The week after the Christchurch shooting? I can see how it's probably a sensitive issue right then.
But like I said, twitter =/= public opinion, just like terrified PR team =/= public opinion. I bet 90% of people wouldn't be offended by that symbol given zero context.
There were a few more stories, but can't find them at the moment. I remember that there was even a huge controversy on Twitter that someone from the British royal family did the OK sign. I think that was royal family, but not 100% sure, can't find any article about it at the moment
And you don't need public opinion to cancel someone. A dozen people complaining is often enough.
What happened to "Do not feed the trolls!" ? I had no idea about what you were talking about so i searched it. The new conotation of the OK finger symbol was invented and spread by 4chan. The den of internet trolls.
Have we (actually, you, because this -- meaning the redefining of OK -- is a US thing, maybe an American thing and I am far away from your continent) sunk so low as a society that we are now expected to be up to date with online trolling operations so that we can selfcensor to avoid being fired?
> we are now expected to be up to date with online trolling operations so that we can selfcensor to avoid being fired?
It appears that you have to basically follow the online outrage crowd to be up to date with what's considered offensive this week. It's not just online trolling. For example, Amy Coney Barrett was attacked for using words "sexual preference" and Merriam-Webster dictionary changed the definition of the word to be offensive in order to justify the attacks after the fact.
> 'Despicable Me' Actor Fired for Making 'OK' Symbol While Posing With 6-Year-Old Girl at Universal Orlando Resort
https://www.newsweek.com/actor-fired-ok-symbol-universal-res...