Cancel Culture Lesson Presentation

The concept of "cancel culture" is a contentious topic explored in a lesson presentation for Key Stage 2 pupils. The session begins with a starter question, "What’s social media for?" encouraging children to consider the various uses of social media, such as catching up with friends, following influencers, engaging in debates, or sharing content. Pupils are tasked with discussing or mind-mapping the social media platforms they use and their purposes. The lesson then delves into the nuanced discussion of "cancel culture," a phenomenon where public figures may be ostracised or boycotted due to their actions or statements. The presentation prompts students to consider whether "cancel culture" is fair and to explore the ramifications of such actions through case studies of celebrities who have faced public backlash.

As part of the lesson, pupils engage in partner talks and class tasks to debate the fairness of "cancel culture" and its impact on individuals' lives. They are presented with scenarios involving public figures like JK Rowling, Kevin Hart, Jodie Comer, and Wiley, to evaluate whether these individuals should be "cancelled" based on their controversial actions or statements. The discussion extends to the consequences of "cancelling" someone and whether the punishment fits the perceived transgression. The lesson encourages critical thinking by asking students to vote and articulate their opinions on various statements related to "cancel culture," its effectiveness as a social corrective, and the importance of allowing room for growth and education in response to mistakes.