Cancel Culture: Myth or Fact and Should You Care?
THE DEBATE: There is a lot of blather these days about “cancel culture”, the idea that certain people are banned from social media or even the workplace because of things they have done or said that others perceive as harassing, discriminatory or insulting. Based on my research, however, the concern that anyone has been unfairly muzzled is vastly overstated.
THE LATEST: Bachelor Host Chris Harrison, during the 25th season of the popular Bachelor franchise and the first to host a black star, defended a contestant’s history of racially questionable actions.
Specifically, the contestant was seen online at an Antebellum party in 2018, a racially 
insensitive celebration of the old South. After the ensuing uproar, Harrison consulted with his bosses and “stepped aside” for an undisclosed period.
WHY DO WE CARE? Some people have argued that the so called “cancel culture” is an over-reaction to everyday slights and that those who are upset are too sensitive or too “politically correct”. My own view is that we should speak out against behavior – not attitudes or opinions – but observable behavior that is simply incorrect in a civilized workplace. What people say at public venues – short of yelling fire in a crowded theater, encouraging violence or hate speech delivered as a part of another crime – should be allowed to flourish as a part of free speech.
As I have written before, in TO REVIEW: You Do Know That This is Not Okay? | (workplacesthatwork.com) what people say in the workplace is another matter. People have a right to feel safe and comfortable at work, to be able to get their work done. That is why we call it work after all. If their co-workers are mouthing or exhibiting unacceptable discriminatory or harassing language or behaving in a harassing or discriminatory manner, the targets may find it difficult to work. Just as filthy or unsafe air can pollute a workplace environment, so can unacceptable speech or behavior.
What Should You Do?
DON’T BE DISTRACTED: If you are a leader, you have a responsibility to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination or harassment. Do not be distracted by those who grumble about the red herring of cancel culture or political correctness.
WHAT’S CORRECT? What is correct in any given workplace will vary, of course, but use the law, your policies, and your values as a guide. People who refuse to abide by respect for their co-workers that is embedded in those three guides need to be corrected and – if they refuse to shape up – moved out of the organization.
EDUCATE: Your first line of defense as a leader should always be education – of yourself and your associates. People do not always understand diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, and it is up to you to make sure that you guide them along the path. Once educated, however, if they continue to step outside the bounds, do not hesitate to take the appropriate corrective action.
For more information about appropriate workplace culture, go to workplacesthatwork.com.
What Do You Think?
Have you observed more discussions about cancel culture in your workplace? Contact us at: 303-216-1020 or Lynne@workplacesthatwork.com
Did You Know?
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February 15, 2021
