Beyond Cancel Culture: Choosing Accountability
In any age, public standing is a source of constant critique. The way that individuals and companies handle their platforms can cause an uproar, as can the responses to them. How do we address both in a way that prioritises lasting change?
Media Outlet: Elle Hungary
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We all hold a sphere of influence that impacts others. Our flaws and mistakes are put on display here, leaving us vulnerable to the court of public opinion. This kind of feedback can create honest dialogue that supports the growth of our awareness. And yet, often it has yielded a culture of ‘one and done’ when someone has fallen or voiced an opinion that differs from our own. The idea of ‘cancelling’ someone or something in this way is called into question. To deeply criticise and subsequently ignore another enforces an illusion that some of us are untouchable while others are not. It rarely leaves room to learn, and the fear of being cancelled can lead to reactive performance moreover genuine change. It takes attention away from the real grievances and injustice that need to be fought.
This tendency is not specific to our generation; the Bible actually shares some similar examples. When faced with the need to hold someone accountable for their actions, many people of faith chose to lovingly help open that person’s eyes to the truth they were previously unable to see.
‘The fear of being cancelled can lead to reactive performance more than genuine change.’
A Reaction and Response
One such story is that of Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple who offered a tender approach to confrontation. During their time in a gathering, they listened to a speaker named Apollos. He was passionate and knowledgeable but did not have a complete understanding of what he spoke on. The couple decided to introduce themselves and invited him to their home for a meal where they shared with him the truth of the subject he was teaching. Apollos’ was gently led to self-reflection and acknowledged his need for more learning. It can be hard to see at times, but there is a distinction between who we are and what we do. Aquila and Priscilla recognised that Apollos was willing to listen and sought to share the truth with him rather than to judge or embarrass him in front of others (Acts 18: 24-26).
Root Causes
In the same way that cutting the bud of a flower does not keep it from growing another one, a relentless attack on actions without speaking to their source only scratches the surface. Another person of the Bible, Paul, seemed to find this useful. During a dinner with friends, he witnessed the insincerity of one of his peers, Peter. Everyone at the table held different beliefs and backgrounds, and while Peter originally got along with them all, he changed his behaviour towards one group of people when another prominent guest showed up. Paul immediately brought this to Peter’s attention in front of everyone, because he recognised that it would create division if left unaddressed (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter’s insincerity was motivated by a desire to please and which stemmed from fear. However, Paul’s directness revealed the nature of Peter’s ways and created space for him to see his mistake and go in a new direction.
‘Choosing accountability is a choice centered on restoration.’
Beyond Cancellation
Both examples reveal that choosing accountability is centred on restoration. Cancellation rarely leaves a situation resolved. It checks others with shame rather than care and can create more fractures, further division, and withdrawal. Humiliation is an isolating experience, one that we may all have encountered before. Emotions run high and fuel us towards reaction. Accountability brings us to a new response - one that is honest, focused, and capable of challenging the status quo with intent. Accountability may be met with resistance, debate or discomfort but it pushes past judgment and the need to be seen as right; instead, accountability champions meaningful change.
Holding one another accountable is constructive without upholding perfection- that is an impossible standard that none of us were created to meet. This strategy puts pressure on the root of our actions, creating new outcomes. It is not the easy way, but it is courageous and draws us towards understanding that shame is not the answer.
WORDS BY
Britnie Dates
