Navigating the New Era of Cancel Culture: Opportunities for Conservatives

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in City Journal and on the author’s Substack.

The political Right has expressed deep concern over cancel culture for the past decade. Critics argue that the Left has fueled discussions around race and gender to limit debate and to socially ostracize those who breach the established norms. Instances abound where individuals, from college hopefuls caught in rap lyrics to politicians misusing modern language, have faced severe social repercussions.

With the onset of a new Trump administration, the landscape of social sanctions seems to be shifting. Notably, appointments such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Pete Hegseth survived the scrutiny that might have derailed similar nominations in Trump’s previous term. Despite various controversies surrounding these nominees, Senate Republicans displayed a surprising unity and ultimately confirmed both individuals.

Moreover, when leftist media targeted Marko Elez, a young staffer, for his controversial pseudonymous posts, the expected backlash took an unexpected turn. Elez resigned preemptively, anticipating severe societal penalties for his remarks, which included admitting to past racist thoughts. However, his colleagues unexpectedly supported him, with Vice President J. D. Vance stating that youthful indiscretions on social media should not ruin a person’s future. This situation, which could have sealed Elez’s fate in past years, instead resulted in a second chance, representing a significant shift in social dynamics.

This emergent trend is promising, yet the Right must engage critically with the evolving principles behind social cancellation and adopt a structured approach moving forward. Simply advocating to cancel cancel culture lacks depth and fails to recognize the complex nature of societal norms. Cancel culture, in various forms, is inherently universal across all social landscapes. The fundamental query lies in identifying the reasons behind cancellation and the authority wielding such power.

Previously, the Left maintained control over cultural narratives, effectively responding to questions surrounding values and societal governance through intersectionality and critical race theory. Individuals who deviated from these established norms in professional or social circles exposed themselves to severe consequences. Prominent publications like The New York Times and The Atlantic have historically wielded significant power in shaping public perception and, subsequently, individual careers.

As the Right asserts greater cultural influence, a unique opportunity arises to address these fundamental questions from a different perspective. Acknowledgment of culture’s role in defining societal values is critical. With a proactive approach, the Right can propose a new set of values that broadens the landscape of acceptable discourse, defining new limits and creating a framework for moderation and accountability.

Critical tests for these newly defined rules are on the horizon. The prominent confirmations of RFK Jr. and Pete Hegseth attracted considerable media attention, yet lower-profile positions, such as deputy and assistant secretaries, may present unique challenges. Left-leaning factions may leverage controversial past statements against these nominees, attempting to squeeze them into uncomfortable positions. Instead of conceding to this narrative, Republican senators ought to uphold a balanced view, examining each case based on its specific context. Social media comments, often characterized by irony and exaggeration, should not serve as automatic grounds for career-ending consequences.

The American public is weary of the restrictive dialogues and inequities that have permeated recent years. If the Right can redefine the rules governing cancel culture, the Trump presidency could indeed herald a transformative period for cultural expression. This shift could empower conservatives, allowing them to transition from a defensive stance to one that encompasses their own principles effectively.

In this deeply polarized environment, carefully navigating new cultural dynamics presents an opportunity for the Right to establish a sustainable set of guidelines for public discourse. By fostering an atmosphere where second chances are possible and open dialogue is encouraged, the Right can help pave the way for a more tolerant societal framework that upholds core values while promoting a healthier culture.