In recent years, the rise of social media has given Rwandans more freedom to express their thoughts, criticize public figures, and hold people accountable for their actions. But along with this freedom has come a powerful trend, cancel culture. It is a phenomenon where people on social media unite to “cancel” or reject someone, often a celebrity, politician, influencer, or even a regular person, because of something they said or did.
The idea sounds simple: people must be responsible for their words and actions, especially in a society that values respect and unity. But the reality is more complicated. Cancel culture in Rwanda raises an important question: is it really about accountability, or is it just another form of online bullying?
The Rise of Cancel Culture in Rwanda
Social media platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have become central spaces for public discussion in Rwanda. News spreads fast, and so do scandals. When a famous person makes a controversial statement, behaves inappropriately, or is caught in a scandal, Rwandans online are quick to react.
We have seen cases where celebrities faced backlash for offensive jokes, artists were criticized for song lyrics, or politicians were called out for careless remarks. The public uses hashtags, memes, and heated debates to demand apologies, boycotts, or even career consequences.
This trend has empowered ordinary citizens. In the past, it was difficult for people to openly criticize powerful figures, but now, through cancel culture, the public can demand accountability without waiting for official institutions.
Accountability: The Positive Side
There is a positive side to cancel culture. It can encourage accountability and responsibility. In a society like Rwanda’s where respect, dignity, and reconciliation are highly valued, cancel culture sometimes acts as a watchdog.
For example:
When someone uses tribalistic or discriminatory language, social media reactions remind people that such speech has no place in modern Rwanda.
When influencers misuse their platforms to mislead people with false information, online pressure forces them to correct their mistakes.
When public figures engage in unethical behavior, cancel culture pushes them to apologize and reflect.
In these cases, cancel culture can be seen as a modern way of saying: “We, the people, do not accept this behavior.” It creates awareness and sometimes prevents harmful behavior from spreading.
The Dark Side: Online Bullying
But cancel culture is not always about accountability. Too often, it turns into online bullying. Instead of encouraging growth and learning, it sometimes becomes an angry mob, attacking individuals without giving them a chance to explain themselves or change.
One big problem is that not everyone who gets “canceled” actually committed a serious wrong. Sometimes, it could be a small mistake, a poorly worded joke, or even a misunderstanding. But once social media users pick it up, the person can face humiliation, threats, and loss of opportunities.
Another issue is that cancel culture does not always allow forgiveness. Even when someone apologizes sincerely, the online crowd might continue to shame them. This creates fear and silence, where people avoid speaking openly because they worry about being attacked.
In Rwanda, where unity and reconciliation are pillars of society, this unforgiving nature of cancel culture can be very harmful. Instead of promoting dialogue, it can deepen divisions and spread hatred.
Cancel Culture and Freedom of Expression
There is also a wider debate about freedom of speech. Rwanda, like many countries, is working to balance free expression with responsibility. Cancel culture complicates this balance. On one hand, it empowers people to call out harmful speech. On the other hand, it can silence people who are afraid of being judged or misinterpreted.
For example, young people who want to speak about sensitive issues such as politics, culture, or gender equality, might avoid social media debates for fear of being “canceled.” This can kill important conversations that society needs to have.
Finding the Middle Ground
So, is cancel culture accountability or online bullying? The truth is, it can be both. It depends on how it is used.
Cancel culture becomes useful when it:
- Demands accountability for harmful behavior.
- Promotes awareness and encourages positive change.
- Gives people a chance to apologize and grow.
But it becomes toxic when it:
- Attacks individuals without evidence.
- Turns small mistakes into major scandals.
- Refuses forgiveness even after someone has changed.
As Rwandans, we must ask ourselves: are we canceling to correct, or canceling to destroy? Are we using social media as a tool for justice, or as a weapon for hate?
Towards a Healthier Online Culture
To move forward, Rwandans need to build a healthier online culture. Here are a few steps:
Pause Before You Post – Before joining a cancel campaign, ask yourself: Is this true? Is it fair? Am I helping or just adding fuel to hate?
Encourage Dialogue – Instead of shaming someone immediately, invite them to explain or learn from the situation.
Allow Growth – People make mistakes, but they can change. Cancel culture should focus on correction, not permanent punishment.
Hold Power to Account – Use cancel culture responsibly by focusing on issues that truly harm society, not on personal grudges or minor errors.
Cancel culture in Rwanda is a double-edged sword. On one side, it promotes accountability and gives the public power to demand better from leaders, influencers, and even everyday citizens. On the other side, it risks turning into online bullying that silences voices, spreads fear, and damages lives.
The challenge for Rwandans is to use social media wisely, balancing accountability with compassion, and criticism with forgiveness. Only then can cancel culture become a force for positive change rather than destruction.
In the end, the question is not whether cancel culture should exist, but how we, as a society, choose to use it. Will we build each other up, or tear each other down? The answer is in our hands, and in our po…
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
