CARP 2021 Conference
Character Assassination & Cancel Culture
September 24–26, 2021 · Virtual Conference
Conference Overview
The CARP III International Conference focused on contemporary issues associated with cancel culture
from a variety of disciplinary and cultural angles, attracting scholars from 13 countries.
While character assassination has taken a variety of forms throughout history, a particularly current and controversial
practice of social ostracism has bred “cancel culture.” Cancel culture refers to when a person, typically a public
figure, is expelled from their social or professional circles as a result of offensive behavior, real or alleged.
The expression is mostly used by those who feel they are being unfairly punished for minor transgressions.
As a form of public shaming, those who are “canceled” may be scapegoated or stigmatized and exposed to the judgment
and bullying of the public. Canceled individuals may, in perception or reality, find themselves silenced and unable
to speak on their own behalf. While cancel culture is often linked to the rise of social media, practices of silencing
and social exclusion have many historical antecedents, ranging from public scapegoating rituals to rebellious mobs
tearing down the statues of disgraced individuals.
Keynote Address
Featured Speaker
About the Keynote
Emily A. Vogels is a Research Associate at the Pew Research Center, where she conducts research on
technology’s role in society. Her expertise in digital behavior and online harassment makes her an
ideal speaker to address the intersection of cancel culture and digital platforms.
At Pew Research Center, Vogels focuses on how Americans use technology and social media, providing
critical insights into the mechanisms and impacts of online public shaming and cancel culture phenomena.
Conference Themes
Cancel Culture & Social Ostracism
- Contemporary practices of social and professional exclusion
- Public shaming and scapegoating in digital environments
- The relationship between cancel culture and character assassination
- Historical antecedents of social exclusion practices
Digital Platforms & Strategic Deception
- Role of social media in amplifying cancel culture
- Online platforms as sites of character assassination
- Strategic use of deception in cancellation campaigns
- Impact of digital echo chambers on public opinion
International Perspectives on Cancel Culture
With scholars from 13 countries participating, the conference provided diverse cultural and disciplinary
perspectives on cancel culture phenomena. Sessions examined how cancel culture manifests differently
across various cultural contexts, political systems, and media environments, providing a comprehensive
global view of contemporary character assassination practices.
Conference Sessions
Conference Materials & Resources
Access the complete conference report and additional materials from the CARP 2021 Conference
on Character Assassination and Cancel Culture.
Conference Documents
Additional Resources
Original Conference Page
Complete details and context from the original conference website
CARP Research Lab
Learn more about ongoing character assassination and cancel culture research
Keynote Speaker Bio
Learn more about Emily A. Vogels and her research at Pew Research Center
Research Focus Areas
The 2021 conference addressed critical contemporary issues around cancel culture and its relationship
to traditional character assassination practices.
Cancel Culture Phenomena
- Social Ostracism – Contemporary practices of professional and social exclusion
- Public Shaming – Digital amplification of scapegoating and stigmatization
- Silencing Effects – Impact on individuals’ ability to defend themselves
Digital Environment
- Social Media Dynamics – Platform mechanisms that enable cancel culture
- Viral Campaigns – How cancellation efforts spread and gain momentum
- Echo Chambers – Role of algorithmic amplification in public shaming
Historical Context
- Historical Antecedents – Connection to past practices of social exclusion
- Scapegoating Rituals – Traditional forms of public shaming and ostracism
- Iconoclasm – Historical precedents for statue destruction and symbol rejection
Global Perspectives
- Cross-Cultural Analysis – How cancel culture manifests in different societies
- Political Systems – Variations across democratic and authoritarian contexts
- Media Environments – Impact of different digital infrastructure on cancellation
Conference Related Videos
Explore video content that connects to the key themes discussed at the CARP 2021 Conference on Character Assassination and Cancel Culture.
An overview of character assassination research methodologies and key concepts explored by the CARP Lab.
Exploring how institutional trust crisis affects reputation management and cancel culture dynamics.
Analysis of contemporary political discourse and the role of cancel culture in modern conflicts.
Related Research Content
Explore additional CARP Lab research on character assassination, cancel culture, and digital harassment
that connects to the themes discussed at the 2021 conference.
Character Assassination Research Overview
A comprehensive overview of the CARP Lab’s research program and methodological approaches to studying cancel culture.
The CARP Lab’s research program directly addresses the challenges explored at the 2021 conference,
providing evidence-based insights into how cancel culture functions as a modern form of character
assassination and its effects on democratic discourse and individual rights.
Learn more about ongoing research into digital harassment, public shaming mechanisms, and the
defense strategies available to those targeted by cancel culture campaigns.