I wonder if maybe you attribute to those taking part in the cruel mob behaviour a level of intelligence and rationale they don’t deserve. They might begin with some vague notion of righting an injustice, but the real drivers are the thrill of exercising power and inflicting pain. The contagion and anonymity of mob behaviour intensifies, as do their rewards by identifying with the cause. As the victim squirms their sense of superiority and virtue increases.
I would be tempted to call it mindless mob or pack behaviour but there is a mind at work. It’s that darker mind we probably all possess but do our best to suppress.
I received No Apologies last week and have nearly finished it. I was familiar with most of the stories and have corresponded with many of the individuals involved. I am another one of the two hundred or so individuals who have been cancelled in the last decade.
Despite my own “lived experience” over the last 6 years, I found the book enlightening and inspiring. Your reporting is clear and straightforward, but the many quotations from the targets make the stories sizzle and remind me of many of the challenges and disappointments I have had to overcome. Your introductory chapter is truly masterful; I am in awe of your ability to extract so many insightful conclusions from your experiences and interviews: Bravo!!!
I learned that my “strengths” as a classroom teacher and educational researcher rather than any deficiencies, weaknesses, or ethical lapses were what made me a danger to my administration. You title, No Apologies, is spot on!
So glad to hear you're enjoying the book. (If you're up to it, please feel free to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or wherever you bought the book).
I'll have a look at your story soon, sorry to hear you've had to overcome so much yourself!
I have your book and look forward to reading it. This post made me think of the Jewish concept of T'shuvah, which is the recognition of the possibility of redemption. Cancel culture is at odds with this. I think many religions, recognizing the natural state of human imperfection, have the same concept.
I wonder if maybe you attribute to those taking part in the cruel mob behaviour a level of intelligence and rationale they don’t deserve. They might begin with some vague notion of righting an injustice, but the real drivers are the thrill of exercising power and inflicting pain. The contagion and anonymity of mob behaviour intensifies, as do their rewards by identifying with the cause. As the victim squirms their sense of superiority and virtue increases.
I would be tempted to call it mindless mob or pack behaviour but there is a mind at work. It’s that darker mind we probably all possess but do our best to suppress.
I have your book.
I received No Apologies last week and have nearly finished it. I was familiar with most of the stories and have corresponded with many of the individuals involved. I am another one of the two hundred or so individuals who have been cancelled in the last decade.
Despite my own “lived experience” over the last 6 years, I found the book enlightening and inspiring. Your reporting is clear and straightforward, but the many quotations from the targets make the stories sizzle and remind me of many of the challenges and disappointments I have had to overcome. Your introductory chapter is truly masterful; I am in awe of your ability to extract so many insightful conclusions from your experiences and interviews: Bravo!!!
An account of my situation is here: https://lawrencekrauss.substack.com/p/the-sad-case-of-david-porter-and
And the survey study which got me cancelled as well as the survey itself can be found here: https://researchers.one/articles/22.11.00007v1
I learned that my “strengths” as a classroom teacher and educational researcher rather than any deficiencies, weaknesses, or ethical lapses were what made me a danger to my administration. You title, No Apologies, is spot on!
So glad to hear you're enjoying the book. (If you're up to it, please feel free to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, or wherever you bought the book).
I'll have a look at your story soon, sorry to hear you've had to overcome so much yourself!
Katherine,
I have your book and look forward to reading it. This post made me think of the Jewish concept of T'shuvah, which is the recognition of the possibility of redemption. Cancel culture is at odds with this. I think many religions, recognizing the natural state of human imperfection, have the same concept.
T'shuvah is a great concept. I hope you enjoy the book!