Unlocking the Power of Forgiveness: Why Cancel Culture Needs a Rethink
We’ve all been there. Jumping to conclusions, judging others based on a single mistake, and forgetting their positive qualities. It’s like we’re caught up in the trend of Cancel Culture, where even Ghosting has become a common occurrence in our lives. We denounce people without considering the full picture or showing enough empathy for their circumstances. We focus on their human error as if we’re immune to making mistakes ourselves, perched atop our high horse of righteousness. We sever ties, ending friendships in haste. Initially, it may give us a sense of satisfaction, falsely believing that we would never do the same. But in reality, it only hurts us, robbing us of self-compassion and damaging our own self-worth.
I’ll be honest with you. I’ve been guilty of cutting people off too. Frustrated and angry, I’ve severed ties with friends and family without a second thought. Some of it was out of self-preservation, when I couldn’t bear witnessing their ongoing mistakes and pain. Other times, it was due to personal struggles, like postnatal depression and major life changes that left me feeling disconnected from my former self. I acted out of frustration and anger.
Cancel culture becomes more accepted in our society, it’s crucial that we teach our children to understand it and develop empathy and tolerance towards others. They need to learn the power of forgiveness and the fact that as humans, we make mistakes and constantly evolve and change. That should be acceptable.
One way we can do this is by teaching our children better communication and emotional intelligence skills. Before they send out that tweet or cut ties because someone’s behavior conflicts with their values, they should learn to pause and reflect. It’s about thinking before acting. Reflection before action.
We also need to address the impact of cancel culture within the media. It’s becoming a growing trend, and it’s crucial that we’re aware of its influence on our society and its effects on our children. While we must hold others accountable for illegal, immoral, and harmful behavior, we should be cautious of the “media jury” that often tarnishes reputations without a full understanding of the person’s story.
As parents, we’re concerned about the digital footprints our children leave behind. A misguided social media post from years ago can come back to haunt them and hinder future opportunities. That’s why we need to create a more tolerant and compassionate world, both online and offline.
It’s okay to mess up sometimes. It’s normal. It’s common. It’s a part of life. That’s the message I want to instill in my kids. I want them to understand that making mistakes, taking responsibility, learning from them, and becoming resilient and content are all part of their journey.
Teaching our children how to handle cancel culture is crucial in today’s world. So, here are some ways i plan to teach my children :
- Be an empathy superhero: Hey, kids! Did you know that empathy is like a superpower? It’s all about understanding others and putting yourself in their shoes. So, when you see someone being canceled, remind yourself to be an empathy superhero! Ask questions, listen, and remember that everyone makes mistakes. It’s our job to support each other and help people grow, just like superheroes do.
- The detective of truth: Imagine being a detective who investigates cancel culture cases. Kids, you need to put on your detective hats and use your critical thinking skills. Don’t just believe everything you hear or see on social media. Investigate, gather evidence, and form your own opinions. Remember, the truth is often more complex than what fits into a 280-character tweet!
- The forgiveness ninja: Cancel culture can sometimes feel like a battlefield, but we can be forgiveness ninjas! When someone messes up, let’s practice forgiveness. It doesn’t mean we ignore their mistakes, but we give them a chance to grow and learn from them. Plus, forgiving feels pretty awesome, and it sets a good example for others.
- Internet superheroes unite: It’s time to be responsible digital citizens, kids! Think before you tweet, post, or share. Remember that your words have power, and they can impact others. So, be kind, respectful, and constructive in your online interactions. Use your social media powers for good, like spreading positivity and supporting others.
- Family roundtable talks: Let’s gather around the kitchen table, kids, for some family roundtable talks. This is our safe space to discuss cancel culture and other tricky topics. Share your thoughts and listen to others. It’s okay to disagree, but let’s do it with respect and humor. Remember, family discussions are like a pizza with different toppings – diverse and delicious!
- The cancel-proof role models: We’re the cancel-proof family, kids! We embrace growth, forgiveness, and understanding. We make mistakes, learn from them, and become better versions of ourselves. So, let’s lead by example and show the world that cancel culture doesn’t define us. We’re stronger and more compassionate than that!
Ill let you know how i get on 🙂
