Cancel Culture, Part 1: Where It Came From

In the first of two parts, the New York Times reporter Jonah Bromwich explains the origins of cancel culture and why it’s a 2020 election story worth paying attention to.

Guest: Jonah Engel Bromwich, who writes for the Styles section of The New York Times

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily

Background reading:

What does it mean to be canceled • ? It can take only one thing — and sometimes, nothing — for fans to dump a celebrity. • Many figures in the public eye — including Kanye West • and J.K. Rowling • — have fretted about being, or claimed to have been, canceled. When an open letter published by Harper’s • and signed by 153 prominent artists warned against an “intolerant climate” engulfing the culture, the reaction was swift. • The prevalence of “call-out culture” • is something former President Barack Obama has challenged.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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