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Cancel culture || Acharya Prashant (2022)
10.3K views
3 years ago
Cancel Culture
Social Identity
Spirituality
Real Identity
Self-Mastery
Kabir Saheb
Redemption
Ostracization
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses the concept of cancel culture, stating that it has always existed at all levels, but social media has amplified it. He questions why people worry about being cancelled. He posits two scenarios: if one is rightly called out, they should consider it a blessing and feel grateful that their weaknesses or follies have been exposed, as this allows them to become better. On the other hand, if they are unduly subjected to nonsense, they should still be grateful that a community they needlessly belonged to has rejected them. He describes this kind of ostracization as a form of redemption, quoting Kabir Saheb to illustrate the point: "It is good that my pot broke; now I am free from the chore of fetching water." This, he explains, means being grateful for no longer carrying the burden of that companionship. The speaker explains that the fear of being cancelled stems from a mindset where one's fundamental identity is social. When this social identity is attacked, it feels like a deadly blow. This kind of blow, however, will not work on someone who does not give much importance to their social identity. He states that spirituality blesses a person with their real identity, one that no one can dare to cancel. If one's identity is taken from society—from friends, parents, qualifications, employers, or accomplishments—it can be withdrawn by society. Similarly, if identity comes from the body, it is vulnerable to age and destruction. Ultimately, Acharya Prashant advises that it is important not to give anybody control over one's center and to be one's own master. This is not possible if one's fundamental identity comes from the world. He concludes by advising to be of the world, yet live independently of the world, and to let others cancel what they can, as the real identity remains untouched.