LeVar Burton is defending cancel culture, suggesting that the term be relabeled "consequence culture" to give a more accurate portrayal of what the movement is about.
The "Star Trek" actor got into a discussion about the topic during an interview with Meghan McCain on "The View." During his appearance, Burton explained that the term is wrongly used to explain a sense of accountability.
"In terms of cancel culture, I think it's misnamed, that's a misnomer. I think we have a consequence culture and that consequences are finally encompassing everybody in the society. Whereas they haven't been, ever, in this country," Burton said, according to Newsweek.
"I think there are good signs in the culture, and I think it has everything to do with a new awareness on people who were simply unaware of the real nature of life in this country for people who have been othered since this nation began.".
LeVar and McCain also spoke about the discontinuation of six Dr. Seuss books. Dr. Seuss Enterprises announced earlier this year that the books would be pulled due to racist and insensitive imagery.
"These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong," Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press in a statement. "Ceasing sales of these books is only part of our commitment and our broader plan to ensure Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ catalog represents and supports all communities and families," it said.
“Dr. Seuss Enterprises listened and took feedback from our audiences including teachers, academics and specialists in the field as part of our review process. We then worked with a panel of experts, including educators, to review our catalog of titles," the company further stated.
Commenting on the books' discontinuation, Burton said there was more to Dr. Seuss than simply a "company that's decided to put a couple of books on the shelf."
"That man — Theodor Geisel — is responsible for generations of wholesome, healthy, wonderful, imaginative, creative content for children of all ages," he added.
Burton has previously expressed his support for Dr. Seuss Enterprises' decision to pull the books. In an interview with CNN, the actor said that the company was acting responsibly.
"In the general sense, once you know better, it is incumbent on you to do better. And I think that is exactly what Seuss Enterprises is doing here,” he said. “They are being a responsible steward of the brand."
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Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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