Cancel culture refers to a modern form of ostracism, where someone, typically a public figure, is effectively blocked from having a platform or presence, particularly on social media, due to their offensive or unacceptable actions or statements. The term entered common usage in the late 2010s and is often criticized for restricting free conversation, being counterproductive, or resembling online harassment. However, some defend it as a way of holding individuals accountable and empowering voices that are usually marginalized. The idea of canceling first appeared in the world of popular music and African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). It was notably used in the 1981 song "Your Love Is Cancelled" by the band Chic, penned by Nile Rodgers after a disappointing date. The concept was further popularized in the African-American community with a mention in the 1991 film "New Jack City" and has since gained traction on Black Twitter around 2015. Despite the debate over cancel culture, some argue that the phenomenon is simply a new term for a long-practiced form of social boycott, while others observe that not all those who claim to be "canceled" have their careers permanently affected.

Celebrity culture has evolved into an intricate part of our global society, with celebrities' private lives being magnified and consumed at an exceedingly high rate. This phenomenon goes beyond mere fascination, as famous individuals capitalize on their notoriety, converting their public image into marketable brands. Unlike traditional cultures that have tangible existence and attributes, the culture of celebrity is intangible and more of a projection of collective interests. Celebrities hail from diverse arenas such as entertainment, sports, fashion, politics, and music, and don't necessarily share a communal bond. This culture emerges when the public's infatuation with the personal lives of the famed reaches a point where their actions and movements are under constant scrutiny. Celebrities further cement this culture by engaging with the audience through media. In essence, celebrity culture has woven itself into the fabric of daily life, guiding social norms and functioning as a source of amusement. It has reached a point where the ordinary individual contributes to its continuity by staying informed about celebrities' lives and lifestyles. As it provides a departure from daily life, many people view this fixation with celebrities as a form of escapism or distraction. The roots of celebrity culture in the United States date back to the late 19th century when newly wealthy individuals sought public attention through society columns and magazines. During the 1870s, public figures such as philanthropists and politicians were widely recognized in New York, but by the 1890s, the focus shifted towards individuals who were more famed for their sensational appeal.

In the realm of televised narratives, there exists a series titled "Industry," fascinatingly concocted by the creative duo Mickey Down and Konrad Kay. The narrative thrust of the series centers on a cadre of eager young graduates navigating the fierce competition for coveted permanent assignments at Pierpoint & Co, a renowned financial institution carving out its dominance in the heart of London's economic panorama. Capturing viewers for the first time in early November of 2020, "Industry" initiated its broadcast journey on the prestigious HBO network in the United States, closely followed by its debut on BBC Two across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom. Such was the acclaim and anticipation generated by the first instalment that the series was promptly granted a renewal for a second season, which graced television screens in the summer of 2022. This success further cemented the series' stature, ushering in the confirmation of a third season poised for release in the summer of 2024. The series vaunts an eclectic ensemble cast, with five characters—Yasmin, Harper, Robert, Gus, and Eric—carving a distinctive mark by maintaining a presence in each episode thus far. Others, such as Kenny and Daria, also anchored the first season with unwavering regularity, while Danny emerged as the pervasive figure throughout the second season. These principal characters are often flanked by a constellation of other talents who, despite their intermittent appearances, are acknowledged as central to the narrative when they do grace the screen. Delving into the lives of these characters, one is introduced to the likes of Yasmin Kara-Hanani, whose affluent upbringing and linguistic prowess encompass not only her native English but also Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Arabic, positioning her at the Foreign Exchange Sales desk of Pierpoint. Other characters include Harper Stern, marked as an underappreciated talent from New York state, blending intellect and tenacity at the Cross Product Sales desk; Augustus "Gus" Sackey