It might feel like we’re living in a world where “cancel culture” is making daily headlines, but how much should you really worry about it when it comes to your podcast? Do you have to examine every word you say before you publish an episode? Do you need to vet your guests to know every detail about them including what they tweeted in 2012 and what divisive things they once said about carbs? Or is this buzzphrase over-hyped and on its way out?
FRAME RATES
If you create content for a public audience, you’re inviting your opinions to be weighed in on by the masses. That’s the beauty, and the curse, of being a creator. You hope to share your values and insights with like-minded people, but you’re also sharing your views with people who might stridently disagree with you.
A healthy discourse should never be a bad thing; being challenged opens us up to ways of thinking we might not have considered previously, or even shores up our own beliefs. Even extreme opinions have value whether they open a dialogue to lesser-known ideas or provide opportunities to learn and grow. But how any discourse is framed matters.
PROTECTED SPEECH
The ability to share an opinion, and to respond to an opinion is an important – and special – thing. If the First Amendment was an influencer, instead of just a stuffy, old, governing principle of American democracy, it would be the most followed account on social media because everyone is obsessed with it. Whether you think the First Amendment is on your team or not, it’s in the hot seat when it comes to “cancel culture.”
This VIP amendment allows podcasters from Joe Rogan to Rachel Maddow to freely speak their minds and find their audience. But it doesn’t protect them, or you, from facing the consequences of how others interpret their words. The First Amendment is applied equally to the creator and the listener. Essentially, you are free to say what you want, but you aren’t free from the impact of what you say, especially if its intent is dangerous or inflammatory.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU SPEAK
We’re all lucky to live in an age and place where expression matters and is protected, but how far does that protection extend? Should you be able to publish a podcast that calls for the inhumane treatment of certain people, the boycott of a company, or the overthrow of a government? Companies such as YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit are now taking up this debate and saying, in some cases, nope, that’s not okay with them and, consequently, deplatforming users.
Deplatforming users can mean the end of income streams. It can tank influencers and stoke the ire of extremist groups. In some cases, it might bring more attention to unappealing opinions. However, there are multiple studies that link the rise in hate speech and disinformation directly to behavior on public platforms. So what’s a podcaster to do?
USE YOUR VOICE
As it’s been stated over and over, content that becomes popular always has a specific and unique take based on its creator’s point of view. Sticking to authenticity is a winning strategy no matter what your podcast is about.
However, if you’re creating content purely for publicity, spectacle, or taking advantage of others to get attention to your content, what end are you willing to go to defend your message? Do you care that others might take your content and use it to justify the harm they’ve caused? What if their actions directly affect something or someone you love? It’s important to remember that your podcast has your name on it and even if you take it down in the future, it’s really difficult to separate yourself from negative associations. Your podcast will impact you beyond the world of podcasting.
BE OUR GUEST
Just like what you say on your podcast matters, who you invite is also a reflection of your show. It’s important to know who your guest is and what their appearance means on your show beyond just download numbers.
While you shouldn’t have to do a full police background check of every guest, and you shouldn’t be held responsible for your guests past or future actions, it is vital to do some basic research about your guests. Heck, learning fun facts about them might even lead to a more robust interview!
We must recognize that some people hide things to get what they want and your platform might get used in a negative way. Ultimately, have a guest on your show to add value to your content. If you’ve done your due diligence, you’ve done your part.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH…
The bottom line is if you’re thinking about best practices and the impact of your words, you’re unlikely to have to worry about being canceled. After all, getting “canceled” isn’t really about the act of banishing someone just because they aren’t well-liked. It’s about identifying behavior that is harmful, ignorant, or puts others in objectifiable positions. Asking to be respected, no matter who you are, isn’t unreasonable and we can all do our part to lift each other up.
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Written by: Tara Jean O’Brien
Tara Jean O’Brien has been a writer, actor, improviser, podcaster, and stand-up for nearly 800 years. When not producing, editing, and hosting her podcast, Single Vs. Married, or co-hosting, Cinema Craptaculus Presents: B-sides, she also writers on Medium and recently found a floor safe hidden in her coat closet.