It's Not "Cancel Culture;" It's "Consequence Culture"

Free speech doesn't mean speech without consequences

(graphic courtesy of Bruce Leonard)

There are few things more tiresome than Conservatives pounding their chests and bleating about “cancel culture.” As defined by the Far-Right, it's a term that means being denied the right to do and/or say whatever they want, whenever they choose, to whomever they deem deserving, and in whatever manner they determine to be appropriate.

Conservatives accept no limits on their own speech and/or actions (“FREE SPEECH,” don’tchaknow??). This is true even as they work to shut down those on the Left with whom they disagree. You see, “cancel culture” is a one-way street if you’re Conservative. Because to be a “real” American, one cannot be a Liberal.

When someone tries to shut down a Conservative voice, THAT’s “cancel culture.” When a Conservative returns the favor to a Liberal, they’re simply trying to protect American values. Clearly and fundamentally different, right?

Well, no. Not at all.

There’s a problem with “cancel culture” in that it only exists in the imaginations of Conservatives. What they decry as “cancel culture” should more accurately be labeled as “consequence culture.” There’s an implied expectation that Conservative voices have a 1st Amendment right to say whatever they want, no matter how offensive or inaccurate it might be. Truthfully, they can say what they want. What they can’t do is to expect that such speech is free of consequences. The 1st Amendment may guarantee free speech…but speech without consequences is not similarly secured.

If someone like Mike Lindell chooses to spout the Big Lie, he can’t claim to be surprised when there are consequences for such open, willful dishonesty. That’s not “cancel culture.” No one’s trying to shut him up or take away his platform. That said, peddling the Big Lie should have consequences.

In Lindell’s case, if companies that have previously done business with him pull back and rethink or even end that relationship, that’s their prerogative. That’s not the “cancel” in “cancel culture;” it’s the “consequence” in “consequence culture.” Businesses are well within their rights to determine that it’s not in their best interest to be associated with those who deliberately spread disinformation, lies, and propaganda. Those who traffic in the Big Lie that Joe Biden stole the 2020 Presidential election from Donald Trump should not and must not be allowed to spew those lies without facing ramifications.

Most businesses avoid partisan politics and/or contentious social issues because they understand there’s no such thing as “red” or “blue” money. They know that money comes in but one color- green. Whether you’re Republican or Democrat, gay or straight, male or female, Black or White…money comes in the same shade of green.

Mike Lindell can choose to run his company into the ground in the service of Donald Trump and the Big Lie if he so chooses. It’s his business, after all. Sadly, he’s unable to understand free speech doesn’t mean speech without repercussions. He can say whatever he wants, but he might find himself getting sued…say, for libel by Dominion Voting Systems for a ridiculous sum of money.

Again, that’s not “cancel culture;” that’s “consequence culture.” Lindell may believe that when it comes to free speech, the means justify the ends. However, “free speech,” when unsubstantiated, may well turn out to be anything BUT without cost.

There’s no Conservative right to slander an adversary. Trafficking in lies and propaganda is not a right available only to those on the Far-Right. “Consequence culture” applies equally across the board, and it doesn’t matter whether you call the “red” or “blue” side of the fence home. Lie and propaganda should have consequences, no matter what color they are.

“Cancel culture” is a term employed by Conservatives who object to being called out for slandering their adversaries. They use it to avoid being held accountable for their irresponsibility, calumny, and excess. They hold themselves to a far lower standard than they hold their ideological foes…and they’re incensed when others don’t play by their rules.

Ultimately, “cancel culture” is a term that reeks of hypocrisy. Until Conservatives hold their own to the same standards to which they hold those on the Left, the hypocrisy and double standards will continue to pollute and degrade the public discourse.

They know they can’t win on a level playing field…and so they continue to lie, cheat, and steal. Unfortunately, too many on the Left cannot recognize the true nature of their adversaries…and it may be too late by the time they finally do.