Kuala Lampur, July 26 -- So, a new virus appears to be spreading around the world and it too seems to pose a threat to our way of life. I am referring in this case to the epidemic of intolerance known as "cancel culture."

I should start by defining the term. Broadly, "cancel culture" is large scale, systematic, social media-driven criticismof public figures in response to views seen by those doing the cancelling as objectionable.

To qualify as true cancel culture, the criticism should extend to calls for boycotts of the public figures' work and include an attempt to strip the person of their position, platform, and income.

For example, a public figure might say something - either in an interview or on social media that is perceived as ...