In today’s modern society, anything can be shared on social media, but without the necessary knowledge, skills, or time to check everything for factual accuracy, false information runs rampant. In our “Check Yourself: Facts” series, writer Anna Moon recently spoke about this problematic nature of social media where half-facts, speculations and innuendos can quickly spread like wildfire. Lacking the appropriate checks and balances, half-facts can soon become truth - a truth that is circumstantial at best.
As a result confusion, ignorance, prejudice, and chaos plague our timelines on a daily basis. ARMYs plead with others not to get caught up in the hype, not to believe everything they read, and not to get drawn into online debates about topics that have little to no merit. All of this is magnified by the sheer fact that BTS has such a huge following. More damaging, though, are the posts where people feel the need to impose their own sense of justice in the form of the ‘cancel culture’ mentality, simply because they have seen or heard something they believe to be true. This is complicated further if that truth has been publicized by a ‘so-called’ reliable or reputable news source. After all, if ‘so and so’ says it’s true, then it must be, right?
What, then, is this phenomenon that’s able to wreak havoc in people's lives?
“Cancel culture” is based on “the idea that a person can be ‘canceled’ — in other words, culturally blocked from having a prominent public platform or career.” Ironically, Suga’s lyrics from Cypher PT.2: Triptych, “I put a period at the artery of your music career” could be another way to look at this practice of ‘cancel culture.’ According to South Sonder, “highly-regarded figures, whether they be organizations, brands, or even celebrities can be exposed and called out on social media for engaging in problematic behavior.” South Korean idols especially fall prey to “the highly politicized and overly sensitive demands of online mob mentality.”
Knowing now what ‘cancel culture’ is, have you ever canceled someone yourself? I haven’t, but I did see it happen to two YouTube reactors that I used to follow. The tirade of hate, abuse, and death threats they received would have been comical had it not been so serious. Some viewers chose to employ a more empathetic approach by calling for a sincere apology, however, most demanded that their body parts be served up on a platter. This was my first time seeing ‘cancel culture’ in full swing and it was relentless.
One of our content writers here at Borasaek Vision Magazine, Antonella, expressed this thought well when commenting that “as long as ‘cancel culture’ exists no one’s apology will ever be accepted.” Which begs the question - can someone who has been canceled make amends and return to the platform from which they were so vehemently ousted? If you go by some of the Western examples we have seen in the past like singer Taylor Swift and comedian Kevin Hart, it is possible to make a comeback. In other cases though, as with comedian Roseanne Barr, once the damage has been done it’s almost impossible to make amends. A third scenario is director James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) who was canceled for past comments made in poor taste. With friends and colleagues supporting him, Gunn admitted himself that the present-day version of ‘him’ had moved and improved since his early days and therefore shouldn’t be so readily written off.
Gunn’s example prompted this question “is there room for redemption in today’s cancel culture?” while GQ Australia and Time Magazine both asked if society has taken the notion and practice of ‘cancel culture’ too far? When innocent peoples’ lives are ruined because of misinformation, misplaced loyalty, or misdirected anger, ‘cancel culture’ becomes a double-edged sword that often punishes the innocent more than the guilty.
BTS are no strangers to the wrath of netizens, as seen recently with the Itaewon incident, nor are they oblivious to the fact that millions of eyes are constantly watching their every move. As global artists though they carry their responsibilities with integrity, invalidating the need to call them out for perceived wrongdoings. Yet time and time again they are on the receiving end of someone’s anger, someone’s accusatory finger.
Through the lyrics of their song “Ugh! (욱)”, BTS’ rap line weighed in on the global issue of cyberbullying (which includes ‘cancel culture’). In their view, there is a distinct difference between good and bad anger - one that transforms for the better, while the other results in irreparable damage. People have the right to express their anger, but not to the extent that you commit or incite violence against another, with your words or your actions.
“Look deep into our shared history
Anger against injustice and inequality
Have often positively advanced our civilization
But, this (senseless online rage) ain't it
It’s just a useless act
That defies the whole world” (@ColinSH3)
But wait - what happened to those YouTubers who were canceled? They ate humble pie, made an official public apology, and a year later are still going strong. Their most loyal supporters stayed, others acknowledged the sincerity of their apology but believed there’s no smoke without fire and left anyway, while those who made the loudest objections moved on to their next target.
Such is the nature of ‘cancel culture’ - no-one is beyond its reach. Whether it’s driven by a misguided sense of duty or a sincere attempt to highlight societal injustices, it has become this ‘beast’ that thrives on conflict rather than resolution, mistrust rather than truth. However, people are not objects that can be canceled if they don’t meet our specifications. Instead, we need to find ways to communicate and educate, trust and be trustworthy, otherwise as the rap line says “It’s just a useless act, that defies the whole world.”
DISCLAIMER: We do not own any audio & visual content in this video except for the editing. ALL RIGHTS BELONG TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS. No copyright infringement intended.
Written By: Shelley
Edit By: Ash
Checked By: Aury
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