Cancel culture: positive social change or online harassment?

Critics dismissed the Harper's letter as powerful people – several of whom, like Rowling, had been cancelled themselves after using their platforms to express controversial or offensive opinions – complaining of backlash when people disagree with them. — AFP

NEW YORK: Celebrities, brands, leaders and ordinary people are all falling foul of "cancel culture", a movement that seeks to call out offensive behaviour but that critics denounce as excessive and contributing to increased political polarisation.

Whether it’s a controversial tweet or video clip, social media users are quick to demand accountability – but detractors say it can amount to online shaming.