Venkatesh Rao

Cancel culture is an economic mechanism that only works on middle class folks who need to apply for jobs. Donald Sterling still collects rent. His Disney stock still appreciates.

I think there's a prior issue here, namely what do you mean by "elites accountable"? I can't tell if your assertion is that elites don't have to follow the law, or if you think they owe us some sort of noblesse oblige. ie what's the complain BEYOND "the law should kick in"?

What I see in cancel culture is not something defensible in the way comments are saying, because the law would do that. Cancel is way of saying "well it may not be illegal, but we oppose it, so...". ie it's the same demand for conformity that we see in every society ever.

Delete culture? (French revolution style) Let's hope we all figure this out before that.