Why There Is an Ideological Divide
The Pew Research Center reported the results of a survey of Americans on May 19, 2021, on their views about the meaning of the term cancel culture and, more broadly, how they feel about the act of calling others out on social media. This blog looks at those results and how they relate to the ideological divide between Democrats and Republicans in general, and liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans more specifically.
Meaning of Cancel Culture
Overall, 44 percent of Americans say they have heard at least a fair amount about the phrase, including 22 percent who have heard a great deal. An even larger share (56%) say they’ve heard nothing or not too much about it, including 38% who have heard nothing at all.
When accounting for ideology, liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans are more likely to have heard a fair amount about cancel culture than their moderate counterparts within each party. Liberal Democrats stand out as most likely to be familiar with the term.
Those who have heard about “cancel culture” were asked to explain in their own words what they think the term means. The results below have been blended by all ideologies.
Exhibit 1 : What Does the Cancel Culture Mean to You
| Statement | Percentage |
| Actions taken to hold others accountable | 49 % |
| Censorship of speech/history | 14% |
| Mean-spirited actions taken to cause others harm | 12% |
| People are canceling anyone they disagree with | 9% |
| Those who are challenged face consequences like being fired/boycotted | 6% |
| An attack on traditional American society | 5% |
| A way to call out racism, sexism, etc. | 4% |
| A misrepresentation of people’s actions | 2% |
Generally, conservative Republicans who have heard about the cancel culture are more likely than other ideological groups to see the cancel culture as a form of censorship (26% conservative Republicans) versus (15% of liberal Democrats).
Liberal Democrats tend to justify the cancel culture as a form of accountability and moving towards a better society by educating others on their mistakes so they can do better in the future. Conservative Republicans tend to think of it as a form of unjust punishment: 35% of those called out see it as being rash/judgmental/overreacting, or unnecessary in the context of the intentions of the original poster.
For those who consider the cancel culture a form of punishment, the following explains why.
Exhibit 2 : Why Those Being Punished Didn’t Deserve It
| Statement | Percentage |
| People need to consider the context in which the statement was made | 18% |
| People are overacting | 13% |
| It’s a matter of free speech | 12% |
| “Offensive” is a subjective term | 11% |
| Social media is the wrong place for these conversations | 8% |
| It doesn’t solve anything/makes things worse | 6% |
| People should take a different action if they are offended | 5% |
| People are trying to force their views on others | 3% |
| People cancel anyone they disagree with | 3% |
| They feel White people are being marginalized | 3% |
| They have mixed views about whether it’s a punishment | 3% |
| Personal anecdotes or stories | 3% |
| People try to look good by calling out others | 1% |
| Other | 12% |
Those who say calling out others on social media for posting content that might be considered offensive are more likely to hold people accountable for their actions. The following explains why.
Exhibit 3 : Why Holding Those Accountable is a Good Thing
| Statement | Percentage |
| It’s a teaching/learning moment | 17% |
| People need to consider the consequences of what they say | 10% |
| Social ills such as racism or sexism are exposed | 6% |
| It’s a form of accountability | 6% |
| People need to think before they speak | 6% |
| They have mixed views about whether it’s accountability | 5% |
| Things said online matter | 4% |
| Silence suggests acceptance | 4% |
| It’s a step toward a better society | 3% |
| People will have to explain themselves | 2% |
| Personal anecdotes or stories | 2% |
| Other | 10% |
Explaining the Ideological Divide
Democrats, whether more liberal (59%) or more moderate (54%), think of the cancel culture as a form of accountability. Conservative Republicans (36%) believe that to a lesser extent, while liberal/moderate Republicans believe it to be so (51%).
As a form of censorship, conservative Republicans familiar with the term (26%) describe it as censorship compared with 15% of moderate or more liberal Republicans and roughly 10% less of Democrats, regardless of ideology.
Conservative Republicans aware of the phrase were also more likely than other partisan and ideological groups to define cancel culture as a way for people to cancel anyone they disagree with (15% say so), or as an attack on traditional American society (13% say so).
Overall, 58% of U.S. adults say, in general, calling out others on social media is more likely to punish people who don’t deserve it. Views differ by parties: Democrats are more likely than Republicans, in general, to believe calling people out on social media for posting offensive content holds them accountable (75% versus 39%). Conversely, 56% of Republicans—but just 22% of Democrats – believe this type of action generally punishes people who don’t deserve it.
Is Calling Out Others on Social Media Productive Behavior?
Taken together, 13% see calling out others as a form of punishment, while 16% see it as a form of accountability. Thus, the views of liberal Democrats are more prevalent than conservative Republicans.
Those who see it as a form of punishment (conservative Republicans) say it solves nothing and can make things worse. Others in this group question whether social media is a viable place for any productive conversations or see these platforms and their culture as inherently problematic and sometimes toxic.
Conversely, some see calling out others to hold people accountable (liberal Democrats) for what they post or to ensure that people consider the consequences of their social media posts.
The cancel culture is here to stay. Our social and political divide fuels the differences and is exacerbated by a lack of civility in dialogue and our inability to disagree with others without being disagreeable.
Posted by Dr. Steven Mintz, The Ethics Sage, on June 8, 2021. Learn more about Steve’s activities at: www.stevenmintzethics.com.