The idea of being "cancelled" really flourished sometime in 2014 after an episode of Love and Hip-Hop: New York aired, showing two cast members fighting and one using the phrase, "you're cancelled." From that point, the term spread throughout social media, used amongst friends in usual joking matters. Then, it evolved and was used towards celebrities in scandals. In today's society, cancel culture has become more present, but is it fair or actually just toxic?
With today's generation, people are so ready to jump on the hate bandwagon and attack others, digging up old tweets or pictures as evidence. They don't let the other party explain themselves or try to apologize. Granted, there are some people who will give a half hearted apology to save face, but then there are those who are genuinely sorry and have turned over a new leaf. It seems that second chances and personal growth doesn't exist anymore.
However, cancel culture doesn't always stick. A celebrity will do something wrong or something they did in the past is uncovered and people will say they should be cancelled, starting a hashtag. Depending on what was found, everything can blow over within the week. Trends are short and die easily.
So, when a singer is caught in a scandal, is it time to completely drop them and stop listening to their music or can we still appreciate their songs and not like them as a person? It depends on your own beliefs and what the singer did. Here are three artists who have been cancelled, the degree of their crime varying, and wether it is still acceptable to listen to their music.
Doja Cat
A few weeks ago, Doja Cat was trending on Twitter. People found videos of her on a video chat website with white supremacists, using racial slurs and inferring sexual acts. Then, they discovered a song she made seemingly mocking police brutality. People took to social media and created hashtags, such as #DojaCatIsOverParty and #canceldoja.
I think she could have been forgiven if she gave a sincere apology, but a few days after she was "cancelled," she released a statement on Instagram recognizing what she did was wrong, but also denied engaging in any racist conversations. There is video evidence that shows otherwise, so she just dug herself an even deeper grave. Recently, she has received backlash from fans on Twitter after returning to social media from her three week break off it. She has not been handling it appropriately, responding back with childish remarks.
It's a shame this happened because she was a very promising artist with catchy music that was quickly gaining more attention. Her song "Say So" is all over the app, TikTok, and has been #1 on Pop Radio Charts for five weeks. There are people who don't want to support her, but are still listening to her music. The only way I believe she could possibly redeem herself is to give a proper apology, promise to never participate in those video chats, start acting like an adult, and embrace the fact that she is half black.
Chris Brown
Chris Brown was cancelled a long time ago. He has had many issues with drugs and altercations with different celebrities, but his most well known scandal was when he assaulted then girlfriend, Rhianna in 2009. They were arguing which heated up, Brown turning violent, and hurting Rhianna so badly, she had to be hospitalized.
Yet, you may notice that he didn't stay cancelled forever, even after doing something so horrible. A few years later in 2012, Rhianna opened up about the assault on "Oprah's Next Chapter" and claimed that she had forgiven him. It was her way of being able to let go of the pain and move on with her life. If she could forgive him, then so could everyone else. No human is going to be perfect and will slip up once in a while.
If getting cancelled was a permanent thing, Chris Brown's entire career would have crumbled back in 2009. He still has his fans that listen to his music and many of his songs after the incident have gotten in the top 100 in the Hot 100 Billboard charts.
R. Kelly
This infamous singer has a long list of allegations of sexual abuse, dating all the way back to the 1990s. He is facing multiple charges, which he has been denying and pleading not guilty. For a more detailed explanation of all of his allegations, check out this article from BBC News.
There is no doubt in my mind that this is the type of situation where someone being cancelled will actually stick. The man has done sick and unforgivable acts in his life. The fact that he wants to deny any of the charges against him even though there is clear proof just shows what kind of a vile person he is.
For some of his songs, it's hard to listen to them without thinking they have an undertone of predatory. It's devastating that his song, "I Believe I Can Fly," has to be connected to him because it truly is such a beautiful and motivational piece. Written for the film Space Jam, the song is all about believing in yourself and, in the context of the movie, flying high enough to reach the basket. Has the message of the song now been ruined because of Kelly's actions? In no way do I support him, but is it wrong to still like the song?
There's no clear answer to this question and may seem controversial. Sharing your opinion about music from cancelled artists could be dangerous and then you could get dragged into the storm of hate. It feels like you are committing a crime by listening to these old songs. The songs are somewhat tainted and you have to hide the fact that you still enjoy them.
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