The phrase ‘cancel culture’ has become so common in our everyday vocabulary, it’s hard to believe it’s a relatively new concept.

The term “Getting cancelled,” refers to the act of someone being penalised for expressing views or committing actions deemed to be outside of what’s socially acceptable.

This might include social ostracism and reputational damage, loss of employment, and even legal ramifications. But how legitimate is the looming threat of cancel culture? When it comes to big names and celebrities, many experts tend to think otherwise. 

Image: Image: Pexels/ Markus Winkler

Produced By: Nick Hanlon Raggio

Featured In Story: Dr Victoria Fielding, Senior Lecturer in Strategic Communication at the University of Adelaide

First aired on The Wire, Monday 8 January 2024