The New Orthodoxy
Cancel Culture and the Rise of Modern-Day Dogmatism
In relatively recent discourse, "cancel culture" has emerged as a contentious phenomenon, drawing parallels to a form of modern-day religious prudishness. Its roots are deep and complex, intertwining with the human inclination towards moral certainty and the enforcement of societal norms. As society evolves, so does the manifestation of its moral compass, with political correctness assuming the role of the new Ten Commandments—albeit unwritten, for the moment.
Political correctness has become the rubric against which modern morality is measured. Its unwritten rules, much like the ancient commandments, dictate the boundaries of acceptable speech, behaviour and thought. This new moral code, though born from an authentic desire to foster inclusivity and respect, has inadvertently nurtured a climate where deviation is not only criticised but increasingly, punished. The ethos that once sought to protect and uplift is now scrutinised for engendering (no pun intended) an atmosphere of suppression and conformity.
In this climate, not aligning with the Woke ideology is tantamount to blasphemy. The term "woke," once a watchword for vigilance and social justice, has been co-opted and caricatured as emblematic of intolerance and uncompromising righteousness. In this narrative, those who fail to toe the line find themselves at the mercy of public condemnation, or worse, cancellation. This act of cancelling, akin to a sort of secular excommunication, reveals the toxic consequences of straying from the accepted doctrine.
The dogmatic undertone of cancel culture cannot be understated. Dogma, in its traditional religious sense, refers to a set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true. This rigid mindset has found a new home in the discourse surrounding cancel culture, where questioning or challenging the prevailing narrative often leads to marginalisation. The irony is palpable; in the pursuit of a more ‘equitable’ and understanding society, a new form of inquisition has been born, perpetuating a cycle of fear and cultish suppression.
At its core, religion is a structure of beliefs, practices, and moral codes that guide and unite a community. In this broad definition, religion doesn't necessarily need to be theistic. Cancel culture, with its own set of moral imperatives and community of adherents, mirrors this structure. It has its saints and sinners, its rituals of public apologies and atonement, and, most notably, its fervent believers. It could also be argued that there are even elements of transubstantiation, but that deserves its own discussion.
The comparison of cancel culture to religious prudishness invites a deeper examination of our societal values and the ways in which we enforce them. It is crucial to recognise the initial intentions behind political correctness and the pursuit of a more respectful society. However, it is equally important to ensure that this pursuit does not sacrifice the diversity of thought and the freedom of expression that enrich our culture.