Ben Bankas’ six sold out shows get cancelled after joking about Renee Good

Key Concepts

• Cancel Culture: The practice of withdrawing support for public figures after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive.
• Publicity & Cancellation: The paradoxical effect where attempts to "cancel" a public figure can inadvertently increase their visibility and popularity.
• Ben Bankis: A comedian who recently experienced cancellation due to a joke.
• Nicki Minaj: Referenced as another example of a public figure who has experienced cancellation attempts, with a resulting increase in popularity.

Cancellation of Ben Bankis & the Paradox of Publicity

The discussion centers around the recent cancellation of comedian Ben Bankis following jokes made about Renee Good. Despite having six sold-out shows in Minnesota prior to the controversy, these performances were subsequently cancelled. This event is presented as a continuing example of “cancel culture” despite perceptions that it may be waning.

The core argument presented is that attempts at cancellation can backfire, generating increased publicity and ultimately boosting the target’s popularity. Alex Stein explicitly states, “Ben Bankis is one of the hottest comedians out right now,” and attributes some of this success to the negative attention generated by the cancellation.

The Viewer Response & Increased Engagement

A key point highlighted is the psychological effect of cancellation on potential viewers. The speaker suggests that hearing a comedian has been “cancelled” actually increases the desire to see their material. This is framed as a natural curiosity: “just imagine yourself as a viewer and you hear, ‘Oh, this comedian got cancelled.’ It kind of makes you want to go see him even more.”

This is further supported by the observation that people are actively seeking out Ben Bankis’s work following the cancellation. The speaker notes, “everyone’s looking him up and seeing his clips,” demonstrating a direct correlation between the controversy and increased engagement with his content.

Broader Trend & Nicki Minaj Example

The discussion extends beyond Ben Bankis to suggest this is a broader trend. Nicki Minaj is cited as another example of a public figure who has experienced cancellation attempts, with the outcome being a growth in her audience and influence. The speaker’s statement, “the more they try to cancel Nicki Minaj, the bigger they get,” reinforces the idea that cancellation can be counterproductive.

Conclusion

The primary takeaway is that the strategy of “cancelling” public figures may be fundamentally flawed. Rather than silencing or diminishing their reach, it can inadvertently amplify their visibility and attract a larger audience. The discussion emphasizes the power of curiosity and the potential for negative publicity to translate into positive outcomes for those targeted by cancellation efforts. Alex Stein concludes by thanking the interviewer, solidifying his position as a commentator on this phenomenon.