I
magine if your preferred restaurant served food that made you sick, and when you complained, they didn’t do anything about it. You might decide to tell your friends and family not to eat there, and maybe even write a negative review online to warn others. That’s how cancel culture often works, except instead of a bad meal, it’s about behavior that is harmful or offensive. Cancel culture can be seen as a way for people to hold others accountable for their actions, especially when traditional justice systems fail to do so.
In recent years, cancel culture has been used to hold celebrities, politicians, and even regular people accountable for their actions. It can involve everything from boycotting a company that uses sweatshop labor to calling out a celebrity for making racist, hateful, or sexist comments. Chris Brown, in 2009, was arrested for assaulting his then-girlfriend Rihanna, a fellow singer, leaving her with visible injuries. Nineteen-year-old Brown pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to probation and community service. Since then, Brown has had a complicated relationship with the public. From Rihanna to Kehlani and Karrueche, he’s left a trail of broken hearts and bruises in his wake. It seems like he can’t resist throwing a punch or two at the slightest hint of provocation.
Brown has many additional cases of abuse to his already long list. He threatened his female tour manager, took a woman’s phone for taking a picture, forcibly ejected a woman from his bus because she refused to give up her phone, and many others. He also went under heat after revealing a tattoo of a beaten-up woman on his neck. Brown’s publicist told EW Magazine that the tattoo is a MAC cosmetics design of a skull associated with the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead, and not an abused woman’s head. This revelation didn’t seem to convince folks, as they continue to suggest how Brown proudly declares his complete disrespect for women.
While some fans have continued to support him and his music, many often criticize him for his past actions and refuse to support him. His past actions against Rihanna and others have put him at the top of several people’s cancel culture lists. Undoubtedly, many believe Brown hasn’t done enough to make amends for his actions, thus, he should face more consequences. Some have boycotted his music and concerts, while others have called on radio stations and streaming services to stop playing his songs.
Chris Brown reacts to cancel culture
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After Chloe Bailey announced an upcoming collaboration with Chris Brown, fans became agitated again and brought up these past events. Chris Brown lashed back by posting on social media, saying, “IF Y’ALL STILL HATE ME FOR A MISTAKE I MADE AS A 17-year-old, please kiss my whole ass! I’M F*CKING 33! I’M SO TIRED OF RUNNING WITH THIS NARRATIVE.” The comments went ballistic towards Bailey’s choice. There were individuals who made a comprehensive list of the artistes who could have collaborated with Bailey on her new album instead of Breezy.
Before y'all start, Chloe had options.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) February 16, 2023
PLENTY to choose from other than Chris Brown.
Here we go:
Luke James
Bryson Tiller
Lucky Daye
Khalid
Giveon
Berwyn
Samm Henshaw
Venna
Tay Iwar
Jvck James
Reggie Becton
Brent Faiyaz
PJ Morton
Leon Bridges
This was a choice. A CHOICE.
Some people argue that cancel culture might have gone too far and has become a form of mob mentality. People are quick to jump on the bandwagon of outrage without fully understanding the situation. In this case, they believe Brown has faced enough punishment for his actions and should be allowed to move on with his life without further bashing.
Is cancel culture toxic?
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In my opinion, when it comes to Chris Brown, cancel culture can be seen as an accountability tool. However, in many cases, this criticism can lead to people losing their jobs, being ostracized from their communities, or facing other grave consequences. Supporters of this type of “cancel culture” argue that it can help hold people accountable for their actions and promote social justice.
However, others use the term “cancel culture” to describe an extreme form of social ostracism in which people are shamed or harassed for holding certain opinions or expressing certain views, even if those opinions are not necessarily harmful or offensive. Critics of this type of “cancel culture” argue that it can create a chilling effect on free speech and stifle open debate and discussion.
Should Chris Brown be let off the hook?
Except pic.twitter.com/OE1DBnApPT
— Sussyphus (@simpancier) February 18, 2023
It’s good to see powerful people take responsibility for their actions, but the extreme angle can be viewed as cyberbullying. But, has Chris Brown been punished enough? It would have been a mistake if it ended with one incidence but sprinkling an occasionally flimsy apology on a serial record won’t suffice.
The Chris Brown case also brings up the question of whether people should be punished forever for things they did in the past, even if they have already been punished and tried to become better people. While we ensure that people are responsible for what they do, we should also remember that people can change and get better, and we should be able to forgive them. In Brown’s case, I think that things will improve if the law takes charge and creates a safe environment for the women around him.
The fight between Chris Brown and cancel culture is just one part of a bigger conversation about people being responsible for their actions, forgiving them, and how social media affects how we talk about things. Cancel culture can make sure people take responsibility for what they do, but we need to be understanding and kind too.
Featured image: Dametreus Ward for SWM Exclusive via @meech/Instagram
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