Cancel culture.
That’s the phrase being bandied about these days. Logically I know what that means, but I decided to look up the definition anyways. Here’s what Merriam-Webster says:
The practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling (see cancel entry 1 sense 1e) as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure.
If you’re wondering about that parenthetical (which I left in here on purpose), Merriam-Webster directs us toward one of the definitions for “cancel”:
To withdraw one’s support for (someone, such as a celebrity, or something, such as a company) publicly and especially on social media.
Then I checked Dictionary.com:
The phenomenon or practice of publicly rejecting, boycotting, or ending support for particular people or groups because of their socially or morally unacceptable views or actions.
And, finally, the Cambridge Dictionary:
A way of behaving in a society or group, especially on social media, in which it is common to completely reject and stop supporting someone because they have said or done something that offends you.
They’re all essentially saying the same thing, but the last two make it more personal. And what I’d like to know is, what on earth is going on with this country?! Does anyone out there have an answer? Am I the only one who is disgusted by what’s happening here? I generally keep my opinions on these types of things to myself because the Internet and social media are a mine field just waiting to explode and I have yet to find a forum where people can respect another’s opinions and beliefs without turning it into some sort of verbal battle over who’s right and who’s wrong.
But this is my blog and now I’m just annoyed and pissed off. Not for any one thing in particular—Dr. Seuss isn’t the first person to be attacked or cancelled for his views, nor will he be the last—but for the future of this country. For my children’s future. Being a parent is a huge job, the hugest job in the world. And the most important one. As a momma, it is my responsibility to feed them, clothe them, nurture them, protect them, discipline them, support them, teach them. The cornerstones of the foundation that my husband and I are building for our children are honesty, kindness, and respect.
Tell the truth. Be kind. Show respect.
It’s a fine line we parents walk every single day. On the one hand, I want my kids to be kind, sensitive, humble, tolerant, but I also want them to be strong, passionate, independent critical thinkers with big ideas and the courage to stand up for themselves and their beliefs. All while showing respect and appreciation for others’ opinions and convictions. And, perhaps most importantly, I want them to be mature and confident enough to understand that just because someone has a different viewpoint doesn’t mean they are an enemy. That they can—and should!—have frank, thoughtful, open-minded “arguments” with family members, friends, colleagues, even strangers because that’s how you grow, that’s how you learn, that’s how you embrace and instigate change. Through knowledge. Through diversity. Through adversity.
But how the hell are we supposed to teach our children these crucial lessons if society takes away any and every thing “others” deem inappropriate or upsetting or offensive?
Let me be clear, I am not advocating racism or injustice or inequality or immorality or any other societal outrage you can throw at me. I am advocating the importance of teaching our children how to understand, accept, and manage their thoughts and feelings in a way that allows them to embrace adversity. And that the most constructive and intelligent way to deal with something they don’t like or believe in or fear or are hurt or offended by isn’t to erase, ignore, or cancel it, but to meet it head on, armed with knowledge, understanding, and compassion.
And we can’t do that without having access to the very things that motivate and inspire us to examine these types of issues in the first place.
*Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay.