Rowan Atkinson Compares Online Cancel Culture to a Medieval Mob Looking for Someone to Burn
English actor, writer, and comedian Rowan Atkinson is trending once again. He has shared his opinion with UK outlet Radio Times on online ‘Cancel Culture’ which is gaining ground in these modern times.
English actor, writer, and comedian Rowan Atkinson is trending once again. He has shared his opinion with UK outlet Radio Times on online ‘Cancel Culture’ which is gaining ground in these modern times and compared it to a “medieval mob roaming the streets looking for someone to burn.”
He explained that social media these days is working on the principle of polarisation and offers us a binary view of society.”
You are forced to either be with them or against them. In most cases, if you are against them, you will be canceled out by the mob.
“It’s important that we’re exposed to a wide spectrum of opinion, but what we have now is the digital equivalent of the medieval mob roaming the streets looking for someone to burn. So it is scary for anyone who’s a victim of that mob and it fills me with fear about the future”, he elaborated.
Rowan Atkinson’s words hold truth! Social media does give us access to valuable tools and resources. It has opened doors to many opportunities. Connecting with family and friends has become possible at the touch of a button and it provides us a platform to showcase our talents. It has provided us with a platform to express ourselves.
That said, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many online users have also faced disparity, hate, abuse, prejudice, racism, profanity, and bullying which creates a feeling of discomfort for many. Many online users have faced the wrath of trollers for standing up for the truth. So, freedom of expression comes at a cost for many! Many online users have felt victimized for standing up for the truth in so many situations.
“So it is scary for anyone who’s a victim of that mob and it fills me with fear about the future”, Rowan Atkinson expressed.
Mr. Bean’s words have resonated with many. In the digital world, there is a fear of being a victim of the mob if you challenge a societal view. The freedom of expression and a broader view of the society will only be possible when there is understanding and when a difference in opinion is entertained with mutual respect rather than hate. Social media could also pave the path in providing improvised tools for a safer online environment.
