Cancel Culture („култура на отменянето“) или реторика зад клавиатурата

Abstract

Abstract: The article discusses the notion of “cancel culture”. The hypothesis is that as long as the phenomenon is based on the opinion of a group of people and not on logical arguments, its consequences are always serious and, in most cases, can be perceived as an attack on free speech, censorship or even cyberbullying. The problem is approached qualitatively, the study includes an examination of the phenomenon in theoretical and historical terms. An analysis is made of current events as well as documents, including media articles; scholarly and popular publications related to the topic of cancel culture. The rhetorical aspects are explored in the context of argument against authority, labeling, achieving discredit of celebrities, etc. The virtual environment creates the conditions for anyone to express their opinions quickly, freely, and sometimes anonymously; this envi¬ronment allows people with access to social networks, members of online forums and groups to accept or reject authorities; and to directly or indirectly influence opinion formation in virtual groups and communities. This is what makes the topic socially relevant and important to study, not only in terms of rhetoric and virtual communication. Keywords: cancel culture, rhetoric, cyberbullying, social media, cancel, can¬celled.