Fucking Cancelled

In Episode 34, we look at the similarities between the criminal justice system and cancel culture. We also look at the differences — notably, that the criminal justice system affords rights to those who are accused of offences, while cancel culture does not. Part of the Refusing to be Accountable series. Show Notes Episode 6 - Refusing to be Accountable: Responsibility, Boundaries, Intervention an...

In Episode 33, we look at the notion that cancel culture functions to prevent abuse and keep people safe. Why do proponents of cancellation say this, and what do they mean by it? Is it true? And what are some other ways to think about abuse and safety? Part of the Nobody’s Getting Cancelled series. Show Notes Episode 6 - Refusing to be Accountable: Responsibility, Boundaries, Intervention and Puni...

In Episode 32, we discuss right-wing populism. Fresh off a 1.5 day hitchhiking ride with a 'Freedom Rally' conspiracy theorist, Jay explains what it is that these right-wing populists believe and how it differs from left-wing variants of populism. We talk about how people get that way, what kinds of messaging can get through to them, and why it's important for Leftists to understand what it is the...

In Episode 31, we discuss tolerance. At a certain point the left seems to have decided that tolerance is not good enough, and that we need acceptance or even celebration instead. We discuss why tolerance is actually very important in pluralistic socities and why it's necessary for building solidarity across difference.  Part of the Principles Before Personalities series. Show Notes Principles Befo...

In Episode 30, we discuss practical tips for supporting the people in our lives who are being cancelled, both in the immediate aftermath of a cancellation campaign, and for the longterm.  Part of the Nobody’s Getting Cancelled series. Show Notes Talking Shit with Dr. Christine Marie: Breaking the Spell of Cancellation Nobody's Getting Cancelled: Surviving Cancellation Follow Fucking Cancelled on I...

In Episode 29, we sit down with Marcus Peters, an activist and organizer based in Montreal, to discuss the social solidarity economy. We talk about what a co-op is, why they're important for the Left, and how they can give workers control over their work. We also discuss a new union Marcus has been organizing in the forestry sector. Finally, we get into the problem of wreckers — and how to organiz...

In Episode 28, we examine organisation policies which uphold cancel culture. What is wrong with policies like these? Why organize against them? And what are some proactive approaches we can take to counter these practices? Part of the series Organizing Against the Nexus . Show Notes Episode 6 - Refusing to be Accountable: Responsibility, Boundaries, Intervention and Punishment Episode 26 - Nobody'...

In Episode 27, we talk about responsibility. What are the different uses of this word, and how does it differ from 'accountability'? What lessons can we learn about responsibility from the 12 Steps? And why is it a topic so seldom discussed in the Nexus? Part of the Principles Before Personalities series. Show Notes Episode One - Principles Before Personalities: An Introduction to Fucking Cancelle...

In Episode 26, we discuss breakups in the age of cancel culture. We ask what happens when we think of cancellation as a form of intimate partner abuse, talk about why it is that some people can feel the need to control their ex-partners, and investigate how the Nexus promotes and protects this type of behaviour. Finally, we talk about some things we can do instead of cancelling our exes. Part of t...

In Episode 25, we sit down with David Rovics, a musician, writer, and libertarian socialist from the United States. We discuss socialism, anti-fascism, internationalism, and the importance of building solidarity. We get into the experience of being cancelled and misrepresented on a large scale. Finally, we finish off the episode with David playing some of his songs for us.  Part of the Replatforme...

In Episode 24, we are joined by Dr. Maria Paredes, licensed trauma therapist and certified eating disorder specialist, out of the United States. We discuss cancel culture as it relates to therapy. How can therapists support cancelled people? How can cancelled people find supportive therapy? What happens when a canceller is in the therapy room? What happens when it's therapists doing the cancelling...

In Episode 23, we discuss the art of surviving cancellation. What are some ways to take real responsibility if you do feel like you've actually done something you regret? What is in your control and what isn't? What does it mean to accept things about your situation that you can't change? And most importantly, what are some ways to change the things you can? You can still have a beautiful life, ev...

In Episode 22, we sit down with writer, podcaster and friend of the pod Molly Frances. We discuss socialism and the Nexus, corporate social media, American food culture, and mental health. We also talk about why it is important not to let your spirit be crushed by cancel culture. Part of the Talking Shit series. Show Notes Molly's Instagram Molly's Substack Molly's podcast, Out of the Woods Molly'...

In Episode 21, we discuss accountability processes, and how they are often framed as alternatives to both the criminal justice system and cancel culture. We argue instead that they function as an extension of cancel culture, and do not effectively address situations typically covered by the criminal justice system. We offer an abolitionist critique of accountability processes, and suggest differen...

In Episode 20, we talk socialist dreaming. Why is it important to dream? What do we gain from dreaming? How does the punitive and dogmatic atmosphere in 'social justice' circles restrict our dreams? And most importantly, what are our socialist dreams -- what does it look like in the world we want to win?   SHOW NOTES: Capitalist Realism by Mark Fisher Some Remarks on Consensus by David Graeber Dmi...

In Episode 19, we're joined by friend of the pod Stevie Lang, a union organizer from Australia. We talk about what it's like working for a union, polyamory and BDSM, and raising a kid as a single parent. We also get into neoliberalism, the place of spirituality on the Left, and the fundamental human need for care. Part of the Talking Shit series. Show Notes 'The Triumph of Militant Liberalism w/ C...

In Episode 18, we sit down with Freddie deBoer, a writer out of Brooklyn, New York, USA. We discuss his classic piece "Planet of Cops" and the culture of constant recrimination and mutual surveillance that has taken hold of the left. We also get into free speech and why leftists should care about it, how to go about dismantling racism as a material, economic process rather than one of inner soul s...

In Episode 17, we discuss Step Two. We break down the concepts and principles behind the step and share our own experiences with taking Step Two. We then talk about what the concepts and principles of Step Two might offer people trying to leave the Nexus. Finally we consider the lack of spirituality on the Left and consider what role spirituality might play in building socialism. Parts of the Half...

In Episode 16, we break down the basics of attachment theory and the various attachment styles. We discuss the difficulty of developing secure attachment within the Nexus, the role of disorganized attachment in fundamentalism, and the importance of understanding attachment needs for socialists. Part of the Fucking Feelings series. Show Notes Clementine's Substack Hand-Holding “Supportive Touch” Le...

In Episode 15, we discuss the third component of the Nexus, identitarianism. What do we mean by identitarianism and what are some of its characteristics? How do identitarian arguments work, and how do identitarian premises influence thought on the Left? Finally, we touch on alternative ways of addressing some of the difficult questions that identitarianism seeks to answer. Part of the Identity Cri...

In Episode 14, we sit down with coach and consultant Africa Brooke, based in London, England, to discuss her open letter, 'Why I'm Leaving the Cult of Wokeness'. We talk about dogma, denialism, and the American-centrism in social justice culture. We discuss the frequent framing of critiques of cancel culture as a 'white thing'. We consider the phenomenon of vague accusations and we unpack the dist...

In Episode 13, we discuss the first of the 12 Steps. We break down the meaning of the step from our own experience, exploring it in relation to our recovery from addiction and alcoholism but also in a broader context. We think through how the spirit of Step One can offer freedom and acceptance in the face of cancellation. We also consider how Step One could be useful for those still caught up in c...

In episode 12 we are joined by Jen Elizabeth, a harm reductionist and author out of Southern California. We discuss the principles of harm reduction, compassion as an antidote to shame, and the importance of respecting people's autonomy. We talk about meeting people where they're at, how sobriety and harm reduction approaches are placed in opposition to each other when they should be in solidarity...

In Episode 11, we sit down with Jah Grey, an award winning photographer from Toronto. We talk about Jah's photography: beautiful portraits of black men, that explore black masculinity through a lens that highlights vulnerability, complexity, and humanity. We also talk about cancel culture (especially within queer and trans spaces), abolitionism, and the importance of opposing dehumanization and di...

In Episode 10, we're joined by our friend Poplar Rose, a witch, writer, and herbalist living in BC, to talk about recovery from the trauma of cancellation. Poplar shares her experiences with cancellation, the sources of strength she found after her world fell apart, and the hope she holds for the future and offers to others. Part of the Experience, Strength, and Hope series. Show Notes Braiding Sw...