Black Women, White Apathy and Why a Leopard Ate Jimmy Kimmel's Face

Jimmy Kimmel is not a victim of "cancel culture." But he is the perfect example of what happens when white people are silent in the face of racism.

(Screenshot, “Jimmy Kimmel Live”)

There is no such thing as “cancel culture.”

Defined as “a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure,” the premise of the popular Caucasian American Vernacular English catchphrase does exist in theory. But in reality, no one can ever provide an actual example of someone who was actually canceled.

Chrisette Michele was known for not selling records long before she was canceled for performing at Donald Trump’s inauguration. ( I tried to interview her in Florence, S.C., a few weeks before she sang for Orange Hitler, when she was touring with a Tyler Perry-like adaptation of Love Jones.) Louis CK was canceled so hard in 2017 that he was recently forced to accept two Grammys and perform in shitholes like Madison Square Garden. Sadly, no one knows what happened to forgotten victims of the “woke mob” like Dave Chappelle, Aaron Rodgers or Doja Cat after cancel culture came for them. Moreover, the individuals who criticize celebrities and withdraw their support are usually reacting to things that these stars have actually done.

When I heard that one of the largest media corporations on the planet had turned its back on one of its outlets’ most beloved hosts, I was shocked. Still, I did not blame cancel culture. I don’t expect loyalty from corporate oligarchs, network executives or white people. Media conglomerates are run by white businessmen who are only concerned with profits and shareholder returns.

I knew the white decision-makers were bowing to pressure from federal regulators, right-wing outrage and personal attacks by Donald Trump’s social media accounts. The C-suite (you know what the C stands for) understands that even the most progressive white liberals don’t care when a Black woman loses her job.

Oh, wait … did you think I was talking about Jimmy Kimmel?