There is a lot of talk out there about “canceling cancel culture.” But how exactly do we accomplish that? Do we step on the rights of others to speak and believe what they will in order to have our own speech and beliefs protected?
“Activist” Shaun King recently said some really stupid things. It upset a lot of conservative Christians. His words were clearly meant to hit us in the gut. And for many, it was a step across the line.
So let me say something controversial that I believe is integral to the fabric of being a Christian in America today - I respect Shaun King’s freedom of speech just like I respect a muslim’s freedom of religion (though I do not associate the two). I do not agree with either of their ideals, but we cannot claim to support freedom by stifling the freedoms of others, even when we disagree. Responding to cancel culture by canceling their culture is not how we move forward as Americans.
Obviously, there is a line we must draw. If someone becomes abusive or or threatening in nature, intervention must take place. With that said, Mr. King’s words come dangerously close to this line. But notice how careful he is with his words:
He doesn’t say anything to violate the regulations of free speech. He knows the limits. He also knows these words will incite rioters and enrage the religious. He is playing the long game. His goal is not to get people to remove statues of Jesus, but to get himself cancelled so that we, in turn, get cancelled. In the words of one of the greatest film villains of all time, “When everyone is special, no one will be.” (Syndrome from “The Incredibles”)
You see, when good people allow themselves to get outraged over statements by guys like this, we play into their hand. We become like them and thin the ever-disappearing line between decency and deplorability. Freedom is slowly eroded and tyranny takes its place. That said, there is always room for disagreement, argument, and debate as free Americans.
I am not complicit in the message or methods of such a man. In fact, I think he is dead wrong. But I think we can find a better way to fight back than continuing to feed the false narrative. It is because I value the rights of myself and other decent Americans that I defend the rights (not the message) of ill-intentioned men like Shaun King. It is because of my love for the First Amendment that I defend the rights of peaceful protestors. But when opinions become threats and protests become riots, I draw the line.
I live in a small, quiet community where I do not anticipate any rioting or mischief. But should it come my way, I will take action to defend. I will respond to threats with a measured response. I will protect my family, home, and church (building and people) from anything the world will throw at us.
What I will not do is throw the first punch. I will bob and weave as long as I can so that my opponent tires out and then I will strike back. I will not attack. I will defend. I will not become the thing I detest. I will live with honor and integrity despite the hypocrisy of this world.
Fighting fire with fire ends with everything burning. Trying to cancel people like Shaun King will just create more outrage and stoke the fire. People will react by doubling down. If we shut down their freedoms, ours will be next. Censorship goes both ways.
It’s time to stop playing checkers and start playing chess. It’s time to douse the fear they hope to create with freedom. Let’s fight lies with truth. Let’s fight pride with humility. Let’s fight cancel culture by producing a culture that endures.
Comments