Mistake is an incident, Not an Identity: A Reflection on Cancel Culture

The phrase "a mistake is an event, not an identity" serves as a potent reminder that our errors do not encapsulate who we are as individuals.

While mistakes are inevitable and often catalysts for growth, society today—particularly in the age of social media—tends to judge in absolutes. This is especially true in "cancel culture," where public missteps can lead to widespread condemnation and exclusion, sometimes permanently. But is it just to define a person entirely by their errors, ignoring the potential for learning and redemption?

At its heart, this concept emphasizes the difference between actions and identity. A mistake is an event—something that happens, can be regretted, learned from, and rectified. It doesn't necessarily mirror the whole of a person's character, values, or potential to grow. Mistakes are universal, whether they are ethical, social, or intellectual, yet they remain just that—incidents.