November 19, 2020 | Jessica Bennett
Prof. Loretta J. Ross is combating cancel culture with a popular class at Smith College. She is challenging students to identify the characteristics, and limits, of call-out culture: the act of publicly shaming another person for behavior deemed unacceptable. Calling out may be described as a sister to dragging, cousin to problematic, and one of the many things that can add up to cancellation.
“I am challenging the call-out culture,” Professor Ross said. “I think you can understand how calling out is toxic. It really does alienate people, and makes them fearful of speaking up.”
Originally published in the NY Times.