How Cancel Culture Replaces Accountability with Trauma

!!!Trigger warning!!! People are not all good and all bad, people we do things that we like don't have to also be virtuous and even if they behave badly to some people doesn't mean in all situations that bad behavior will come out. Example my grandfather molested me, however he was also a hard worker and a good father to my mother and her sisters. The bad he did to me does not completely negate the good he did for them, it does however cause each of my mom's siblings, my mom and my grandma to look at him and his past actions with a more critical eye. He ended up helping raising 4 pretty decent human beings, the good does not change the bad or vice versa.

Ashley Stepniewski

This was an extremely well made and thought out video. There's deffinently a real relutance to have constructive conversations over these type of issues particularly with many of the people discussed in this video. So many people would rather dig their heals in than admit when they could be wrong I think because they're afraid they may some how be admitying that they're weak or stupid or bad people. When admitting when you're wrong can be one of the strongest things you can do. People who aren't white cisgendered males are clearly affected by this culture in a disproportionate matter. James Gunn said, when discussing his experience, that a more appropriate term is reactionary culture and I agree. Especialy when so mang of thr people discussed in this video are insulated by wealth and status

Noah Stackhouse

Thanks for this insightful and very sincere video!

Just gotten to Patton Oswald. I can relate to this from my childhood. On one hand, i know the pain of seeing people who've hurt you being treated as decent human beings. On the other, I've tried to defuse arguments I didn't catch the start of; to find myself turned into a weapon against the other person.

Avid Stan

Thank you for creating this. I feel so grateful for your voice and perspective

Kailyn K.

this was a super well done in-depth video, well done!!

Thank you Ren <3

Jessie Earl

Agreed 100%

Jessie Earl

Haha well thank you! that was partialy the hope

Jessie Earl

Ahh thank you fo rall of this <3 You are lovely

Jessie Earl

Haha thanks

Jessie Earl

having thought it was going to be a challenge to remove I roared with laughter when I got to that section of your video ... right, back to serious stuff...

Jeni

just admiring your make up while watching ...

Jeni

(Long post, duh) TWO AND A HALF HOURS!?!? Holy Hera, Batman... I typed a lot of this while I was watching, so I got my thoughts, as imperfect and human as they are, onto "paper". I have loved Joss Whedon's work, but I am very sad over all the revelations of his personal and professional lives. I see Joss as an artist, and my observation of artists are that they are temperamental and have their own "issues". They are humans, like the rest of us. I don't think of him as an angel or a devil; he's simply human. I'm sure I am one of the few people who can think like that: separate the art from the artist. It was a good point that the whole system he's gotten into has put him up on a pedestal so long that he thinks he can do no wrong... We all think of ourselves as the hero of our own stories. Most people can't abide thinking of themselves as the "villain" in a story. I mean really they probably, overall, are the hero, but are the villain in one scene or scenario. The section about J.K. Rowling: the point that Jon Stewart made about harmful stereotypes in society made so much sense. It also makes me a little ashamed that I didn't think about what the Goblins in Harry Potter represent. But isn't there some way to represent a race of beings who are very good with money? Or is it the part where Goblins can/will attack anyone who wants/needs to "take" 'their' money away? Talk about the bad, lest they get perpetuated... I really enjoy that concept. We certainly need to do that more often. On a personal note, Jessie: I love your jewlery! And yes I love the new vest! haha Also on a more 'sober' note, the only thing any of us are "owed" is basic human courtesey and decency. Recognize that we are all human beings, no matter what. I am so very glad that you are willing to show your process, as well as start these conversations. I have learned a lot about what you have been/are going through as a trans person, which is an area that I have had very little experience/exposure. I am so glad I have come across Council of Geeks (Vera Wylde) which has led me to your channel. All I would love is for us to all remember we are human, and we can all live side-by-side. I'm just curioius why can't we do that? Oh humans... I love Professor Sexy! Such a great look. I'm excited for the Jumpgate podcast! I have been hearing about Babylon 5 for a long time, but haven't watched it! I will have to watch it with you and Vera. Okay I laughed so hard out loud at the out-takes! I love when you're human, Jess. Thank you for all you have been doing, and will do in the future. *muah*

Monica Starr

You do look good in vests. Get some more. They show off your bosoms. ;-)

Eva Kenieva

Took me all day to get through this but worth it. I really appreciate your openness in talking about your own self reflection on these situations, because they ARE complicated and nuanced and million-faceted. No one could expect you to have considered every possible angle prior to making your statement when many of those angles are outside your lived experience. There are a range of options when it comes to problematic behavior, it's just CANCEL GOODBYE or THEY ARE REALLY SORRY LEAVE THEM ALONE but too much of the comments when it comes to these controversies are one or the other and HOW DARE YOU NOT AGREE WITH ME. It leaves too little room for introspection or conversation either with the offending party or with yourself or others. Very frustrating.

Emily Myers Corrigan

Jess, I hope this response doesn’t bring you any more anxiety than you’ve already suffered, but I’ve always found your content incredibly thoughtful, articulate, and nuanced. I too share your anxieties about being a presence online and the reactions to canceling. The Internet seems to inspire a hair trigger response in people to constantly react to the newest controversy at the utmost extreme. For what it’s worth, I know you are a person with the best of intentions. Hopefully video essays like this will inspire some reactionaries to start responding to matters like this with more pathos and willingness to see the complexities of the issues. (Sorry, hope this isn’t ramble-y.) Thank you for continuing to put that positive energy out into the world.

I love this. I cant write the essay the others have but i had to tell you this is an awesome video. I hate the reason behind it obviously because at least one of my role models had turned out to be a rat, but I love the way you've done it. btw.. you know you were giving very vulcan vibes ... Ethan level :D