Is Cancel Culture Actually Getting Worse? - Rikki Schlott - #733

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
Hello, friends, welcome back to the show. My guest today is Rikki Schlott. She's a journalist, columnist, free speech activist, and an author. Saying, you can't say anything anymore, is the internet's tagline. Cancel culture has been the hot topic over the last few years, but why has it taken over the discourse so much? And just how much truth is there that it's getting worse than ever before? Expect to learn what Rikki uncovered from a mass analysis of Twitter bans, whether the rates of people being canceled are increasing, if cancelers actually enjoy the cancellation of others, what drove the increase in cancellations, if free speech is really dead in America, whether apologizing works, and much more. There's a very formative book a couple of years ago called The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff, and Rikki and Greg have worked on this, which is The Cancelling of the American Mind, which is their new book. And it's interesting to see kind of how the two are related and how a victimhood culture and an over degree of coddling for children results in a society and a culture which is hyper concerned about dangerous speech, dangerous actions. And it's very interesting, especially when they've dug into the data and actually looked at this from a statistical standpoint too. Don't forget, if you are listening, you should have also got a copy of the Modern Wisdom reading list, which is 100 books that you should read before you die. They're the 100 most interesting and impactful books that I've ever read. And that list is completely free on the internet waiting for you. So go to chriswillx.com/books to get your copy for free right now. That's chriswillx.com/books. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Shopify is the global commerce platform that helps you sell at every stage of your business. From the launch your online shop stage to the first real life store stage, all the way to the, did we just hit a million orders stage? Shopify is there to help you grow. Whether you're selling scented soap or offering outdoor outfits, Shopify helps you sell everywhere. From that all-in-one e-commerce platform to their in-person POS system, wherever and whatever you're selling, Shopify has got you covered. Shopify helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet's best converting checkout. 36% better on average compared to other leading commerce platforms. You would be amazed at how many massive brands you love use Shopify. Gymshark, perhaps one of the biggest independent sportswear companies in the world, uses Shopify and if it is good enough for them, it is good enough for you. So, if you are looking to get started at selling something online, Shopify is the easiest, quickest and most convenient way to do it. Plus, you can sign up for a $1 per month trial period at shopify.com/modernwisdom, all lowercase. That's shopify.com/modernwisdom to grow your business, no matter what stage you're in. This episode is brought to you by Manscaped. If you are a guy who is still using an old face shaver from four Christmases ago to trim your gentleman's area, grow up. Come on, join us here in the modern world. There are purpose-built tools for the job and Manscaped Lawnmower 4 is the best ball and body hair trimmer ever created. It's got a cutting-edge ceramic blade to reduce grooming accidents, a 90-minute battery so that you can take a longer shave, waterproof technology which allows you to groom in the shower, and an LED light which illuminates grooming areas for a closer and more precise trim or if you just wanted to do it in the dark. They've also upgraded to a 7,000 RPM motor with quiet struck technology. It's got a wireless charging system that helps the battery to last even longer. Altogether, it means that you're going to hate trimming your body hair far less and you can get free shipping worldwide plus a 20% discount. If you go to manscaped.com/modernwisdom and use the code modern wisdom, a checkout. That's manscaped.com/modernwisdom and modern wisdom, a checkout. This episode is brought to you by Element. Stop having coffee first thing in the morning. Your adenosine system that caffeine acts on isn't even active for the first 90 minutes of the day, but your adrenal system is and salt acts on your adrenal system. Element contains a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium with no junk, no sugar, no coloring, artificial ingredients, gluten fillers or any other BS. It plays a critical role in reducing muscle cramps and fatigue whilst optimizing brain health, regulating appetite and curbing cravings. It's how I've started my morning every single day for over three years now and I absolutely love it. That orange flavor in a cold glass of water first thing in the morning is fantastic. It is the best way to start the day. Also, there are no BS, no questions, ask refund policy. So, if you do not like it for any reason, they will give you your money back and you don't even need to return the box. That's how confident they are that you love it. Head to drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom to get a free sample pack of all eight flavors with your first box. That's drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom.