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Call-out culture (also referred to as outrage culture) is a form of public humiliation or shaming that aims to hold individuals and groups accountable for actions other individuals or groups perceive to be offensive or discriminatory. Those other individuals or groups then call attention to this behavior, usually on social media. A variant of the term, cancel culture, describes a form of boycott in which someone (usually a celebrity) who has shared a questionable or hypocritical  opinion, or has had behavior in their past that is perceived to be either offensive called out on social media, is "canceled"; they are completely boycotted by many of their followers or supporters, often leading to massive declines in celebrities' (almost always social media personalities) careers and fanbase. Many believe that this sort of public shaming is toxic and counterproductive in seeking equality. However, some do believe that call-outs are necessary, especially when harassment or abuse is at play. Due to the highly polarized nature of this debate, many have sought other methods of pointing out discrimination without publicly shaming a person. One method derived from this is that of "calling-in," where instead of publicly calling out behavior, the perpetrator is taken aside and privately spoken to about their indicated discrimination and prejudices. There are pros and cons to the use of this method as well.

Description
Michael Bérubé, a professor of literature at Pennsylvania State University, states, "in social media, what is known as 'call-out culture' and 'ally theater' (in which people demonstrate their bona fides as allies of a vulnerable population) often produces a swell of online outrage that demands that a post or a tweet be taken down or deleted".

Call-out culture began as a method for Black femmes to put a stop on harassment felt on multiple social media platforms. However, there is much controversy on whether or not it can be beneficial when used in the current day. Some believe that calling out is a necessary means to prevent online bullying and promote awareness of social issues, while others think that call-out culture is toxic, counter-productive, and divisive.

One derivative of call-out culture is the idea of cancel culture. Lisa Nakamura, a professor at the University of Michigan, described cancel culture as a "cultural boycott", adding that "when you deprive someone of your attention, you're depriving them of a livelihood." Cancel culture seeks to end " an individual’s career or prominence to hold them accountable for immoral behavior." Critics argue that cancel culture assigns moral blame too quickly and decisively, and that the general populous shows equal outrage against those who have committed heinous crimes and those who have made more minor mistakes. However, condemnations of "cancel culture" are sometimes thought of as complaints to delegitimize criticism, especially when consequences result. The consequences of criticism have also been exaggerated.

Pros to call-out culture
Call-out culture began as a means for defense against harassment on social media. Black femmes would face threats of rape, death, or other violent acts, where calling out seemed to be the only method of prevention that worked. Some argue that calling out is a tool to be used for marginalized communities to get their voices heard, and that due to few alternatives, the ability to call out harassment, racism, and other violent, discriminatory, or oppressive acts is important. Call-out culture is also beneficial in taking power out of the hands of those who commit acts of violence, especially with regards to sexual harassment. Calling out these instances of violence can allow for justice against specific perpetrators, while also reshaping what is considered acceptable by society, thereby preventing future cases of violence.

Call out culture has also become prevalent in the fashion industry. The public holds designers and marketers accountable when they notice copycat products, or even other discriminatory or bigoted appropriations in fashion, through calling them out.

Cons to call-out culture
While there are many useful aspects to call-out culture, many believe that the toxicity and polarization it brings outweighs its benefits. Loretta Ross, an African American academic, feminist, and activist says that, "We’re a polarized country, divided by white supremacy, patriarchy, racism against immigrants and increasingly vitriolic ways to disrespect one another. Are we evolving or devolving in our ability to handle conflicts?" She believes that calling out is used today as a vicious means to discredit people, and that there are much more effective ways to promote social justice. In fact, she believes that call-out culture is "toxic and counterproductive", and only divides society more. Call outs also contribute to many aspects of online shaming, including the alienation of individuals who make a small misstep, which has ruined the careers of many public figures.

Call-In Culture
Due to backlash over call-out culture, a new method of pointing out discrimination, called "calling-in", was created. This method seeks to privately discuss a person's behavior with them, in order to prevent public shaming. Supporters argue that it takes away from the "performative" nature of call-outs, where an individual may call-out another just to debase and degrade their reputation. However, others argue that calling-out is still necessary if multiple attempts to call-in do not work.