Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Cancel Culture” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Cancel Culture
1. What does “cancel culture” mean?
2. How did cancel culture begin?
3. Can you give an example of a celebrity who has been ‘canceled’?
4. Why do people support cancel culture?
5. Why do some people disagree with cancel culture?

II. Social Media and Cancel Culture
6. How does social media contribute to cancel culture?
7. What role do hashtags play in cancel culture?
8. Can you be ‘canceled’ for something you did many years ago?
9. How does cancel culture affect freedom of speech?
10. How quickly can someone be ‘canceled’ on social media?

III. The Impact of Cancel Culture
11. How does being ‘canceled’ affect a person’s career?
12. Can a person recover from being ‘canceled’?
13. Has cancel culture gone too far, in your opinion?
14. How does cancel culture influence what people post online?
15. Can cancel culture be considered a form of bullying?

IV. Cancel Culture in Different Spheres
16. How does cancel culture impact politics?
17. How does cancel culture show itself in the entertainment industry?
18. Can companies or brands be ‘canceled’?
19. How does cancel culture interact with comedy and satire?
20. Are there positive outcomes from cancel culture?

V. Personal Experience and Perception
21. Have you ever participated in cancel culture?
22. Would you stop supporting someone if they were ‘canceled’?
23. How would you defend yourself if you were ‘canceled’?
24. How do you determine if someone should be ‘canceled’?
25. Do you think people’s past mistakes should be forgiven?

VI. The Future of Cancel Culture
26. Will cancel culture become more prevalent in the future?
27. How might cancel culture evolve?
28. Can cancel culture lead to positive change in society?
29. How should society handle individuals who have been ‘canceled’?
30. What alternatives to cancel culture could promote accountability?

VII. Cancel Culture and Education
31. Should cancel culture be discussed in schools?
32. How can teachers approach the subject of cancel culture?
33. What lessons can young people learn from cancel culture?
34. How does cancel culture affect student life on campuses?
35. Can a historical figure be ‘canceled’?

VIII. Debate and Dialogue
36. Is there a way to have a productive conversation about cancel culture?
37. How can people disagree respectfully online?
38. What is the role of debate in the era of cancel culture?
39. Can dialogue replace cancel culture?
40. How can we encourage understanding instead of cancelation?

IX. Cancel Culture and Morality
41. Is cancel culture a moral movement?
42. How does cancel culture relate to personal values?
43. Can cancel culture cause moral dilemmas?
44. What ethical considerations come into play with cancel culture?
45. How does cancel culture challenge societal norms?

X. Navigating Cancel Culture
46. How can celebrities protect themselves from being ‘canceled’?
47. What should you do if you see someone being ‘canceled’ unfairly?
48. How can you contribute to a healthier online environment?
49. What is the importance of fact-checking in cancel culture?
50. How can one apologize effectively if they have been ‘canceled’?

XI. The Psychology Behind Cancel Culture
51. What psychological effects does being ‘canceled’ have on an individual?
52. Why do some people enjoy participating in cancel culture?
53. How does cancel culture satisfy the need for social justice?
54. What does ‘mob mentality’ have to do with cancel culture?
55. Can cancel culture affect mental health?

XII. International Perspectives on Cancel Culture
56. Is cancel culture present in countries outside of the United States?
57. How does cancel culture differ around the world?
58. Are there cultures that resist cancel culture?
59. How do non-Western societies view cancel culture?
60. Can cancel culture influence global relationships and politics?

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