“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 5: Society and Environment
Story 04: Understanding Cancel Culture and Its Impact on Society
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- realm
- ostracizing
- accountability
- problematic
- nuance
- discourse
- proponents
- mob mentality
- outrage
- implications
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Cancel culture is a phenomenon that has gained widespread attention in recent years, particularly in the realm of social media. It refers to the practice of boycotting or ostracizing individuals or groups who have said or done something deemed offensive or problematic. While cancel culture can be seen as a form of accountability, it has also been criticized for its potential to stifle free speech and promote a culture of fear.
The rise of cancel culture is largely attributed to the power of social media, which allows individuals to share their opinions and hold public figures accountable in a way that was not possible in the past. The practice often involves calling out individuals for their problematic behavior or statements, and subsequently pressuring them to apologize, resign from their position, or face consequences such as job loss or social exclusion.
One of the main criticisms of cancel culture is that it often leads to a lack of nuance in public discourse. Instead of engaging in dialogue and promoting understanding, cancel culture can create a climate of fear in which individuals are hesitant to express their opinions or engage in controversial topics for fear of being canceled. Additionally, cancel culture can be seen as a form of mob mentality, in which individuals are quick to jump on the bandwagon of outrage without fully considering the implications of their actions.
On the other hand, proponents of cancel culture argue that it is an important tool for holding individuals accountable, particularly those in positions of power or influence. By calling out problematic behavior, cancel culture can bring attention to issues such as racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination that have historically been ignored or downplayed.
In conclusion, cancel culture is a complex and controversial topic that has sparked debate and discussion in recent years. While it can be seen as a tool for accountability, it also has the potential to stifle free speech and create a climate of fear. As such, it is important to approach the topic with nuance and consider the potential implications of cancel culture in promoting healthy public discourse.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is cancel culture?
- What is the main criticism of cancel culture?
- How has social media contributed to the rise of cancel culture?
- What is the potential impact of cancel culture on public discourse?
- What is the main argument in favor of cancel culture?
Conversations Starters:
- Do you think cancel culture promotes healthy public discourse or stifles free speech?
- Have you ever been a victim of cancel culture? How did it affect you?
- In your opinion, where should the line be drawn between holding individuals accountable and canceling them?
- How can we encourage more nuanced conversations and dialogue in a cancel culture environment?
- Do you think cancel culture is more prevalent in certain countries or cultures?
- What are the implications of cancel culture for free speech and democracy in a society?
- How can individuals and communities hold each other accountable without resorting to cancel culture?
- Is it fair to hold individuals accountable for past actions or statements?
- How can we balance the need for accountability with the potential negative effects of cancel culture on mental health and wellbeing?
- Can you think of someone who was canceled recently?
