For those even marginally concerned about the implications of cancel culture one question goes to the heart of the issue.
When someone has been canceled - ostracized in some way from society or a portion of society - are they ever eligible for a reprieve? Who gets to decide when someone is allowed back in? Who gets to decide whether the canceled person is entitled to another chance at a complete and perhaps public life.
Last month in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Mayor Joseph Ganim(D) seemed to offer yet another lesson in how to make a comeback.
He is now well into his second long run as mayor of Bridgeport. The first time(1991-2003) things ended poorly with a corruption conviction and a prison term. Once out, he began his comeback and was re-elected in 2015 and has been serving as mayor ever since. He won re-election once again at the end of February after a contested election process that began last fall.
The comeback began with a public apology and was followed up with a daily effort to be the opposite of every thing his critics claim he is, or warned that he might become. The burden on him is especially difficult. Any convicted felon must constantly prove that he has reformed himself or herself. But a felon convicted of crimes while in public office has an extra burden and is subject to extra scrutiny.
Ganim’s case proves there is a way back. In last month’s election he was endorsed by every Democrat holding major office in the state. Each one of them making the endorsement while fully aware of Ganim’s previous mis-deeds. The value of political endorsements is often debated, but at the very least the backing Ganim was able to secure came from successful politicians with no incentive to put their own reputations on the line for a candidate known for corruption while in office. He must have convinced them their decision was without risk.
Bottom Line: There is a road back from being canceled. Apology is only the first step. What follows is more difficult. What follows is a daily effort to never stray or even come close to breaking the rules again.