...I did not.

The concepts are rooted in truth, historical evidence, and real-life examples. They illuminate a path forward for all of us where the end result is a better, more equitable world for us all.

I opened it up and read it cover to cover in six hours. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand the significance and power we have to leverage the weapon of cancel culture in a world at war with accountability. Mr. Ernest Owens continues to shine his light as the "purveyor of truth" in his first book (of many...I hope).

[Risa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This was an informative, well-researched, and persuasive text. I didn’t necessarily love or appreciate every point and example the writer mentioned, but that’s probably a good thing; he took a well-rounded approach to the subject, addressed major past and current events, and tied them all together in meaningful ways. All in all, this was an effectively written book, and I’ve been thinking about how I could potentially use an excerpt as a discussion or writing prompt for one of my classes.

An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[M Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this book. Learning about how “cancel culture” has existed in different forms before social media came into existence was fascinating. I also appreciated the multitude of stories and examples the author used to make his case. There were a few moments when I wished it stayed a bit more unbiased, even though I fully agree with his points, only because I feel like it would help make a better argument to those he’s trying to convince by building a “case” in the first place.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for a #gifted copy and the complimentary audiobook. My thoughts are my own.

[melhara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty comprehensive look at Cancel Culture and how it has evolved over the years (from boycotts and protests in a historical context to modern online protesting and calls for action).

The author, Ernest Owens, makes a lot of interesting historical comparisons and looks at how Cancel Culture has benefitted both right and left-wing political groups. The first half of the book, which focused on the evolution of Cancel Culture, was the most interesting part of the book - it's always important to know the history as it helps inform how we got here today, especially since "Cancel Culture as we consider it today, feels new because of the digital platforms that we have at our disposal to speak truth to power."

Owens also goes into some detail about the impacts and effectiveness of Cancel Culture. Not everyone who has been "canceled" is affected the same way or afforded the same level of protection based on their privilege (either socio-economic, gender, or racial privilege).

It's also important to note that Owens warns that "Cancel Culture is not something to act on lightly. It must be rooted in addressing forces that represent a threat to a person or group's full existence. A person's right to life, freedom, and dignity must be threatened to merit the extremeness of cancellation." He further notes that Cancel Culture is a call for action and should not be confused with cyberbullying or online harassment - if someone "cancels" something out of distaste, or malice, it would not be considered Cancel Culture.

The author makes interesting points throughout this well-researched book but there were a few aspects that bothered me:

1. As I listened to the audiobook (at regular speed), I found that many sections would devolve into repetitive rants. Although the author does look at Cancel Culture from both sides of the political spectrum, his views are certainly not impartial which diminishes the values of some of the arguments being made.

2. The conclusion that the author draws from the historical comparisons is that Cancel Culture has always existed - people have always advocated for change through various forms of protest and boycotts, and Cancel Culture is no different. I would argue that Cancel Culture is a form of protest that has evolved into something that's vastly different from anything we've ever seen in the past due to social media and the speed with which information and misinformation are spread. Perhaps I missed this part in the audiobook, but the author failed to acknowledge how quickly people will hop onto the cancel culture bandwagon without first reviewing all the facts - I mean, just look at how quickly Johnny Depp was canceled before the Depp v. Heard trial.

3. The arguments that the author makes in this book are all based on his definition of Cancel Culture, which is essentially a form of call-out culture that demands accountability. By this definition, I would agree with much of what's been said in this book. But I think the author's view of Cancel Culture is perhaps oversimplified and doesn't quite capture all the positive and negative impacts of this online phenomenon.