By Dr. Rita Renee, TEDx Speaker | International Keynote Speaker | Best-Selling Author
For too long, cancel culture has thrived on one dangerous idea: if you don’t agree with the majority, you don’t deserve to speak. As someone who values individual thought and expression, I know this pressure all too well. When I stepped onto the TEDx Raleigh stage to deliver my talk, “Belonging Over Boxes – Why We Must Rethink DEI and Reclaim Excellence,” I knew I wasn’t just speaking for myself—I was challenging a narrative that many are too afraid to confront. My message was approved and published despite attempts to silence it, and that alone proves something important: courage still has a place in America.
“I refuse to shrink my voice to fit someone else’s narrative. Silence may feel safe, but it never sets you free.” – Dr. Rita Renee
The Pressure to Conform
There’s an unspoken rule in much of today’s culture: if you hold a certain viewpoint, you’re expected to conform to specific expectations. Step outside that narrative, and suddenly you’re treated as an outsider. But true diversity isn’t just about skin color; it’s about diversity of thought. To silence people with differing views is to deny the very freedom of choice our ancestors fought for.
Cancel culture punishes people for thinking differently, but that punishment is a form of control. And control has never been the path to empowerment.
“Freedom is not found in following the crowd, it’s found in standing firm when the crowd walks away.” – Dr. Rita Renee
Free Speech Is Not Optional
The First Amendment wasn’t written for speech that makes everyone comfortable; it was written to protect voices that challenge the mainstream. Today, the voices most at risk are often those who refuse to follow cultural trends. That includes individuals of every background, who face criticism simply for standing firm in their beliefs.
To cancel someone because you dislike their opinion is not progress—it’s an infringement on free speech disguised as tolerance.
Standing on Conviction, Not Popularity
I refuse to live my life silenced by the fear of being “canceled.” My values and convictions are not up for public vote. The same culture that tries to shame me for my beliefs is the same culture that says it celebrates authenticity. But authenticity isn’t truly authentic if it only applies when you agree with the crowd.
Living according to principles like faith, family, hard work, and freedom doesn’t make me an outsider; it makes me committed to the values that uplift communities.
“I would rather be canceled for telling the truth than celebrated for living a lie.” – Dr. Rita Renee
Why This Fight Matters
Cancel culture doesn’t just affect politics; it infiltrates classrooms, boardrooms, churches, and homes. It creates a generation afraid to speak, afraid to lead, and afraid to live with boldness. If we don’t stop it, we risk raising a society that has traded liberty for silence.
But I believe the tide is turning. More and more people, across different backgrounds, are realizing that the right to free thought is worth protecting. Courage is contagious, and every time someone refuses to bow to cancel culture, they strengthen the resolve of others to do the same.
My Call to Action
I want to speak especially to anyone who feels silenced: don’t let anyone tell you that your beliefs make you any less of who you are. You don’t owe your voice, your identity, or your choices to any group or label. What you owe is to yourself, your family, your values, and your future.
Cancel culture may try to silence us, but it cannot erase us. We will not be muted. We will not be shamed. And we will not be canceled. Because the truth always finds a voice, and that voice is ours.
About the Author
Dr. Rita Renee is a TEDx Speaker, International Keynote Speaker, and Best-Selling Author. She delivered the talk “Belonging Over Boxes – Why We Must Rethink DEI and Reclaim Excellence” at TEDx Raleigh. As a coach, she empowers women to step out of the shadows, embrace their authentic voices, and rise with conviction. Committed to principles of faith, family, and freedom, Dr. Renee is passionate about mentoring leaders and promoting a culture of courage, resilience, and authentic self-expression.
Connect with Dr. Rita Renee:
🌐 Website: www.drritarenee.com
🔹 Social Media: @drritarenee (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
