A few random thoughts on "Cancel Culture."

 A friend of mine recently took exception when I mocked people (mostly conservative) who tossed around the term "Cancel Culture." It seems in the opinions of many some (mostly conservative), it's a freedom of speech issue.

Not really. And it's not a First Amendment issue either, when Facebook or Twitter cancels your account for praising white supremacists, or neo-fascists, or other right-wing dickheads.

"Cancel Culture," which, according to Wikipedia, was originally an outgrowth of the "MeToo" movement, (so not so much about speech as calling out behavior - specifically against women) has morphed now into the latest right-wing NewSpeak term for "I'm being punished for expressing my opinion." 

Dig a little deeper though and you'll find the issue is not so much about "free speech," as "consequence-free speech." I mean...if you are going to be an opinionated ass, at least have enough self-respect not to be a whiny opinionated ass. If you don't have the strength of conviction to stand up for what you say, don't say it. Or if you were just being stupid, apologize. Frankly, there are people who should be called out on their bullshit.

Sheesh. 

By the way, this is from the people who raged about "The War On Christmas," and boycotted stores that said "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas. And launched websites where students could rat out their professors for being "too liberal" (and presumably get them fired).

As for First Amendment rights: "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press." Notice it says "Congress." If Facebook (a corporation) wants to set rules on what can and can't be posted, they have that right. If you don't like it, you have the right to go elsewhere with your opinion.

For a more in-depth look at the rise of "Cancel Culture," Insider.com has an article worth looking at.