The term “cancel culture” has become a lightning rod for debate in modern society. For some, it represents an unfair witch hunt, a relentless drive to silence voices that dare to challenge mainstream narratives. For others, it is simply another name for accountability—the long-overdue reckoning of figures who, for years, have escaped consequences for their actions. Yet, what is often mistaken for “cancel culture” is, in fact, the natural process of social evolution: the recognition that what was once deemed acceptable may no longer hold up to contemporary ethical and moral scrutiny.
David Walliams vs. The “Exhausting” Reality of Accountability
David Walliams is tired, folks. The former Little Britain star has spoken out against the horrors of “cancel culture”—also known as facing consequences—after his hit comedy series was removed from streaming platforms. Apparently, it’s just so draining when audiences dare to re-evaluate outdated, offensive caricatures and decide, actually, this isn’t funny anymore.
Walliams laments that comedy is under attack, as if satire itself is being led to the gallows. But here’s the thing: humour evolves. The jokes that flew under the radar in the early 2000s aren’t immune from scrutiny just because they once got a few laughs. Maybe, just maybe, the world moving past racial stereotypes, blackface, and mocking minorities isn’t a tragic loss for comedy, but rather a sign of progress?
Of course, in the grand tradition of comedians complaining about being “silenced” (while loudly telling everyone about it in national newspapers), Walliams insists that comedians today must walk on eggshells. In reality, they just have to… be funnier without punching down. But sure, let’s cry about the “good old days” when lazy stereotypes were peak entertainment.
Cancel Culture vs. Societal Progress
Walliams is far from the only public figure decrying “cancel culture.” From Piers Morgan to J.K. Rowling, the argument is the same: the world has gone too sensitive, and the mere act of voicing an opinion can lead to public condemnation and loss of opportunities. However, what many of these critics fail to acknowledge is that cultural critique is not new. Society has always held figures to account when their words or actions no longer align with the prevailing moral compass.
Historically, there have been countless shifts in what is socially acceptable. In the mid-20th century, casual racism and sexism were common in mainstream media. Homophobic jokes and derogatory language were broadcast on primetime television without a second thought. If these things are now deemed unacceptable, it’s not because society has become too fragile—it’s because society has matured.
The Myth of “Being Silenced”
One of the most ironic elements of cancel culture discourse is that those who claim to be silenced often have some of the loudest voices in the room. Figures like Ricky Gervais, Dave Chappelle, and Jeremy Clarkson bemoan the inability to say what they want—while doing so in highly publicised Netflix specials, best-selling books, and newspaper columns. If anything, these individuals are not silenced; they are simply being met with responses that they don’t like.
In truth, cancel culture is not a systematic erasure of voices but a demand for accountability. It is the idea that actions and words have consequences and that audiences have the right to critique and reject harmful rhetoric. When Walliams and others argue that cancel culture stifles creativity, what they often mean is that they resent having to evolve their material to meet contemporary standards of decency.
Stewart Lee reveals the reality of those who bleat about cancel culture
Comedy, Evolution, and Responsibility
The best comedians adapt. The likes of Hannah Gadsby, James Acaster, Stewart Lee, and Nish Kumar have demonstrated that comedy can be sharp, irreverent, and even provocative—without resorting to lazy stereotypes or offensive tropes. The reality is that comedians are not being forced to abandon controversial topics, but they are being challenged to be smarter about how they approach them.
Rather than mourning the loss of outdated humour, performers should see this as an opportunity. Society has always dictated the boundaries of what is acceptable in entertainment. That’s not censorship; that’s culture evolving. The comedians who thrive are those who understand that comedy should reflect the world as it is, not cling to the past simply because it feels comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Cancel culture is not the death of free speech; it is the evolution of social discourse. What is truly exhausting is the refusal to acknowledge that change is not a threat but a necessity. Figures like David Walliams can lament the shifting tides all they want, but the reality is this: society is moving forward, and those who refuse to evolve with it will inevitably be left behind. After all, it’s not cancel culture that kills careers—it’s an unwillingness to grow.
Stewart Lee reveals the reality of those who bleat about cancel culture
