If we keep canceling everything, what the hell will we even have left? Cancel culture isn’t new—just look at the Dixie Chicks getting dragged for their comments about Bush. (And nope, I’m not calling them “The Chicks” just because they decided to play it safe in 2020.) Same with Lady Antebellum—hate the original name? Sure. But changing it feels like a surface-level move. History’s messy, and we need to learn from it, not erase it.
Is the South still obsessed with the Confederacy? Yeah, that’s a whole different can of worms. Should we change that? Hell yes. I’ve got a whole list of things that outlasted your Confederate “heritage.” Spoiler: It’s long.
Here’s the kicker—Hispanics still pack Dodger Stadium, even though it was built by wiping out our neighborhoods.
I don’t support J.K. Rowling or her views, but Harry Potter was a significant part of my childhood. It still holds meaning for me, even though I won’t buy any new merchandise or visit Universal Studios. While it feels like I’m hurting myself more than J.K. Rowling, I’m willing to take a stand on this issue. Should the new show be made? No, but I’m biased because I love the originals, similar to how I feel about Disney and all the unnecessary live-action remakes. It’s no longer meant for me; it’s intended for a new generation.
If my niece, who grew up watching me obsess over Harry Potter, wants to see the new show, who am I to stop her? Her mom still remembers how I dragged all my siblings to midnight premieres. (We all took turns picking movies; I had to sit through Fast & Furious 3, so they owe me.)
Watching something doesn’t automatically mean you endorse everything the creator stands for.
Now, let me say this loud and clear: there should be some separation between art and artist—to a point. Hugo Boss designed Nazi uniforms. He was good at what he did. I love fashion, but I’m no fan of Nazis. I get not wanting to give money to certain people or feeling their work just isn’t the same after you know who they really are. But for me? Meh, I don’t care enough to cancel everything.
But Woody Allen? Kanye? Iggy Azalea? Armie Hammer? Harvey Weinstein? Hell no. I’ll burn my cash before spending it on anything they are connected to.
Honestly, instead of cancel culture—which seems like a very American and very online phenomenon—perhaps we should focus on real public accountability. A little public shaming that actually has meaning. It’s not about saying we’re canceling people while they continue to work in Hollywood. Skipping a new Marvel movie doesn’t really hold them accountable! Instead, let’s keep them to the fire so they might actually change.
And seriously—what’s the point of all this canceling? Boycott this, avoid that, keep mental lists of what’s “acceptable” or “unacceptable,” and… then what? Hector asked me which vintage clothing shops I’m avoiding, and I forgot. And let’s be honest, my vintage obsession is problematic as hell—I’m out here celebrating a time when my great-grandparents weren’t even accepted in this country. But slap on a “vintage style, not vintage morals” sticker, and suddenly it’s all good? Please.
I’m pretty liberal, but maybe sometimes I have some conservative beliefs—so maybe I should be canceled too. I’m not saying we shouldn’t try to do better. We should always push for a better world. But lately, it feels like the whole world… sucks. It’s giving that Spy Kids 2 line: “Do you think God stays in heaven because He too lives in fear of what He’s created?”
I don’t have all the answers. I know there are things I’m not thinking about. But luckily for me, I’m just a girl working a minimum wage job, writing a blog, hoping that my little unoriginal thoughts will make a difference—make people want to change, to be better, one day at a time. But I know that’s probably not gonna happen.
Anyway. That’s my rant. Take it or leave it.
I think I’ve ranted about this before, and honestly? I’ll probably rant about it again. Some things don’t change — and neither will my need to speak my mind.
