During the Juneteenth episode of Red Table Talk that aired on the special holiday, Willow Smith explained why she feels that cancel culture is wrong. The 19-year-old was joined by her fellow co-hosts, mother Jada Pinkett Smith and grandmother Adrienne Banfield Norris, along with activists Tamika Mallory and Dr. Angela Davis. At one point during the episode, which was dedicated to addressing "the state of emergency within Black America," Jada proposed that they "talk about cancel culture."
"That is so prevalent right now," Willow noted. "I’m seeing people shaming others, like saying really terrible things, shaming people for what they’re choosing to say or shaming people for not really saying anything at all. But I feel like if we really want change, shaming doesn’t lead to learning."
"Cancel culture is a little dangerous," Tamika added. "It definitely is because none of us are perfect. It is a space that is a little difficult to maneuver because you do have to leave people room to make mistakes, to grow and to learn, but they have to show that they’re willing." Jada then joked, "I’m expecting to be canceled at some point!" to which Tamika asserted, "If you’re not canceled, you’re not really popping."
Watch the full Juneteenth episode of Red Table Talk below:
