Freedom Fries and the Truth Behind Cancel Culture

Frequently dismissed as a non-existent phenomenon, cancel culture has been described and often exaggerated by conservative critics. One of the most absurd examples often cited is the Freedom Fries incident during the US invasion of Iraq. However, this instance was far from a symbol of a broader trend towards cancel culture, as it was a politically motivated and short-lived event with little real impact.

Freedom Fries: A Silly political Gesture

The renaming of French Fries to Freedom Fries was nothing more than a political stunt employed by the Neo-Con Republicans.

During the Bush administration, particularly under President George W. Bush and his advisors such as Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and Donald Rumsfeld, the US government sought to distance itself from its European counterparts, especially France. The French government’s refusal to support the invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a key factor in the decision to rename French Fries.

The Costly War of Choice

The invasion of Iraq was a significant military operation backed by a coalition of nations. However, the decision to proceed with the invasion was widely regarded as a strategic misstep. It resulted in a cost of

three trillion dollars, over 15,000 new headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, and a substantial toll on the lives of American troops, not to mention the even greater devastation in Iraq itself.

The Real Victims of the War

The war had profound and devastating consequences for the Iraqi people. Countless

women and children were either killed, maimed, or displaced. The once-flourishing Iraqi society of Jews, Christians, and Kurds

experienced a significant decline in living standards, with the loss of secularism, health, and educational facilities. The country's vibrant communities, including businesses and socio-cultural diversity, were severely impacted.

Behind the Stunt: An Attempt to Mobilize Public Support

The renaming of French Fries to Freedom Fries was a ploy to mobilize public support for the war. Such actions were part of a broader strategy to whip up nationalism and wartime fervor among the electorate. These stunts are indicative of a larger manipulation of public opinion by those in power.

The Misconception of Cancel Culture

Compared to the Freedom Fries incident, cancel culture is a much more complex and pervasive phenomenon. While Freedom Fries was a fleeting gesture, cancel culture refers to a wide-ranging attempt to hold individuals or institutions accountable for past actions through public pressure and calls for self-scrutiny.

What is Cancel Culture?

Cancel culture involves the public derailing or attempting to damage the careers and reputations of individuals or organizations based on past actions, often through social media campaigns. While this can be a force for good, such as in cases where individuals or entities engage in harmful behavior, it can also be used to suppress legitimate discourse.

Conclusion

The Freedom Fries incident was a political spectacle with little lasting impact. It was not indicative of a broader trend like cancel culture, which is a much more complex and enduring phenomenon. Understanding the true nature of these concepts is key to navigating the often confusing world of contemporary politics and social issues.