NPR

Is 'Cancel Culture' The Future Of The GOP?

"Cancel culture" attacks are everywhere among Republicans: Marjorie Taylor Greene's defenders say the left is cancelling her. Others claim they're being canceled for not standing by Donald Trump.

"Cancel culture" is everywhere.

No, not cancel culture the phenomenon (that is, if you believe it is a phenomenon, an opinion that is itself contentious). Rather, "cancel culture" is everywhere — as in, the phrase that inundates you lately when you listen to a political speech or turn on cable news.

The phrase is so pervasive that it's arguably background noise in American politics now — just part of the wallpaper, a pair of words you might easily (or, depending on your feelings, happily) breeze past every day without paying it any attention.

Republicans have for a long time used the phrase "cancel culture" to criticize the left. But lately they have seized on it aggressively, at times turning it on each other.

Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan has been defending his fellow Republican, Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, as she was stripped of her House

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min readSocial History
What Abortion Politics Has To Do With New Rights For Pregnant Workers
A new regulation to protect the rights of pregnant workers is the subject of an anti-abortion lawsuit because it includes abortion as a pregnancy "related medical condition."
NPR2 min read
The Louvre Museum Looks To Rehouse The 'Mona Lisa' In Its Own Room — Underground
Louvre Director Laurence des Cars said her institution is looking at upgrading both the visitor experience surrounding the iconic painting as well as the museum overall.
NPR2 min read
Candace Parker, 3-time WNBA And 2-time Olympic Champion, Says 'It's Time' To Retire
After 16 seasons, two Olympic gold medals and three WNBA championships, Candace Parker announced her retirement from professional basketball on Sunday.

Related Books & Audiobooks