For pretty much all of American history Black people have had to be very careful about what they said in front of white people, out of fear that they might be hurt for what they said. The wrong remark at the wrong time could lead to them being ridiculed or denigrated or excluded from something important to them at work or in their community. Or it could lead to them losing their job. Or their life.
For pretty much all of American history women have had to be very careful about what they said in front of men, out of fear that they might be hurt for what they said. The wrong remark at the wrong time could lead to them being ridiculed or denigrated or excluded from something important to them at work or in their community. Or it could lead to them losing their job. Or to being raped or killed.
And now I see some white men who complain about “cancel culture” because they are afraid that someone might call them out if they say something that a Black person or a woman or people whfinds offensive.
There will probably be a few occasions where I might agree that one of those remarks did not deserve the quick condemnation it received.
But, really, are you going to tell me that, compared to what Black people and women have had to deal with for most of American history, your fear of being called out for saying something or your being forced to think twice about whether something you were about to say is sexist or racist is a serious problem?
It’s not a problem. It’s progress toward greater human decency in public discourse.
It’s a course correction in American history that is long overdue.