Poll: Voters reject 'cancel culture' by better than 3-1, but the 'very liberal' split almost evenly

While majorities of almost all demographic groups measured see cancel culture as bad, just under half of voters under 45 hold that view. Among those voters, 46% see cancel culture as bad, while 26% say it’s a good thing.

By Carrie Sheffield

Published: July 14, 2020 2:03pm

Updated: July 15, 2020 3:24pm

Voters of all ages reject "cancel culture," but older people do by larger margins than younger ones, according to the Just the News Daily Poll with Scott Rasmussen.

By a more than 3-1 ratio, respondents overall deemed cancel culture a "bad thing" (56%) rather than a "good thing" (17%).

"In a land where freedom of speech is valued, it’s not surprising that only 17% of voters see cancel culture as a good thing," Rasmussen said. "In fact, with just a pair of exceptions, a majority of voters in every measured demographic group believe cancel culture is bad for the nation."

Just the News Poll, Is cancel culture good or bad?

Just the News Daily Poll

With Scott Rasmussen

While voters of all ages tend to see cancel culture as bad, just under half of those under age 45 hold that view. Among such voters, 46% see cancel culture as bad, while 26% say it's a good thing. By an overwhelming 63%-to-11% margin, older voters reject cancel culture, in which those with unpopular views are publicly scorned or silenced.

Rasmussen noted that the other exception to those opposed to cancel culture is very liberal voters. They are fairly evenly divided: 31% see cancel culture as good, 37% bad, and 32% are not sure.

Just the News Daily Poll respondents were asked “The phrase “cancel culture” refers to a form of public shaming used to silence people whose views are deemed unacceptable. Is cancel culture a good thing because it prevents inappropriate ideas from spreading? Or is it a bad thing because it bullies people and restricts the free exchange of information and ideas?" They responded as below:

17% It is a good thing
56% It is a bad thing
27% Not Sure

The national survey of 1,200 registered voters was conducted July 9-11, 2020 by Rasmussen, a polling veteran. Margin of sampling error: +/- 2.8% for full sample.

To see the full demographic cross-tabulations for this polling question, click below:

2020-07-14 JTN Poll Crosstabs.pdf

To see the methodology and sample demographics for this polling question, click below:

2020-07-09-11 Sample + Methodology.pdf