Cancel Culture in India: The Evolution of Digital Outrage in a Complex Socio-Political Landscape

Cancel culture- a term originated in the West - has rapidly gained momentum in India, transforming into a phenomenon that is uniquely tailored to the country's socio-political landscape. While globally, cancel culture is often seen as a tool for social justice, in India, it operates within a much more complex framework of historical baggage, political polarization, and deeply entrenched cultural sensitivities. It has become less about accountability and more about outrage, fueled by the volatile mix of social media activism and ideological extremism.

Cancel Culture India

Unlike in Western societies where cancel culture primarily targets individuals for misconduct - ranging from racism and sexual harassment to political incorrectness- India's version is significantly more multifaceted. Here, cancel culture is not merely about calling out wrongdoing; it is intertwined with religious sentiments, political loyalties, and moral policing. From boycotting Bollywood celebrities for their personal beliefs to condemning comedians for satire, India's cancel culture has grown into an unpredictable force that operates at the intersection of power and public sentiment, In many instances what starts as a demand for accountability quickly morphs into a digital witch-hunt, often disregarding the nuances of the issue at hand.

Social media platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, and Facebook have become breeding grounds for cancel campaigns, where narratives are often shaped by trending hashtags rather than reasoned discourse. The speed at which outrage spreads leaves little room for investigation or fair assessment, making social media trials the new norm. Take, for instance, the numerous times Bollywood stars have been "canceled" for their religious identity, comments on political matters, or even past statements taken out of context. The same applies to public intellectuals, authors, and journalists who find themselves at the receiving end of boycotts and threats simply for holding an opinion that contradicts popular sentiment.

In India, cancel culture is deeply linked with religion and nationalism. A film scene, an advertisement, or even a tweet can be enough to incite nationwide calls for cancellation, often led by political or ideological groups with vested interests. Brands and individuals have been forced to issue apologies or withdraw content due to mass digital outrage. For example, the backlash against jewelry and clothing brands for portraying interfaith harmony in advertisements reflects how easily cancel culture is weaponized. The trend is not about ethical responsibility but rather an exercise in enforcing ideological dominance. It has turned into a tool for majoritarian politics, where canceling becomes less about accountability and more about silencing dissent.

One of the gravest consequences of India's cancel culture is the shrinking space for free expression. Fear of being "canceled" discourages individuals from engaging in meaningful discussions or expressing opinions that challenge the status quo. Artists, writers, and academics often resort to self censorship to avoid backlash, which severely impacts intellectual freedom and creative expression in the country. Unlike in the West, where cancel culture has sparked debates on the limits of free speech, India's version has largely resulted in cultural conservatism disguised as social justice. Rather than holding the powerful accountable, it often serves as a means to reinforce existing hierarchies and suppress voices of resistance. The real problem with cancel culture in India is that it is not driven by a commitment to justice or systemic change. Instead, it thrives on momentary outrage, often leading to performative activism rather than tangible consequences for wrongdoing. While social justice movements in other countries aim to create lasting reforms, India's cancel culture functions as a cyclical pattern of outrage that fades as quickly as it erupts.

It is not just a response to individual wrongdoing; it is a reflection of the country's deeper societal divides and ideological battles. What started as a call for accountability has been hijacked by political and religious forces, making it a uniquely Indian problem. Until India can foster a culture where free speech and accountability coexist, cancel culture will remain a double-edged sword-capable of both justice and injustice, often in the same breath.