I grew up in a household where having a different opinion was okay. You had to justify what you believe, but it was okay that you felt different. I remember countless arguments between my Sister and my Dad.

Today, we live in a culture where silencing voices with whom you disagree has become the norm. Instead of debating ideas, too many resort to shutting people down or not even talking to them. The push to "cancel" someone simply because their words or views make others uncomfortable.

Public shaming has been around for centuries, but the term “cancel” started as slang in the late ’80s and ’90s, used in movies and music to mean cutting ties. Then it exploded with social media’s amplification from ALL sides of the political divide.

Now, it has shown itself in the controversy surrounding the cancellation of Jimmy Kimmel (whether you agree with him or not). This isn’t just about a late-night host; it’s about free speech. What we’re really seeing is cancel culture in action: the push to silence or punish someone simply because their words or views make others uncomfortable.

Free speech means tolerating, even defending, the expression of views you don’t share or like. Once we normalize silencing others, we risk losing the open discussion and dissent that democracy depends on. I fear that we already have.