Cancel Culture on Social Media and its Racial Undertones

We are living in a day and age where everyone has the freedom to share their personal beliefs and lives in front of many people.

To many influencers, this has been extremely beneficial. Nevertheless, it comes at a cost. Especially because of the quick pace of social media and the influence it can have on people.

Recently, a lot of popular influencers and celebrities have been called out for their racist tweets which they posted during 2012 - 2014. Influencers such as radio host Maya Jama, have been called out in the past by the public or supporters that have been following them over the years.

This year, famous YouTubers Nella Rose and Only Bells had been called out for making recent racial tweets. Only Bells expressed insensitive jokes on rape and colourism.

Both YouTubers were trending for a while, and a lot of the public was outraged at the comments they had made. As a result, Nella Rose’s supporters discussed her tweets on her various social media accounts to express this.

However, there are some people who differ in opinion in the way the public is treating Nella rose specifically.

Growing up, a popular trend on social media circulated “Light skin vs dark skin”. I believe it is easy a young girl to internalize this mentality and easily project our own self-hatred subconsciously.

Nella Rose and Onlybells both made a YouTube video to apologise and express the reason why they made those tweets. Many of their followers expressed different opinions, but the majority of them were quite negative. Both influencers have since deactivated their social media accounts.

I do believe it is important to have these conversations and discuss these hidden issues in the black community. With regards to this, I spoke to Caleb Bakre who is planning to study African studies at Oxford University this year.

What was your experience of education growing up in London?

I went to a predominantly white and Asian grammar school. I felt very much accepted. Everyone was focused on academia and doing well.

There was a bit of ignorance when growing up, as people wondering if they can say the ‘N’ word or not. Thankfully, that ignorance was squashed quite quickly.

University was much better for me. I went to London School of Economics which is the most international University in the country. There were loads of black people and our African and Caribbean society was very strong. We held protests and frequently discussed cultural issues.

That sounds like a really good experience. I know you have a passion for black and African studies, but do you think it is possible for a black man or woman to internalise negative comments/stereotypes and result in self-hate?

It was amazing. I believe you can definitely internalise hateful comments you have received. It can manifest itself in the form of self-hate 100%!

In the same way that positive affirmation reinforces a person’s spirit and a person's belief in themselves. Negative affirmation does the opposite.

By Rhea Dehaney