Cancel culture not finding a foothold among Lincoln kids

Cancel Culture is defined by Urban Dictionary as "A desire to cancel out a person or community from social media platforms." Urban Dictionary also states that "Narcissists make up the majority of the people who engage in cancel culture, and others who do this would include immature individuals."

When an individual or entity is being "cancelled" this usually involves a large number of people reporting their social media accounts and/or calling for widespread attacks and boycotts. Rather than a discussion involving facts or evidence, the antagonist resorts to gathering followers, in anger and indignation, to support their cause. 

Nationally, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Democratic Representative for New York's 14th District has condemned cancel culture, yet has engaged in it herself. An example of her contradicting her stance was illustrated when she supported a boycott of Goya Foods after the CEO Robert Unanue expressed support for President Donald Trump. Trump is also an example of someone who has frequently engaged in cancel culture by attempting to have large-name business such as HBO and Rolling Stone Magazine canceled due to content or employees he disagreed with.

However, cancel culture is not just political in nature, it can also involve canceling individuals who have made statements or expressed views on topics such as racism, sexism or homophobia. 

A pair of local young adults said they had never heard the practice referred to by that name, but are aware of its presence on social media.

Lindsey Weisner pointed out a big problem with cancel culture, "Everybody should have reasoning behind their ideas and beliefs. I think that the only way to find the truth is get reliable sources." Lindsey said she would never feel it's appropriate to "call someone out" in a toxic environment such as social media. Rather she would approach the person directly and attempt an intelligent conversation with an open mind. 

Fellow Lincoln High School student Damion Birkholz also condemns cancel culture. He says that when social media conversations start getting into political topics such as "genders or liberals," we should "try to have more of a conversation, rather than calling them out."

Damion shares Lindsey's belief that he would like to know why someone feels the way they do. They would like to know if there are facts supporting the beliefs of the individual trying to cancel or "call out" another individual. They believe there is room for individuals to change their viewpoints and room to hear each other; that there is a chance to see the world from different perspectives in order to handle the situation in a civil manner, avoiding confrontation.