APS’s Student Initiative Presents: I got Canceled. What’s Next?

In the age of the 24-hour social media news cycle, ‘cancel culture’ has emerged as a way of dealing with public figures. Collins Dictionary defines ‘cancel culture’ as ‘. . . a social climate in which a person or organization. . . is likely to be ostracized in response to a perceived wrongdoing’ For some, Cancel Culture has become a solution to removing offenders and abusers from their industry or platform.

Should organizations or people be written off or cancelled without the opportunity for redemption? Is there any right that can undo or heal wrongdoing? Join American Public Square at Jewell’s Student Initiative as we seek to understand when cancel culture materialized as a form of social justice and the arguments for and against ‘cancelling’.

Panelists

Kylie J. Holman is Director of Marketing & Digital Communication for Appsky, an Omaha-based mobile app development company. She holds a B.S. in Journalism & Media Communication and M.S. in Communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her research focuses on cancel culture in conjunction with the #MeToo movement, redemption, and the components necessary for an appropriate “comeback.”

Korri Palmer is a recent graduate from The College of Wooster. During her senior year, she wrote her required senior thesis about cancel culture. Her study worked to analyze and define cancel culture as a form of social activism. The study specifically investigates how students of color at The College of Wooster view the effectiveness of cancel culture as a recent form of activism. This study yielded a 60+ pg. thesis and oral defense where she received  Honors recognition. Currently, Korri is working on her first poetry book and forging down a path of self-discovering during the global pandemic.

Sam Ahmed, who he will introduce himself as, also known as WebsterX, is a recording artist from Milwaukee, WI.

Entrenched in his music, WebsterX delivers a message of hope with stories from his path to finding his own identity. With vibrant lyrics WebsterX holds the torch for his city and lights the way to a bright future. Spreading positivity through his community WebsterX is a co-founder of a youth organization called FreeSpace. With impressive national press coverage and award winning music videos WebsterX has put a spotlight on Milwaukee’s budding music community and continues to see his vision become a reality.

Justice Horn is a community leader, social justice activist, and political analyst. Horn made history as the NCAAʼs first openly gay multicultural college wrestler. Now in politics, he is the youngest political consultant for the 2020 Joe Biden Presidential campaign in the African American, LGBTQ+, and Pacific Islander division. Horn also serves on a number of community, county, and boards and commissions. Horn has committed himself to the community as a Social Justice Activist with his work on climate justice, civil rights, education, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. Horn has demonstrated leadership in advancing policies that support disenfranchised communities in every role and capacity he has served.

Moderator

Allison Koelzer, APS’s Student Initiative Coordinator and Digital Media and Communications Associate, will moderate this program.  In her role at APS, Allison works with high school and college students to develop student-led programs and manages APS internships. In addition to empowering student voices at APS, Allison produces and curates our podcast channel, At the Square. Allison holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and Political Science from Park University.