Cancel Culture

A Digital Courtroom Or The Devil’s Advocate?

Myra Goswami, AIS PV, XII F

We have seen readers cancel magazine subscriptions, banks cancel cheques and... people cancel people. Welcome to the age of cancel culture, also known as call-out culture or accountability culture. But what is it really?
Cancel culture isn’t a club you join or a movement you march in. It’s more like a trend that spreads fast and fades faster, where anyone online, even anonymous strangers, can call someone out, boycott them, or ‘cancel’ them for something they said or did. Often, people don’t even know the full story but they just jump on the bandwagon.
This isn’t a new concept. Joan of Arc, for example, was ‘cancelled’ by the church in the 15th century for dressing like a man and was burned at the stake for witchcraft. Ironically, she’s now a celebrated hero. This shows that what we cancel today might be celebrated tomorrow and vice versa.
The real game-changer? The internet. It gives everyone a screen to hide behind and a platform to shout from. We can now judge, accuse, and even destroy reputations from the comfort of our couch. Whether it’s mocking someone’s fashion choices, criticising a baby name, or reacting to serious allegations — the internet reacts fast. Sometimes, too fast.
Consider the case of comedian Kevin Hart, who stepped down from hosting the Oscars after his old tweets resurfaced. Although he had already apologised, the online outrage resurfaced again, pushing him to walk away from the opportunity. This raises the question: Should people be permanently punished for past mistakes even if they’ve grown and apologised?
In 2021, Hyunjin was accused of school bullying — a wave that hit many K-pop idols that year. He took a hiatus from group activities and while his agency investigated and he later returned, the temporary backlash showed how quickly public perception can change. Even with no criminal charges, the damage to image and endorsement deals can be irreversible.
Even platforms like TikTok have their own ‘cancel moments’, where creators face mass unfollows and online hate for everything from cultural insensitivity to simple misunderstandings. Sometimes it’s justified, but there are times when it spirals into bullying. Cancel culture has even affected schools, where students have faced backlash over their opinions, clothing, or social media posts — proving it’s not limited to celebrities anymore.
So, is cancel culture a tool for justice or a modern-day witch hunt?
Well, the answer isn’t simple. It can hold people accountable as well as it can spark important conversations. But it can also spread misinformation, encourage mob mentality, and silence people unfairly. The real question we must ask ourselves is: Are we really using our voice to seek the ultimate truth — or just to follow the crowd?

Legacy of excellence

The edition you hold is not just a ‘Result Special’, it’s a celebration of the legacy Amitians have consistently built over years, creating new academic records, breaking past benchmarks and leaving behind inspirational footprints for their juniors to follow. This would, of course, not have been possible without the unwavering commitment of our educators, in particular the R&D department, unconditional support of our parents, and the selfless dedication of every member of the Amity family. The Amity ecosystem has always stood as a pillar of strength behind each success story. So, my heartiest congratulations to all Amity achievers!
What makes me prouder is that Amitians don’t need special privileges or resources to excel - their determination and resilience are enough. I am referring to girls of Amitasha who have emerged as toppers despite odds. Living in a single room alongside 7 other family members, they burnt the midnight oil literally, so that their goals are undeterred. Their achievement is testament to how Amity empowers the dreams of all its children, no matter what their background is. I also applaud our students from the special category, who have overcome challenges to achieve success. This proves that when surrounded by support and an inclusive education, every child can write his destiny. Excellence is a way of life at Amity, instilled from the very first day a child walks through our gates. Excellence not just in academics, but in behaviour, attitude, values and life goals, as nurtured through the guiding philosophy of BHAAG, the success mantra given to us by our beloved Founder President. I look forward to seeing every Amitian continue to thrive with confidence and character!

Power of pause

When I returned from my vacation recently, I realised how badly I had needed this break. I had been worried that I would come back exhausted, reluctant to dive head-long into work. To the contrary, I feel rejuvenated and ready to take upon any challenge that the world throws at me. This feeling has truly set me thinking – isn’t it that in our quest to meet endless deadlines and achieve our goals, we often forget to hit the pause button? Among all of us, it’s perhaps students who bear the brunt most silently. They are always juggling between assignments, extracurriculars, and exams. It seems we are all living out that famous 90’s line from the film Chachi 420 - Dauda dauda, bhaga bhaga sa! But, taking a pause can be really powerful. A holiday, or a summer break, is not just about resting - it’s about reconnecting with ourselves, our families, even nature. I am glad that many achievers we interviewed for this ‘Results Special’ edition, have understood this simple truth. One of them mentioned being encouraged by parents to take regular breaks while preparing for exams, while another shared how dance had become her go-to stress buster! In fact, one shared it was a concert outing that provided the much-needed relief. All agreed that frequent breaks helped in recharging their mind and body, leading to better clarity, concentration, and productivity.
Yes, breaks don’t make us fall behind. In fact, they bring clarity and energy that push us forward. Now that we’re all back after the summer break - rested and recharged - let’s return to our routines with renewed enthusiasm.

GT M@il

Dear Editor,
I am beyond praise of our students for their stellar board results! This success is not just about the marks — it’s a beautiful reflection of the consistent hard work, focus, and dedication shown throughout the year. Every assignment submitted, every late night spent revising, every challenge faced with courage — all of it has led to this well-deserved achievement. The students’ perseverance is inspiring! A special word of appreciation to my colleagues, all the dedicated teachers, whose unwavering support, guidance, and belief in every student made this journey possible. Behind every successful student stands a mentor who never gave up. To the students and teachers alike — our commitment and devotion has paid off! Let’s celebrate this moment with great pride and joy. Congratulations once again — your future is bright!
Sampurna Satpathy
AIS Vas 6, PGT (Psychology)