Addressing Cancel Culture in Public Relations
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the dynamics of Public Relations have undergone a significant transformation with cancel culture emerging as a prevalent and trend-worthy phenomenon. As PR professionals, it is crucial to adeptly discern its relevance to day-to-day occurrences to navigate this evolving dynamic.
Unpacking the Importance
Why does cancel culture deserve the spotlight in our daily PR hustle? The answer lies in the fundamental fabric of public relations: our reputation. In a world where reputations can be built or shattered with a single hashtag, understanding the dynamics of cancel culture is the key to safeguarding the essence of our brands. Allowing anyone, anywhere, to criticize a carefully crafted brand can be frustrating. It’s crucial to understand the detrimental impact cancel culture can have on your brand.
Survival Responses for PR Pros
Successfully navigating cancel culture in the PR realm involves a strategic blend of authenticity and calculated communication. It necessitates a keen understanding of reputation management and a proactive approach to crisis response. Navigating cancel culture in PR requires authenticity and calculated communication, especially in the digital age of social media. As PR specialists, our role involves building images, relationships, and trusted communications, adapting to the significant influence of platforms like Instagram. In a Forbes article How To Survive In PR During An Era Of Cancel Culture, the author states, “We all have so much we want to say, whether it is online or offline. But do we need to say it all? Absolutely not.” Keeping ego in check is essential; not every thought needs to be expressed, and leaders are advised to stay true to their narrative without jumping on every bandwagon. Remaining the best version of oneself is vital in building a brand or business. Successfully navigating cancel culture in PR demands a blend of authenticity, strategic communication, and a commitment to staying true to one's narrative amidst the challenges of the digital age.
Proactive PR Strategies
Developing a strategy for handling the cancel culture your brand may face is crucial. Valuable insights may arise from the criticism, and it's essential to grow and embrace transparency as you learn more about your brand. “Once an issue or opportunity has been identified, let’s get real. Your audience appreciates honesty and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to own up to your mistakes and take responsibility” said MediaMogulsPR. Instead of getting defensive, it’s important to take responsibility for the accusations being made about your brand. Being able to back up who you are and being willing to talk candidly to your audience will build trust with the public. The next one you want to pay close attention to is being alert as to what is happening around you at all times, and you will be able to quickly put your PR hat on. The final and most important PR strategy is creating a crisis management plan. We have the “power to make words, concepts and people find huge audiences '' explains Lisa Fels Davitt. Successfully handling brand cancellations involves transparent communication, continuous learning, and a proactive crisis management plan. Authenticity and vigilance play a pivotal role in the dynamic field of public relations.
Finalizing Cancel Culture in PR
Public relations has significantly changed in today's fast-paced world, and cancel culture is a big deal. As a PR professional, it's crucial to understand how it fits into our daily hustle. Cancel culture matters because it's all about our brands’ reputation. In a world where one hashtag can make or break us, grasping how cancel culture works is critical to protecting our brand. Navigating cancel culture means being authentic and communicating carefully, especially in the social media-dominated digital age. As PR specialists, we build images and relationships, adapting to the impact of platforms like Instagram. It's about being true to ourselves and handling challenges in the digital age. By staying authentic and resilient in the face of challenges, we not only shape compelling narratives but also foster enduring connections in the ever-changing digital age.
About Alexandra
Alexandra Lucaj is a senior studying Advertising and Public Relations. Alexandra is GVPRSSA’s VP of Member Services for the 2023-2024 academic school year. She had previously been VP of Public Relations. She is the visual media coordinator for GrandPR, Grand Valley State University’s student-run, nationally-affiliated, and student-run integrated communications firm. She was the Community Relations Intern for the West Michigan Whitecaps and this fall she was the Communication Intern for Boileau Communications Firm, and now interns at the Grand Rapids Gold as the Game Day Presentation Intern. In her free time, she loves to go to Grand Haven and go on any adventures that come her way. Alexandra is also involved in AASO, the Albanian-American Student Organization as the current president for the 2023-2024 school year. After graduation, Alexandra would love to work for a professional sports team doing PR-specific work.
