Cancel This Book: The Progressive Case Against Cancel Culture

Cancel This Book examines the suppression of open and candid debate, particularly the public shaming and calls for the cancellation of individuals for actual or perceived offenses against emerging notions of proper racial and gender norms and relations. The book argues that "cancellation" is oftentimes counter-productive and destructive of the very values which the "cancellers" claim to support, and that many progressives are afraid to air their concerns publicly lest they themselves be "cancelled." This suppression of open debate about important issues involving racial and gender matters and even issues related to how to best confront the current COVID-19 pandemic ultimately disserves the movement for justice and equality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2021
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

Examining a phenomenon that is sweeping the country, Cancel This Book shines the spotlight on the suppression of open and candid debate. The public shaming of individuals for actual or perceived offenses, often against emerging notions of proper racial and gender norms and relations, has become commonplace. In a number of cases, the shaming is accompanied by calls for the offending individuals to lose their jobs, positions, or other status. Frequently, those targeted for "cancellation" simply do not know the latest, ever-changing norms (often related to language) that they are accused of transgressing—or they have honest questions about issues that have been deemed off-limits for debate and discussion.

Cancel This Book offers a unique perspective from Dan Kovalik, a progressive author who supports the ongoing movements for racial and gender equality and justice, but who is concerned about the prevalence of "canceling" people, and especially of people who are well-intentioned and who are themselves allied with these movements. While many progressives believe that "canceling" others is a form of activism and holding others accountable, Cancel This Book argues that "cancellation" is oftentimes counter-productive and destructive of the very values which the "cancelers" claim to support. And indeed, we now see instances in the workplace where employers are using this spirit of "cancellation" to pit employees against each other, to exert more control over the workforce and to undermine worker and labor solidarity.

Kovalik observes that many progressives are quietly opposed to this "Cancel Culture" and to many instances of "cancellation" they witness, but they are afraid to air these concerns publicly lest they themselves be "canceled." The fear of cancellation has become so pervasive that it is stifling debate and inhibiting progress on important issues. It is time for us to reclaim the art of open and honest discussion, to listen to different perspectives, and to engage in constructive dialogue. Only then can we build a more inclusive and just society for all.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781510764989