What changed is politics. One side of the political spectrum was tired of being called out for unacceptable speech that they didn't understand and decided they

What changed is politics. One side of the political spectrum was tired of being called out for unacceptable speech that they didn't understand and decided they could make hay by stirring up a fresh culture war. They've discovered that they can be offensive and hateful then blame "cancel culture" when they get called out and gain favor with their base.