Chris Harrison, the host of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” became the latest victim to fall beneath the spiraling woke snowball of cancel culture.
As reported by The Daily Wire, Harrison “announced this weekend that he was stepping aside ‘for a period of time’ following accusations that he perpetuated racism when he asked that an embattled contestant be given ‘grace’ and an opportunity to explain an allegedly racist photo.”
“This historic season of The Bachelor should not be marred or overshadowed by my mistakes or diminished by my actions,” Harrison added. “To that end, I have consulted with Warner Bros. and ABC and will be stepping aside for a period of time and will not join for the After the Final Rose special.”
Harrison stands as an example of the true danger of cancel culture, because he demonstrates the “associative” demands of the radical Left. His “crime” was to appear to defend the actions of someone who themselves became a target for cancelation. In an interview, Harrison criticized cancel culture, asked fans not to act as “judge, jury, and executioner,” and to afford the now-canceled Rachael Kirkconnell “a little grace, a little understanding,” giving her the opportunity to explain and perhaps apologize.
“We all need to have a little grace, a little understanding, a little compassion. Because I have seen some stuff online — this judge, jury, executioner thing where people are just tearing this girl’s life apart and diving into, like, her parents, her parents’ voting record. It’s unbelievably alarming to watch this,” said Harrison.
For this, Harrison is canceled, not because his behavior triggered his selection for cancelation, but because he dared to stand in front of the mob. He stepped out from the shadows of ideological anonymity, planted his feet, and said “no.”
As we find ourselves at a crossroads between sanity and insanity, it’s important that we both applaud Chris Harrison for attempting to do what was right and follow his lead. Or else, all will eventually be lost.
The power of the mob relies upon the assumption that enough people will remain silent out of fear. As individuals are singled out and targeted for cancelation, many heave a sigh of relief as — at least for today — they remain safe. Those who are left alone are then easy to drive from civilized society, with no one left to defend them.
That is why the radical Left attack those who stand up in defense of the canceled with such ferocious hatred. It is to make an example of them, to terrify those among us who disagree with their strategies but are fearful of falling under their spotlight.
At times like these, we need to understand the fundamental weakness which underlies the strength of the “cancel culture” mob. If we unite behind those who are targeted for cancelation and voice our loud, confident, and combined rejection of the illiberal foundation of cancel culture, we have the opportunity to render the radical Left powerless.
If we continue to hide in relief that we are safe for another day, they won’t stop.
Ian Haworth is an Editor and Writer for The Daily Wire. Follow him on Twitter at @ighaworth.
The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.