How about some wisdom from an unlikely place?
When people think of pearls of wisdom, the first thing to mind may not be the world of pop stardom. But a singer with that undeniable credential has something important to say about cancel culture.
Singer Kelly Roland, of the multi-platinum group Destiny’s Child, posted to Instagram about grace — the kind that comes from people, and the sort that’s given by our Creator.
Are those “canceling” their fellow Americans playing God?
Kelly’s message was simple, but truly profound:
“In this ‘cancel culture’ we live in, I am so grateful God never canceled me, and I’m sure he could’ve many-a-times!
Let us always…remember not to judge others. We honestly don’t have the space nor authority [to]! Let us remember to lead with love and kindness, the world has enough negativity…”
In my view, she’s right on the money. Thanks to social media and what appears to be a darkening of the American heart, callous words and condemning calls for cancellation have penetrated the culture disastrously. In particularly over the last few months, people have been shunned, attacked — and in some cases — lost their careers over not agreeing with one outrage mob or another.
As someone pointed out not long ago, the internet and sites such as Twitter have taken society to a place it was never meant to go — one’s words and actions may now be broadcast to crowds unreachable at any other time in human history. And that same miracle works in the opposite direction: When before could someone feel the pressure of millions coming down on them with such a sledge hammer of shame?
Secondly, attitudes toward speech, conformity, diversity of thought, and tolerance have been wildly transformed.
In addition to a revival of forgiveness, we desperately need a return to the era of “agree to disagree.” And where grace doesn’t abound, it’s only a matter of time before the standard of perfect performance eats the purveyors of such a scourge.
For anyone who believes in a holy God, there inherently lies a conviction that every soul requires mercy.
The less we forgive others, the less Godly the world becomes.
The outrage mob would do well to take Kelly’s words to heart.
As for Destiny’s Child, if you’re unaware, the group gave birth to solo artist phenomenon Beyoncé. Over the course of five albums, the ensemble racked up 14 Hot 100 singles, including 2001’s massive #1, “Bootylicious.” As per TheCelebsCloset, DC sold 60 million records.
Of course, Kelly isn’t the only entertainer to chop away at #CancelCulture — as I covered in July, Monty Python great John Cleese took a turn, reminding the world what makes life worth living as it relates to performing comedy:
“[Cancel culture] misunderstands the main [purpose] of life, which is to have fun.”
“Everything humorous is critical,” the comedy legend noted. “If you have someone who is perfectly kind and intelligent and flexible and who always behaves appropriately, they’re not funny. Funniness is about people who don’t do that…”
He lamented to Reuters:
“[Comedians] have to set the bar according to what we are told by the most touchy, most emotionally unstable and fragile and least stoic people in the country.”
People, that is, who need fun and grace like the rest of us.
Thank you to Kelly and John for messages the world needs to hear.
-ALEX
See more pieces from me:
Politician Pelosi Recoils at Trump Accepting the Political Nomination From the White House – That’d be Politicizing It
Man’s Penis Falls Off, Doctor Adds One to His Arm
Drew Brees Kneels on Taking a Stand: Systemic Racism is a Problem, and He’s Sorry He ‘Hurt a Lot of People’
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