Since the UK cancelled itself out by splitting from its biggest trading partner and the world headed into a global pandemic, people and attitudes have changed. Brexit and the vaccine have divided opinions, and people started being cancelled out.
But being cancelled out isn't something new, it's been happening for years. It's in families, in the work place, in our everyday lives. Those with a disability continue to be cancelled out, and for those who are more outspoken than others, being cancelled out is a daily occurrence.
Being cancelled out for not 'fitting in'
Being cancelled out because you don’t fit in because others feel they are more superior and they fit in more, or being cancelled out because you've been made the scapegoat for someone else. A genuine, well thought out response, may not meet with someone else’s approval, but it doesn’t mean you’ve said anything wrong. In certain circumstances, you cancelling yourself out and moving away from a situation can help you right a wrong and address any inequalities.
In 2016, the Oscars were boycotted by members of the film community because of the lack of diversity amongst nominees. It helped promote social change. Then in 2019, a record was set for the Oscars, for the most nominations for Black directors. (Source: https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/)
People have it in for you
The phenomenon of people 'having it in for you' because of your success or achievements is unnecessary, challenging and frustrating, especially when it's not based on any objective criteria or merit.
It's unfortunate but true that some people can't help but feel envious or resentful when others achieve success, especially if they haven't experienced similar success themselves. But know this is often a result of their own insecurities and fears, rather than any objective assessment of your worth or abilities. Success is an automatic strike-off.
But in any event, the concept of "success" is complex and multifaceted, and it's not always fair to judge someone solely based on their achievements. Success can manifest in many ways and what works for one person may not work for another. Ultimately, it's essential to focus on you own goals, values and passions, rather than comparing yourselves to others, or getting bogged down by negative opinions or criticisms.
Being aware of character
Being aware of character is important. If someone perceives your words or actions as offensive, it’s not necessarily on you. But being cancelled out is harmful because it can turn into psychological and silent bullying, often from a distance. Being cancelled out is a form of bullying. If you have been cancelled out, it’s easy to feel isolated, lonely and ostracised.
Loneliness can lead to higher bouts of anxiety and depression if you’re already prone to both. The negative effects of cancel culture, relate to mental health.
Your blog is bang on point. I have noticed a seismic shift in people's attitude since Brexit and the pandemic. It's become an impersonal world, where people only care about themselves and jealousy and nastiness pervade our everyday interactions. I am regularly being told by friends they feel the same too. It's all so unnecessary.
It is enormously difficult when anyone becomes the subject of people's bad attitude, even though we're always being told it's about them and not you. Maybe it's time to stop caring so much about what others think and start caring more about yourself, after all we're the only ones in a position to judge ourselves.
Like you, I personally don't care. But it's becoming all to obvious and in bad taste for many good people who have or who are being cancelled out.
Society like any institution is difficult to navigate, even more so, when you deal with difference. Since Brexit and the pandemic, society is more divided and divisive and being cancelled out is more noticeable.
But what happened to us being tolerant, understanding, to us being caring, patient, compassionate and supportive?
As you have noticed a seismic shift in people's attitude, the world has too, even if it's being ignored. It's time to hit the restart button and a change in attitude.
On a personal note, I have seen how illness creeps in, I have seen how illness claims lives. Being cancelled out invites illness in. Now would be a good time to change.