What Is “Cancel Culture”?
Define “cancel culture” as explained in the ContraPoints video. Discuss examples of perceptual, social, and evidence-based failings or biases that add to the concept of cancel culture. Look through Chapter 4 in the textbook for the following terms and explain where/how we might see them in ContraPoints’s take on cancel culture, and in examples of cancel culture she points out. Aim to find at least 3 of the below.
Hearsay
Anecdotal evidence
False memory syndrome and memorable-events error
Confirmation bias
Self-serving biases
One of Us/One of Them
Social Expectations/Stereotyping
Group pressure/conformity
Guilt by association (you may not find this in the textbook, but you’re welcome to research this one on the internet)
Once you have made notes on examples of personal and social bias in the video, begin to use your Chapter 7 lens to explore arguments made by Natalie Wynn about cancel culture and arguments made by cancelers. Point out at least one of any of the following:
Arguments Based on Observation
Arguments Based on Generalization
Arguments Based on Analogy
Causal Arguments
Evaluate the strength of the argument you’ve found. Are the premises strong? Have they connected to support the conclusion you found?
