In today's modern age, an interesting societal trend has developed. In the wake of a controversial opinion issued by one of celebrity status, a trial of sorts proceeds to commence. The jury is largely made up of social media users, who utilize their platforms to voice displeasure or support, though the former often rings louder. We've seen it unfold time and time again, especially where societal matters are concerned.
James Gunn recently found himself ousted (and subsequently reinstated) from a lofty position as Guardians Of The Galaxy 3 director over a prior foray into gallows humor. Actor Mark Duplass, a valued friend of aspiring filmmakers, once suggested his fellow liberals listen to a conservative pundit, only to be met with rage and threats of abandonment - he swiftly apologized. And of course, Kanye West's 2018 campaign, full of Trump support and questionable quotables, which found social media turning on the once-beloved producer. A common thread unites each situation, which is to say, the underlying threat of "cancellation" in response to anything deemed a public "slip."
Now, it's easy to chalk it up to a simple pattern of cause and effect: don't say unsavory sh*t, and you won't have to face the people's wrath. Yet such an exchange suggests an unspoken sense of moral superiority, as those chiming in on Twitter often do so in a vitriolic fashion unseen in real-world conduct. Still, that doesn't prevent, nor should it prevent, the many voices of social media to issue their thoughts however they so choose. And yet, Daniel Caeser recently found himself braving the threat of "cancellation," when he went on an inebriated rant on Instagram Live.
The rant found him defending YesJulz, calling out Joe Budden, imploring his black fans to be kinder to "white people," pondering the hypocrisy behind Twitter rudeness, and addressing his own heated exchange with Dave Chappelle, among various other topics. While many subjects were raised, Caesar seemed particularly passionate about one in particular: "I don't want to be treated like I can't take a joke." He explains that he previously experienced that very problem, after Dave Chappelle called his performance "gay" during an awkward livestream. "I had to acknowledge that in the moment, I was being fu*king sensitive," he claims, a notion that has left many scratching their heads.
As the video progresses, Caesar doubles down on his stance, daring his viewers to "cancel him," should they so choose. And to no surprise, many have expressed interest in doing exactly that. A quick foray on Twitter finds no shortage of users decrying his position, questioning his defense of YesJulz, and expressing dislike with his take on modern race relations.
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108285498575998976
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108337591965937664
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108341991706902534
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108251506250145792
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108224476687155200
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108372746709422080
Yet there are others who chose to maintain peace with Caesar, going so far as to agree with some of his positions.
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108392027140620289
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108389723519836160
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108246518585270272
Others simply chose to enjoy the show, chiming in with a few observations on the perceived hypocrisy of the more hateful responses. Where do you stand on this recent Daniel Caesar situation? Do you ascribe to "Cancel Culture?"
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108372043068829697
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108370933113372672
https://twitter.com/_/status/1108389506586169349
