#733 – Rikki Schlott – Is Cancel Culture Actually Getting Worse? | Modern Wisdom

Intro

In this episode of the “Modern Wisdom” podcast, Rikki Schlott, a journalist and free speech activist, joins the host to discuss the current state of cancel culture and whether it is getting worse. Rikki shares insights from her analysis of Twitter bans and explores the relationship between victimhood culture and the suppression of dangerous speech. The conversation highlights the challenges of defending free speech in elite institutions and examines the role of social media in fueling cancel culture.

Main Takeaways

The Rise of Cancel Culture

• Cancel culture has become a dominant force in public discourse, sparking debates about its increasing severity.
• Rikki Schlott’s analysis of Twitter bans suggests that cancellation rates are indeed on the rise.
• Books like “The Coddling of the American Mind” and Rikki’s new book, “The Cancelling of the American Mind,” explore the connection between victimhood culture and the suppression of dangerous speech.

The Influence of Social Media

• Social media platforms have amplified cancel culture by providing a platform for widespread scrutiny and criticism.
• This unprecedented level of scrutiny has led to a post-printing press moment of social unrest, where anyone can be torn down at any moment.
• Rikki’s book aims to draw attention to the issue of social media scrutiny and encourage more people to navigate this new world.

The Erosion of Free Speech

• Cancel culture originated on American campuses in the 80s and 90s and has been consistent with the shift away from classical liberal values.
• The generational shift towards protectionism and fragility has contributed to the rise of cancel culture.
• A significant number of college students and professors self-censor, and the rates of investigation for protected speech have increased.

The Consequences of Cancel Culture

• Cancel culture tends to intensify during times of social unrest, with 2020 witnessing record-breaking cases despite students not being on campuses.
• A majority of Americans believe that political correctness has gone too far and that cancel culture is a problem.
• The fear of cancellation leads to widespread self-censorship, stifling intellectual discourse and diversity of thought.

The Impact on Young People

• Young people are particularly vulnerable to cancel culture due to their digital footprint and the constant threat of past actions resurfacing online.
• Concerns about cancel culture are prevalent among Gen Z, who have the most negative view of it.
• The lack of values and skills required to navigate the intellectual world contributes to the perpetuation of cancel culture.

Summary

Cancel Culture in the Digital Age

The rise of cancel culture has sparked intense debates about its severity. Rikki Schlott’s analysis of Twitter bans suggests that cancellation rates are indeed increasing. Books like “The Coddling of the American Mind” and Rikki’s new book, “The Cancelling of the American Mind,” delve into the relationship between victimhood culture and the suppression of dangerous speech. Social media platforms have played a significant role in amplifying cancel culture, allowing for widespread scrutiny and criticism. This era of social unrest and digital conversation has led to a post-printing press moment, where anyone can be torn down at any moment.

The Erosion of Free Speech

Cancel culture originated on American campuses in the 80s and 90s, aligning with a shift away from classical liberal values. The generational shift towards protectionism and fragility has contributed to the rise of cancel culture. A significant number of college students and professors self-censor, and the rates of investigation for protected speech have increased. This erosion of free speech hampers intellectual discourse and diversity of thought.

The Impact on Young People

Young people, in particular, are vulnerable to cancel culture due to their digital footprint and the constant threat of past actions resurfacing online. Gen Z holds the most negative view of cancel culture. The lack of values and skills required to navigate the intellectual world contributes to the perpetuation of cancel culture among young people.

Consequences and Concerns

Cancel culture tends to intensify during times of social unrest, with 2020 witnessing record-breaking cases despite students not being on campuses. A majority of Americans believe that political correctness has gone too far and that cancel culture is a problem. The fear of cancellation leads to widespread self-censorship, stifling intellectual discourse and diversity of thought.

Conclusion

Cancel culture has become a dominant force in public discourse, with increasing rates of cancellation and self-censorship. The rise of social media platforms has amplified cancel culture, leading to a post-printing press moment of social unrest. The erosion of free speech and the impact on young people are concerning trends that hinder intellectual discourse and diversity of thought. It is crucial to address these issues and foster a culture that values free speech, intellectual humility, and open dialogue.