List of “Cancel Culture:” Silencing tradition with woke ideology
Woke ideology is reevaluating history, removing statues, and silencing individuals for their opinions. The clash between conservative tradition and changing values is reshaping society’s narrative. From historical figures like Abraham Lincoln to authors and entertainers, no one is exempt from being silenced.
Toppling Statues: Sins of the Fathers
2021: Washington, Lincoln canceled for slavery accusation
The San Francisco School District renamed 44 schools, including those named after George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, due to their association with actions like subjugation, oppression, and genocide during their time. [CNN]
2019: Christopher Columbus canceled
Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas, fostering modern democracy and global trade, yet colonization led to tragic outcomes like disease spread and slavery.
Criticized for endorsing slavery, Columbus Day is now Indigenous Peoples Day. Indigenous tribes, like the Iroquois, Kwakiutl, Mayans, and Aztecs, had their practices, including slavery, torture, cannibalism, and ritual sacrifice.
2020: Edward Colston statue tossed into the river
Black Lives Matter protesters pulled down the bronze statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston because of his role in the transatlantic slave trade.
The statue honored his contributions to education and community development but was disregarded at the height of cancel culture in 2020
2018: Mahatma Gandhi Statute removed
Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of India,” achieved independence from British rule through nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
In 2018, a Mahatma Gandhi statue was taken down from the University of Ghana following a petition that labeled him fascist, racist, and a sexual predator. [Guardian]
Canceling Opinions: “Offensive comments”
2023: Sports announcer removed for his comment
Orioles’ announcer Kevin Brown was taken off broadcasts indefinitely following his comment on Baltimore’s 5-3 win against the Rays. Brown noted the team’s recent improvement in away games at Tropicana Field, highlighting their limited success in previous years. Speculation that his remarks were seen as harmful and offensive probably led to his disciplinary action. [NottheBee]
2019: Harry Potter author JK Rowling canceled
Author JK Rowling has experienced cancellations from Harry Potter events, museums, and social media platforms for insisting there are only two genders. She also liked transphobic tweets and asserted that “transwomen are women” is “literally delusional,” have further angered former fans. [Telegraph]
The backlash was intense that the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, dedicated to contemporary popular culture, removed all references to JK Rowling.
2019: Gina Carano fired by Lucas Films
Gina Carano, a star of ‘The Mandalorian,’ was fired by Lucasfilm after her offensive social media posts that often rebuked leftists.
She shared an image from Naz, compared it to today’s overheated political,l climate, and said, “Jews were beaten in the streets, not by Nazi soldiers but by their neighbors…. even by children,” her post stated.” [NYP]
Eliminating Characters: “Offensive past”
2023: Gone with the Wind movie
The 1936 novel “Gone With The Wind,” set in the 1860s during American slavery, has been labeled “harmful” by its publisher. The book is criticized for its “racist” depictions and for romanticizing a disturbing historical period, including the horrors of slavery.
2021: Looney Tune character Pepe canceled
Pepé Le Pew, the famous cartoon skunk, appears to have faced cancel culture accusations. Warner Bros. excluded the character from current and upcoming projects, including “Space Jam 2,” due to allegations of promoting ‘rape culture.’ [Hollywood Reporter]
2021: Cinderella canceled for having too many “whites”
A suburban Minnesota theater canceled the production of “Cinderella” due to an excessive number of white actors in the cast.
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres stated on their website that the production didn’t match their diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives.
2021: Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss’s bestselling book collection has been known for its values and Biblical teachings for four decades. Six of his books were removed from publication because of their use of “racist imagery.”
The publisher cited that books like “And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “Scrambled Eggs Super!” depict people in hurtful and inappropriate ways.
2020, Brands canceled for cultural appropriation and racism
Brands like Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben’s, and Mrs. Butterworth’s underwent makeovers due to racist stereotypes associated with them.
The “Thug Kitchen” vegan recipe creator changed its name to “Bad Manners.” Other brands like Eskimo Pies and Cream of Wheat are also rebranding. The sports team Washington Redskins was called out for cultural appropriation.
2019, Disney cancels cartoon characters
Classic cartoons Dumbo (1941), Peter Pan (1953), The Aristocrats (1970), and “Swiss Family Robinson (1960) were canceled for promoting mistreatment and stereotypes. Space Jam’s (2021) comedic character Pepé Le Pew was also removed because his character disregards women’s consent. [NYP]
2018: Christmas songs canceled
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1939) faced cancellation calls after an author noted its anxiety-inducing impact.
Santa’s role depicted unfair work practices and posed challenges for “gay kids.” Also, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” 1944 received criticism for perceived sexism. [People]
2018: Comedian Kevin Hart’s offensive gay jokes in the past
Comedian Kevin Hart faced backlash for past anti-gay tweets from 2009 to 2011. Initially refusing to apologize, he stepped down from a hosting role at the Oscars.
The tweets contained derogatory language and offensive comments about gay individuals. Hart defended his remarks, citing changing sensitivities over time. [Newsweek]
