What Happens When You Get Canceled: Your Survival Guide
So you think you're about to be canceled... now what?
Take a deep breath. It can happen to anyone, and it's possible to save and repair your career and reputation.
If you suddenly find yourself in the middle of the chaos of cancel culture, this guide will break down what happens when you get canceled - and how to go from crisis to crushing it.
What Is Cancel Culture?
It can be challenging to articulate what the term cancel culture actually means. To put it simply, it's the modern-day equivalent of public shaming. According to the Pew Research Center, 61% of Americans say they have heard of cancel culture.
Cancel culture involves calling out public figures, brands, and organizations for actions or statements deemed inappropriate, offensive, or problematic.
With the rise of social media platforms, the impact of cancel culture is amplified, and things can get blown out of proportion. This leads to public backlash and can hurt your personal and professional reputation.
Cancel culture is rooted in holding people accountable, but it can also veer into mob mentality. It's easy for the line between accountability and overreach to become blurred.
But cancel culture isn’t just reserved for celebrities - it can happen to CEOs, professionals, and entrepreneurs as well. The more high profile you are (even if it’s only amongst a select group of people), the more of a target you may be, especially if there are skeletons in your closet.
Cancel Culture vs. Free Speech
Some people argue that cancel culture stifles free expression because it makes people afraid to speak their minds for fear of being canceled. According to research, 1 in 4 Americans fear that cancel culture could risk their job or education.
On the other hand, cancel culture can be an effective way to give voice to marginalized communities and hold powerful people accountable for their words and actions.
The difficult part is that both of these things can be true at the same time.
Why Do People Get Canceled?
People get canceled for all kinds of reasons.
A thoughtless tweet, an offhand comment, stand-up comedy taken a bit too far, past behavior that’s come to light, or even an association with someone who has been canceled can all cause a public backlash.
Often, the triggering event relates to a larger issue, such as racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination.
The problem is that different people have different definitions of what constitutes a racist, sexist, or socially unjust action or comment. As a result, navigating ideological differences gets - for the lack of a better word - tricky.
What Happens to People Who Get Canceled?
Public backlash is immediate and fierce.
There's an emotional toll because getting canceled can make you feel anxious, depressed, and isolated. Professionally, it can lead to job loss, severed business relationships, and tarnished reputations. You may even have to deal with legal consequences or physical threats.
Don't fear, there's always a way to bounce back from a scandal.
With the right support, you can mend fractured relationships, avoid big potential fallouts, and find peace in your personal and professional life again. I teach you how to do this in The Step Up Membership.
What Are Examples of Cancel Culture?
Kanye West
Kanye West is no stranger to controversy. His support for Donald Trump, comments on slavery being a choice, and anti-Semitic remarks have earned him cancellation from the public as well as Adidas, The Gap, and Balenciaga.
Bud Light
A popular beer brand Bud Light faced cancellation calls after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney to diversify its marketing. The brand's conservative client base boycotted BudLight, and the sales plummeted.
JK Rowling
JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, found herself at the center of cancel culture after her comments on transgender issues. Some people saw her comments as transphobic, others as feminist. The author has been criticized by fans, colleagues, and advocacy groups but continues to stand by her views.
So, How Do You Respond to Being Canceled?
Getting canceled can feel like the world is crashing down around you. Your notifications are blowing up, and the panic starts to set in. The key to surviving this crisis is to respond thoughtfully and strategically.
Here's what to do when you're facing the call-out culture.
Effects You May Have
The immediate reaction to being canceled is a lot of emotions. It's normal to feel anger, confusion, and fear.
You may see negative comments flooding your social media, calls for boycotts, and possibly even threats. Professionally, you might face suspension, termination, or severed ties with business partners. It’s a lot to process all at once.
Remember: when they go low, we go high. Don't make any rush decisions. Every conflict has a resolution.
First Steps To Take
1. Take a Pause
Amid the chaos, the best first step is to pause. Don’t react impulsively. Take a moment to breathe, assess the situation, and gather your thoughts. Rash responses can escalate the situation and make it harder to control the narrative.
2. Brainstorm an Action Plan
Once you’ve taken a moment to pause, start formulating a plan. Focus on the following:
Assess the Damage: Understand the scope of the backlash. What exactly are you being criticized for? Who is leading the charge?
Get a Clear Perspective: Consult with people you trust, such as your Conflict Strategist.
Plan Your Response: Decide on the best way to address the issue. This may be a public apology, clarification, or taking a firm stand and sticking by your views.
The masses can be wrong. Trust your inner voice, and think about how you can add clarity to the conflict at hand.
3. Seek Legal Advice
Your cancellation might have legal implications. If there are potential defamation issues, threats to your safety, or contractual consequences, talk to your lawyer to protect your interests. You can also reach out to me and we can chat about ways I can help.
Dealing with Getting Canceled
1. Apologize and Take Responsibility
Mistakes happen. If you made one, own up to it. A genuine apology can go a long way in mending fences. Express remorse and outline the steps you’ll take to avoid repeating the mistake.
Don't make vague or insincere apologies - they backfire.
>>> Learn more about the 5 ways to wreck an apology.
2. Educate Yourself
Use this experience as an opportunity to learn. Understand why your actions or words were problematic. When things go sideways, it's easy to be hard on yourself. Instead of letting your feelings drag you down, use getting canceled as a way to dig deeper into yourself and the people around you.
3. Thrive Despite Bullies
Cancel culture can uplift disenfranchised voices, but it can also bring out bullies who thrive on tearing others down. Rise above this. Focus on self-improvement and surround yourself with people who genuinely support you.
Remember, not everyone’s opinion matters - especially if they're the kind of people to delight in others' misfortunes. There's a difference between being held accountable and letting the public opinion define who you are.
Rebuilding Your Reputation
Be Consistent and Authentic
Consistency and authenticity are not only key, but crucial to rebuilding your reputation.
You should follow through on the promises you made in your apology and action plan (if any). But you also should advocate for yourself and stick to being who you are. You don't have to become a people-pleaser to rebuild your reputation after getting canceled.
Use Getting Canceled as an Opportunity for Growth
Getting canceled is tough. Your partners might be withdrawing support and you may hear awful things being said about you.
If you're feeling defeated, remember that you can use this experience as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Embrace the lessons learned and let them shape a better, more resilient you.
Find Comfort in Conflict, Even After Being Canceled
Conflict is an inevitable part of life, but being canceled is a particularly intense form of conflict.
When you're spiraling, I can help you connect the dots. Together, we'll mitigate risks, recover from relationship loss, and navigate the increased insecurity and public interest. Yes, I'm a mix of the real-life Olivia Pope from “Scandal, Wendy Rhodes from “Billions” and Gerri Kellman from “Succession”, (but without all of the shady sh-t).
Learn more about The Step Up Membership to get started.
