At first glance, it’s hard to see how a viral story involving a college student, a Jewish employer, a UFC fighter, and the San Francisco Giants’ “Pride” night could be connected, but they all showcase a broader issue.
Cancel culture reached a peak during the George Floyd riots. Initially focused on race, it has since expanded to encompass various topics, including sexual ideology, election outcomes, new fears around the coronavirus, and even political beliefs. It seems that no one can truly shield themselves from the left’s backlash.
Under the Biden administration, many Americans have faced unjust persecution. For instance, pro-life advocates found themselves targeted by armed federal agents. Families were torn apart, with some parents losing jobs or even facing jail time. Lives were upended for those who resisted the “approved” narrative. Although the right pledged to avoid falling into similar cancellation traps, just a couple of years after the left lost power, they seem to be doing just that, dragging innocents into the fray.
A 19-year-old Cornell University student, Austin Franco, recently faced backlash after he rejected a summer internship interview with a Jewish-managed startup in New York, citing his reluctance to work for Jews. His potential employer, Gabe Einhorn, shared screenshots of their exchange online, leading to a viral uproar. This incident not only brought unintended attention to Franco but also sparked a furious backlash from the right.
Interestingly, a Texas-based lawyer named Austin Franco, who shares a name with the student, has found himself in hot water too. People mistook him for the Cornell student and began targeting his law practice and social media. He felt compelled to clarify the confusion, stating that while his social media platforms are being bombarded with messages, he hasn’t broken any laws.
This Austin Franco remarked on how the undergrad strikingly resembles him, adding to the confusion as publications like the New York Post and Fox News featured the student’s image prominently in their articles.
The media, including some conservative outlets, have been covering this story heavily, inadvertently casting the Texas lawyer as a villain.
In a similar vein, the right criticized UFC heavyweight Josh Hokitt after he made an odd comment about Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview. Voices from the right were quick to denounce Hokitt, including notable figures like Senator Lindsey Graham. Despite the absurdity of the comment, the media is calling for both Trump and Hokitt to condemn it.
Additionally, San Francisco Giants players faced scrutiny after they wrote Bible verses on their hats in response to the MLB’s mandatory participation in Pride Night. Both media and activists sought to ruin their careers over their dissent.
When Trump returned to office, many Americans declared that such levels of cancel culture would not be tolerated again, given the damage it has already inflicted on the nation. Cities were destroyed, churches were attacked, and many innocent people became social outcasts—have we truly forgotten those days?
In America, differing opinions should be welcomed. It’s crucial to fight against anyone imposing their ideology on others. Yet, if the right starts behaving like the left—aggressively wielding pitchforks—we risk losing ourselves.
Those on the right don’t have to endorse every wrong act, but they shouldn’t feel justified in joining the mob mentality. We’ve seen that mob rule tends to consume everyone in its path.
