What I Learned About Cancel Culture: Reputation, Responsibility, and Resilience
September 2025
You may not know this or be aware, but several years ago, someone tried to cancel me. While a significant amount of time has passed, I would be lying to you if I didn’t share that during those few months when the situation occurred, I was scared. The person who wanted to cancel me was always one step ahead. They repurposed social media graphics that included my image and company logo, tagged me and many people in the community, and were on a quest to destroy my name, brand, and credibility. If that wasn’t bad enough, that person’s supporters, many of whom I didn’t know, were sharing the posts, emailing me, sending direct messages and at one point, my phone number had been shared, so I also received text messages and telephone calls. As if that wasn’t bad enough, one person even volunteered to camp out in front of my office so they could deal with me directly.
Merriam-Webster defines cancel culture as the “practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure.” We’ve seen cancel culture enacted in many forms. From Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis to Lizzo and even Sean “P-Diddy” Combs (though rightfully so), the effects of cancel culture permeate throughout our society, and no one is immune. Cancel culture is very real, and it’s likely here to stay, but I believe we need to pause for a moment and consider whether publicly shaming someone is effective or yielding the results we’re seeking. Do we even know the outcome we’re hoping for beyond having our target humiliated, fired, or worse? And what happens if we’re wrong in our accusations? Will we exude the same energy to right the person we wronged?
As a public relations professional, I am a firm believer that sometimes we have to experience situations personally to understand better what our clients are asking of us. Being nearly cancelled was an eye-opener for me. It also made me think about the cruelty that exists in people and the lengths they will go to to express themselves. Whatever happened to just walking away from people or issues we disagree with? Everyone is brave behind a keyboard. If we choose to shame someone publicly, have we taken into consideration how this could impact their mental health? What about their family? Their employer? As a business owner, I spent a lot of time worrying about my staff. They were scared for me and were being questioned by people who knew they worked for me. My family was terribly upset and were ready at a moment's notice to ‘handle’ the ring leader. In fact, there were many offers from people willing to step in and address the situation on my behalf.
The Herd team has been spending a lot of time lately examining cancel culture and its effects. We’ve dedicated our September podcast to the topic in light of the recent missteps of American Eagle Outfitters and the Viral Coldplay CEO kiss cam moment. Both situations have offered us a front row seat on a cancel culture expedition, which has caused pain, humiliation and embarrassment not only to those directly involved but to their families, employers, and anyone associated with them.
Is it worth it? Is cancel culture really a pathway we should take when we want our voices to be heard? If we are choosing to cancel, have we done our research? Do we know both sides of the story? If you were the target, how would you want to be treated?
To cancel or not to cancel, that is the question. I encourage you to make sure you know the answers before indulging yourself. You never know, one day the one being canceled might be you.
Signing off,
Denise
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