The Cancel Culture Panic

This insightful analysis explores the global discourse surrounding cancel culture as a moral panic, examining how various media outlets have shaped perceptions and fears about this phenomenon across different countries.

In The Cancel Culture Panic, Adrian Daub explores the phenomenon of cancel culture as a contemporary moral panic that has captured global attention. He argues that while the concept may seem distinctly American, it has resonated widely, becoming a focal point for discussions around liberalism and its challenges. The media's portrayal of cancel culture often reflects a sense of urgency and concern, particularly among centrist and left-leaning outlets, which have helped shape the narrative surrounding it.

Daub highlights the international dimensions of this discourse, noting that countries in Western Europe, South America, Russia, and Australia have engaged with the idea of cancel culture with remarkable fervor. These regions have developed their own narratives, often drawing from American examples, to frame their cultural conflicts. From critiques of wokisme in France to debates about the loony left in Britain, the book illustrates how various societies have adopted and adapted the concept to fit their local contexts, creating a complex web of cultural anxieties.

Ultimately, The Cancel Culture Panic serves as a critical examination of who fears cancel culture and why. By comparing it to historical moral panics, Daub sheds light on the pervasive influence of the idea of being cancelled on audiences worldwide. This book is an insightful read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of higher education institutions in the U.S. and their impact on global discourse.