Limits, Perspectives and Next Steps

Counterpublics in Cancel Culture

Abstract

Public space has a latent configuration of counter-discursive manifestations. Cancel culture, as this digital phenomenon is known, has gained prominence in public debates for its form of externalization linked to ostracism, suffering various criticisms not only in media arena, but also in universities. If, on the one hand, there is a pessimistic view of the phenomenon, it can also be understood as a powerful discursive tool for many groups, such as certain counterpublics. In this article, we discuss various key concepts about cancel culture and counterpublics, arguing complementary points that intend to contribute to reflections on the topics. We seek to consider the multiple perspectives regarding the cancel culture phenomenon, adding a dialectical layer to debate. Thus, we try to understand how these objects can be closely connected in the logic of discursive field and open debate, in addition to proposing a breakthrough for the debate on cancel culture, which can also support counter-public studies.