Former Twitter Shame-Leader Interviews Shame-Victims for NYT

First the writer Jon Ronson (What? Fake name, dude) establishes his bona fides as an online Bully for Righteousness:

In the early days of Twitter, I was a keen shamer. When newspaper columnists made racist or homophobic statements, I joined the pile-on. Sometimes I led it. The journalist A. A. Gill once wrote a column about shooting a baboon on safari in Tanzania: "I'm told they can be tricky to shoot. They run up trees, hang on for grim life. They die hard, baboons. But not this one. A soft-nosed .357 blew his lungs out." Gill did the deed because he "wanted to get a sense of what it might be like to kill someone, a stranger."
I was among the first people to alert social media. (This was because Gill always gave my television documentaries bad reviews, so I tended to keep a vigilant eye on things he could be got for.) Within minutes, it was everywhere. Amid the hundreds of congratulatory messages I received, one stuck out: "Were you a bully at school?"
Still, in those early days, the collective fury felt righteous, powerful and effective. It felt as if hierarchies were being dismantled, as if justice were being democratized. As time passed, though, I watched these shame campaigns multiply, to the point that they targeted not just powerful institutions and public figures but really anyone perceived to have done something offensive. I also began to marvel at the disconnect between the severity of the crime and the gleeful savagery of the punishment. It almost felt as if shamings were now happening for their own sake, as if they were following a script.
Eventually I started to wonder about the recipients of our shamings, the real humans who were the virtual targets of these campaigns. So for the past two years, I’ve been interviewing individuals like Justine Sacco: everyday people pilloried brutally, most often for posting some poorly considered joke on social media. Whenever possible, I have met them in person, to truly grasp the emotional toll at the other end of our screens. The people I met were mostly unemployed, fired for their transgressions, and they seemed broken somehow --deeply confused and traumatized.

It's a good article. Remember that woman who got pilloried for giving the finger to a sign that said to show respect at Arliington National Cemetery?

That was apparently part of a series of in-joke pictures-- she and her friend always made it a point to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it, like smoking right in front of a no-smoking sign.

That really puts a different light on her snapshot of ignominy.

Speaking of pillorying, the author looks back at a period in which Public Shaming was even more important in public life in America -- the period before the Revolutionary War.

He also turns to some of the people who gleefully led the Mobs against inconsequential strangers.

Spoiler Alert: Sorry, they're not sorry.

Really good piece. I would quote more, but it deserves the clicks.

Oh, and we just talked about this phenomenon -- altruistic punishment, though it often looks decidedly less than altruistic -- with John Sexton. Give it a listen, or else I'll blacken your name and lead a mob against you.

Posted by: Ace at 04:52 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 1st, always

Posted by: Bill Clinton at February 13, 2015 04:54 PM (q+zA9)

2
<<<Eventually I started to wonder about the recipients of our shamings, the real humans who were the virtual targets of these campaigns.
****
Bullying doesn't always stop in grade school. And it's a much bigger deal when you take away someones ability to make a living. At least this guy sort of caught a clue.

Posted by: Lea at February 13, 2015 04:56 PM (lIU4e)

3 These days the lynch mobs never have to get their fat asses off the couch.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at February 13, 2015 04:56 PM (MMC8r)

4 There's no justice like angry mob justice. Plus throwing out your shoulder patting yourself on the back for how tolerant/PC you are. Fun times in social media land.

Posted by: brak at February 13, 2015 04:56 PM (Tj+s6)

5 Assholes gotta asshole.

That was apparently part of a series of in-joke pictures-- she and her friend always made it a point to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it, like smoking right in front of a no-smoking sign.

That really puts a different light on her snapshot of ignominy.

No, it really doesn't. Exhibit number 1.

Posted by: GGE of the Moron Horde, NC Chapter at February 13, 2015 04:57 PM (6fyGz)

6 @ernst_rohm

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at February 13, 2015 04:58 PM (MMC8r)

7 That was apparently part of a series of in-joke pictures-- she and her friend always made it a point to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it, like smoking right in front of a no-smoking sign.

That really puts a different light on her snapshot of ignominy.

No, it really doesn't. It just means that she's an asshole everywhere.

It's the same problem that a lot of people had with Christopher Hitchens. Being a Contrarian just for the sake of being contrary isn't actually very useful. It's mostly annoying and childish. And it often overshadowed whatever good arguments that he made.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at February 13, 2015 04:58 PM (10ydV)

8 Spoiler Alert: Sorry, they're not sorry.

Oh you didn't spoil anything. Everything I ever needed to know about life I learned in high school. The guys with the smallest penises were the biggest dicks. The girls with the least to offer were the biggest critics. Nothing new under the sun.

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at February 13, 2015 04:59 PM (zxQ4h)

9

BREAKING:

KITZHABER RESIGNS

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 13, 2015 05:00 PM (CMkNk)

10 I'm inclined to agree with GGE, although I don't know exactly what happened to that woman.

Posted by: Nigel West Dickens at February 13, 2015 05:00 PM (/JYFW)

11
This SOB Jon Ronson is gonna get a internet butt kicking by me and my tough internet friends as soon as I get back from the liquor store.

Posted by: Mo Guyhawk at February 13, 2015 05:00 PM (ODxAs)

12 I'm so glad I never post anything bad.

Posted by: JohnnyBoy at February 13, 2015 05:00 PM (TPjwz)

13 Well, I never post anything, actually.

Posted by: JohnnyBoy at February 13, 2015 05:01 PM (TPjwz)

14 Ron Jeremy?

Posted by: Clutch Cargo at February 13, 2015 05:02 PM (sH832)

15 Assholes are assholes.
oh look what I found on the computer...and on my cell phone. The OFF switch.
Pfu*k 'em!

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:02 PM (08Znv)

16 I wonder how many ppl get destroyed by Twitter in America every month? A couple? More?

Is it like lightning? Sure, a couple ppl a year will get zapped, but odds are extremely low.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at February 13, 2015 05:02 PM (ZPrif)

17 That baboon grabbed my wife's purse, officer.

Posted by: Eromero at February 13, 2015 05:02 PM (go5uR)

18 Ace,
I put it on & fell asleep. I apologize but i was up all night last night. I'm going to listen tomorrow & with others I missed.

Posted by: Carol at February 13, 2015 05:03 PM (sj3Ax)

19 Hey Oregon! Woohoo!
Elections have consequences don't they?

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:03 PM (08Znv)

20 Terrible people still need to be destroyed. This is how the others are trained to behave in accordance with the plan. Particularly cisgender normative racist teatards from Jesusland.

Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein from Brattleboro, VT at February 13, 2015 05:03 PM (fxdyE)

21 Twitter, twatter, instagram, facebook, snap,

Christ I can't keep up with this shit anymore.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:03 PM (2Aj5D)

22 Twitter, twatter, instagram, facebook, snap,

Christ I can't keep up with this shit anymore.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:03 PM (2Aj5D)

23 Belay the discourse, mateys

Posted by: Capt. B. Ruse Bannee at February 13, 2015 05:04 PM (FGEvF)

24 And no it doesn't put the pic of shooting the finger in a different light. She and those that excuse that particular action haven't a clue why that is nothing close to smoking in front of a non smoking sign .

Posted by: Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:04 PM (iRZl4)

25 to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it,

It's even a chive theme.

http://thechive.com/2015/02/12/ i-do-what-i-want-27-photos-18/

Posted by: DaveA at February 13, 2015 05:05 PM (DL2i+)

26 #PstopPshaming

Posted by: Jen Psucki at February 13, 2015 05:06 PM (yWYnW)

27 ACE! Just finished listening to the PodCast.. thanks for the laughs.. I was in a cynical mood this morning and really just needed a laugh. I know, I know... and I love science! Anyway... 5 stars. Thanks

Posted by: Yip at February 13, 2015 05:06 PM (84SRe)

28 I see other posters have the same opinion. Doesn't hurt to repeat.

Posted by: Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:06 PM (iRZl4)

29 I played the part of Hester Prynne in my College production of The Scarlet Letter. But I had to decline the part in the Broadway adaption, because I wrote the Stage Play.

Posted by: Brian Williams at February 13, 2015 05:06 PM (sH832)

30 Give it a listen, or else I'll blacken your name and lead a mob against you.

Oh yeah? We'll remind everyone about that time you banned yourself from the blog!

Take that!

Posted by: EC at February 13, 2015 05:06 PM (doBIb)

31 "That really puts a different light on her snapshot of ignominy."

Not really, but I don't agree she should have been fired. But constantly being a jerk doesn't mean you get to escape consequences when you are a jerk at the wrong time.

Posted by: Better Feared than Loved at February 13, 2015 05:06 PM (nRvEn)

32 @24 Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:04 PM

Bob has a point. And I'd love to show that...ahhh...person the no smoking sign that's printed right there on the pump where I get my gas.
Go ahead twit...light up. Now tell me about the time you flipped off the folks at Arlington.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:07 PM (08Znv)

33 9

BREAKING:

KITZHABER RESIGNS

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 13, 2015 05:00 PM (CMkNk)

Honestly, I'd never even heard of him until yesterday.

Posted by: rickl at February 13, 2015 05:07 PM (zoehZ)

34 It's the same problem that a lot of people had with Christopher Hitchens. Being a Contrarian just for the sake of being contrary isn't actually very useful. It's mostly annoying and childish. And it often overshadowed whatever good arguments that he made.
Posted by: Colorado Alex at February 13, 2015 04:58 PM (10ydV)

Okay the pictures in-joke is annoying and stupid to everyone else. But if being annoying and stupid in public is worthy of being personally destroyed, well then brother I got a list a mile long of people who are going to go down.

The problem with the angry mob of justice is that it really only has one punishment it can administer for any offense: complete personal ruination.

Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:07 PM (pAlYe)

35 I wish we would bring back dueling. Call some jerkwad out and get some satisfaction.

Posted by: irright at February 13, 2015 05:07 PM (pMGkg)

36 Barack Obama is a SCOAMT.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at February 13, 2015 05:07 PM (kff5f)

37 There's a sign here in Oklahoma City that reads "Hill Obstructs View." Being from the Intermountain West I always chuckle. Flatlanders.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at February 13, 2015 05:07 PM (VAsIq)

38 And now is quittin' time.

See y'all next week.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at February 13, 2015 05:08 PM (kff5f)

39 33 9

BREAKING:

KITZHABER RESIGNS

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 13, 2015 05:00 PM (CMkNk)

Honestly, I'd never even heard of him until yesterday.
Posted by: rickl at February 13, 2015 05:07 PM (zoehZ)

Whoever dresses him should resign as well. This coming from a guy who is color blind.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:08 PM (2Aj5D)

40 Having actually read through the piece now, I wouldn't say the Arlington woman necessarily deserved to lose her job but if you're going to do stupid shit like that and can't tell the difference between Arlington and something like walking on grass in front of a "Keep Off Grass" sign, well.....

Posted by: Nigel West Dickens at February 13, 2015 05:08 PM (/JYFW)

41 38 And now is quittin' time.

See y'all next week.
Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at February 13, 2015 05:08 PM (

Be well Allen.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:08 PM (2Aj5D)

42 38 And now is quittin' time.

See y'all next week.
Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) - TrueCon at February 13, 2015 05:08 PM (

Be well Allen.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:08 PM (2Aj5D)

43 And no it doesn't put the pic of shooting the finger in a different light.

Even if I had such a bet going with somebody else, there's a point where you actually grow up and have a little respect.

Scuze me, I gotta go take a dump on Obama's picture again.

Posted by: Clutch Cargo at February 13, 2015 05:09 PM (sH832)

44 And now is quittin' time.

See y'all next week.

Hey Allen...time for Commander's Call.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:09 PM (08Znv)

45 I guess if you don't like being pilloried on Twitter and Facebook, then get the hell off of them.

The other option is to ignore the "shaming."

It's one thing to be ridiculed and vilified by people face-to-face - that can't be mitigated so easily, but when you can stop it by hitting the "power" button, then you really shouldn't be hurt and devastated.

Posted by: Bicentennialguy at February 13, 2015 05:09 PM (dg6oj)

46 Barack Obama is a SCOAMT.

I'm praying for an earthquake here right now, so that Hoover Tower falls on his sorry ass.

Posted by: Clutch Cargo at February 13, 2015 05:10 PM (sH832)

47 @11 This SOB Jon Ronson is gonna get a internet butt kicking by me and my tough internet friends as soon as I get back from the liquor store.
---------------------

Is it an internet liquor store?

Posted by: junior at February 13, 2015 05:10 PM (UWFpX)

48 33 Honestly, I'd never even heard of him until yesterday.
Posted by: rickl at February 13, 2015 05:07 PM (zoehZ)

In show biz, the term is "stealth turd." In and out so fast it didn't have time to stink. Although in this case . . .

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at February 13, 2015 05:11 PM (CMkNk)

49 and Sean Davis was fun to listen to. Hope you guys have him join in often. b/c Science..

Posted by: Yip at February 13, 2015 05:11 PM (84SRe)

50 There's no justice like angry mob justice.

12 gauge. Right down the middle.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 13, 2015 05:11 PM (gl1op)

51 Jon Ronson is awesome. Read everything you can get your hands on, but especially THEM and The Psychopath Test.

Posted by: Knemon at February 13, 2015 05:11 PM (90YUq)

52 >>>> That really puts a different light on her snapshot of ignominy.

I would add that it explains her behavior but does not excuse it. She can't say that she didnt mean to offend anyone and that she has deep respect for fallen soldiers, but, hey listen, I had to put aside that respect for a minute bc of this game I play with one of my friends.

Nope.

Posted by: L, Elle at February 13, 2015 05:11 PM (2x3L+)

53 The other option is to ignore the "shaming."

It's one thing to be ridiculed and vilified by people face-to-face - that can't be mitigated so easily, but when you can stop it by hitting the "power" button, then you really shouldn't be hurt and devastated.
--

Well, you can't stop it if it's your real name and they get you fired. And ppl start emailing you and calling you at home and calling your boss, etc, etc.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at February 13, 2015 05:11 PM (ZPrif)

54 FIFY
Fingering Twitter Shame-Leader Interviews Shame-Victims for NYT

Posted by: @PeeteySDee at February 13, 2015 05:12 PM (Cv6bV)

55 Bye, Allen G.!
Have a good weekend.

Posted by: Carol at February 13, 2015 05:13 PM (sj3Ax)

56 12 gauge. Right down the middle.

Ya getta nice spread with a shotgun.

Posted by: Courtney Luv at February 13, 2015 05:13 PM (zxQ4h)

57 In the future everyone will get 15 minutes of shame.

Posted by: A Warhol at February 13, 2015 05:13 PM (JdEZJ)

58 The Revolution devours it's children. News @ 11.

Posted by: toby928(C) at February 13, 2015 05:13 PM (evdj2)

59 Jesus Christ saved the woman caught in adultery by drawing a line in the sand and said,"whom among you who has not sinned can cast the first stone." In our secular post-modern age this maxim is sadly missing.

Posted by: HugoStiglitz at February 13, 2015 05:14 PM (Moh0M)

60 Read everything you can get your hands on, but especially THEM

I saw the movie.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at February 13, 2015 05:14 PM (W5DcG)

61 @56 - that's not like manspreading, is it?

Posted by: Bicentennialguy at February 13, 2015 05:14 PM (dg6oj)

62 >>>Well, I never post anything, actually.Posted by: JohnnyBoy at February 13, 2015 05:01 PM (TPjwz)I don't talk about politics on facebook (except occasionally local stuff) and I don't do twitter. I think it's for the best.

Posted by: Lea at February 13, 2015 05:15 PM (lIU4e)

63 Maybe the girl can stand in front of the 'respectful silence please ' sign at Auschwitz wearing a party hat , blowing a kazoo and throwing confetti in the air.

Posted by: Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:15 PM (iRZl4)

64 Pangs of conscience?

It's about time some of these little special snowflakes had them and they learn that what goes around, comes around.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at February 13, 2015 05:15 PM (0HooB)

65 en minutes later, he and his friend were taken into a quiet room at the
conference and asked to explain themselves. Two days later, his boss
called him into his office, and he was fired.

Any job that'll fire you for an accidentally overheard dick joke ain't worth doing. Any manager that can cut staff over same is using too many people to do the job.

Posted by: DaveA at February 13, 2015 05:15 PM (DL2i+)

66 So Jon Ronson writes he was asked "Were you a bully in school?" due to his bullying on the interwebs, but he doesn't answer it in the excerpt Ace posted. And I'm not going to read a whole article (obviously--I'm a busy man at work pretending I'm not on the interwebz). Does he ever answer the question?

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at February 13, 2015 05:16 PM (VAsIq)

67 Well, you can't stop it if it's your real name and they get you fired. And ppl start emailing you and calling you at home and calling your boss, etc, etc.

That goes well past "shaming".

Posted by: rickb223 at February 13, 2015 05:16 PM (gl1op)

68 A punch in the snoot > shaming

Posted by: toby928(C) at February 13, 2015 05:16 PM (evdj2)

69 In general, I follow my mother's advice on this topic. "Fools names and fools faces, always seen in public places." There is something to be said for keeping a low profile.

I also pretty much believe in what she said about what one says in public: "If you can't say anything nice...." Except when it comes to TFG. In that case, all bets are off.

Posted by: tcn in AK at February 13, 2015 05:17 PM (+YMhA)

70 I guess what bugs me (in addition to the usual human nature and sin aspects) about the online bullying gangs is that they always enforce the SJW & political correctness schtick against either obscure average people who mess up or against people who dare speak out in favor of conservative principles or morality.

We're headed to a dark place at an ever-increasing velocity.

Now you kids get off my lawn.

Posted by: Furious George at February 13, 2015 05:18 PM (UlJ3l)

71 I got a mini-storm on twitter once when something I said pissed off a black SJW activist who did regular MSNBC appearances. For the next 6-12 hrs I had hundreds and hundreds of strangers tell me to fuck off and kill myself and calling me a racist dirtbag, rape culture supporter, etc, etc. Can't even remember what I said now -- it was during one of the rape hoax scandals. But I use a fake name on twitter and nobody knew me so they couldn't track me down and do any real damage.

The twitter storm was gone the next day as the mob moved on to some other Outrage of the Moment.

If I'd used my real name could I have been fired for that? Possibly. I made some crack about the UVA rape hoax being as fake as White Privilege or something like that. Yeah, there are lots of employers where you could get fired for doubting White Privilege and calling a rape "victim" a liar.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at February 13, 2015 05:18 PM (ZPrif)

72 I would add that it explains her behavior but does not excuse it. She can't say that she didnt mean to offend anyone and that she has deep respect for fallen soldiers, but, hey listen, I had to put aside that respect for a minute bc of this game I play with one of my friends.
Nope.
Posted by: L, Elle at February 13, 2015 05:11 PM (2x3L+)

I don't think that Ace was excusing it - he's just pointing out that this was thoughtless dumbassery on her part rather than a targeted insult to Arlington. And intent matters when determining punishment.

So the question is what her punishment should be:

1. Loss of her job
2. Loss of her career
3. Kicked out of every organization she's a member of
4. Killing her pets
5. Public shunning and blacklisting

Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (pAlYe)

73 59 Jesus Christ saved the woman caught in adultery by drawing a line in the sand and said,"whom among you who has not sinned can cast the first stone." In our secular post-modern age this maxim is sadly missing.

Posted by: HugoStiglitz at February 13, 2015 05:14 PM (Moh0M)

Oh no, the problem is we have taken this idea and extended it to the point where you cannot point out ANYONE's wrongdoing unless you yourself are clean.

I kind of think that that is why racism and elitism have become such a popular charge to make because the mere act of making it somehow absolves you of being guilty of it.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (wt/Oq)

74 It's a good article. Remember that woman who got pilloried for giving
the finger to a sign that said to show respect at Arliington National
Cemetery

I thought she was giving the finger to the honor guard at the tomb of the unknown. Much worse offense.

Posted by: Vic at February 13, 2015 05:20 PM (wlDny)

75 That goes well past "shaming".
--
But that's what this whole thing is about. Sacco was fired before she stepped off the plane. Her employer was bombarded with demands for her firing within minutes of her tweet.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at February 13, 2015 05:20 PM (ZPrif)

76 Trapping SJW mobs in a series of online farces might be a good use of resources and for dick jokes.

Posted by: DaveA at February 13, 2015 05:21 PM (DL2i+)

77 Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (pAlYe)

Tell me what different light ace was referring to?

Posted by: Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:21 PM (iRZl4)

78 I shot a baboon in Reno, just to watch him die.

Posted by: Johnny Cash at February 13, 2015 05:21 PM (2Ojst)

79
Oh, and we just talked about this phenomenon -- altruistic punishment, though it often looks decidedly less than altruistic -- with John Sexton. Give it a listen, or else I'll blacken your name and lead a mob against you.

No you won't, because I'll surround myself with narcissists who'll capture your image in the blizzard of selfies that they'll shoot in the process... and then we'll sic a mob on you!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars(TM) at February 13, 2015 05:21 PM (bWFHa)

80 Turd: Ronson has a piece in one of his anthologies about being bullied in school, so I think it's "no."

Posted by: Knemon at February 13, 2015 05:22 PM (90YUq)

81 1. Loss of her job
2. Loss of her career
3. Kicked out of every organization she's a member of
4. Killing her pets
5. Public shunning and blacklisting
Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (pAlYe)

I got this

Posted by: Bill Cosby at February 13, 2015 05:22 PM (q+zA9)

82 Benjamin Rush "did we not know that the human mind
seldom arrives at truth upon any subject till it has first reached the
extremity of error."

Ouch.

Posted by: DaveA at February 13, 2015 05:22 PM (DL2i+)

83 Show of hands...

How many can already guess that buried in the 300 plus page bill the 'progressives' have prepared to 'regulate the Internet' are provisions that would neuter Ace of Spades and send Ace off to reeducation camp, only to return months later like a post-lobotomy Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest"?

Posted by: SE Pa Moron at February 13, 2015 05:22 PM (zxQ4h)

84 There is something to be said for keeping a low profile.
--
But that's also why we lose the Culture War.

The Left isn't hiding. They are using their real names to force ppl to bend the knee. They attack, they curse, they make viciously cruel jokes.

Meanwhile many on the Right keep a low profile to avoid the backlash. Understandable. But it's also why they win.

And I'm not Mr. Bravery since I use fake names everywhere.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (ZPrif)

85 77 Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (pAlYe)
Tell me what different light ace was referring to?
Posted by: Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:21 PM (iRZl4)

See my comment at 72.

Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (pAlYe)

86 Ronson has a piece in one of his anthologies about being bullied in school, so I think it's "no."

----

I was bullied in school.

And I did some bullying.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (VAsIq)

87 Everyone enjoys being part of a mob. It's one one mankind's dirty secrets.

Posted by: toby928(C) at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (evdj2)

88 59 Jesus Christ saved the woman caught in adultery by drawing a line in the sand and said,"whom among you who has not sinned can cast the first stone."
____________________

Then a stone whizzes through the air and hits Jesus in the shoulder. He looks to the back of the crowd, narrows his eyes, and says, "Mother! Cut it out!"

Posted by: Furious George at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (UlJ3l)

89
So the question is what her punishment should be:

1. Loss of her job
2. Loss of her career
3. Kicked out of every organization she's a member of
4. Killing her pets
5. Public shunning and blacklisting
Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (pAlYe)

YES

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (l1zOH)

90
So the question is what her punishment should be:

1. Loss of her job
2. Loss of her career
3. Kicked out of every organization she's a member of
4. Killing her pets
5. Public shunning and blacklisting
Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (pAlYe)

YES

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (l1zOH)

91
So the question is what her punishment should be:

1. Loss of her job
2. Loss of her career
3. Kicked out of every organization she's a member of
4. Killing her pets
5. Public shunning and blacklisting
Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (pAlYe)

YES

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (l1zOH)

92 Dam.

I better go.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humantiarian at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (l1zOH)

93 87 Everyone enjoys being part of a mob. It's one one mankind's dirty secrets.
Posted by: toby928(C) at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (evdj2)

Not me. I'd rather be the one to napalm the mob, then go home and enjoy a quiet evening.

Posted by: Insomniac at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (2Ojst)

94 73 59 Jesus Christ saved the woman caught in adultery by drawing a line in the sand and said,"whom among you who has not sinned can cast the first stone." In our secular post-modern age this maxim is sadly missing.

Posted by: HugoStiglitz at February 13, 2015 05:14 PM (Moh0M)

Tangentially, not a "line." John 8, right? He "wrote" on the ground. I've always wondered what he wrote.

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (vgIRn)

95 Maybe she nd her friend think it hilarious to do armpit farts at funerals

Nothing personal

She is still an asshole

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (zOTsN)

96 Ah the fabled triple post.

Posted by: Nigel West Dickens at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (/JYFW)

97 *He*

Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (vgIRn)

98 Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (pAlYe)

See my comment at 77

Posted by: Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (iRZl4)

99 I would be completely immune to online shame campaigns. That's because:

a. I'm anonymous online;
b. I'm self-employed so they can't do jack to hurt me anyway;
c. I don't respond to bullying, except to irritate the bully more.

I'm not on twitter, but if I were, I'm triple-down on the offensiveness if the online Prog-Mob ever became aware of me.

I always find it absolutely mystifying that they choose to destroy random people for one misstep, when there are literally millions of easier targets who spend all day intentionally trying to piss everyone off with offensiveness.

I guess they go after the innocent random people because they are the ones not expecting an attack, and so are easier to take down. Trying to hurt someone who is expecting your attack is much much more difficult.

Posted by: zombie at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (K4YiS)

100 96 Ah the fabled triple post.
Posted by: Nigel West Dickens at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (/JYFW)

Not as impressive as the split triple post, though.

Posted by: Insomniac at February 13, 2015 05:25 PM (2Ojst)

101 Posted by: Misanthropic

wow, a tripple.

we better look out for the italicsians

Posted by: Recovery Summer #6 at February 13, 2015 05:25 PM (q+zA9)

102 I don't get social media.

At all.

I don't get why people actually want to share so much of their personal life on the internet, whether it be twitter, instagram of Fakebook.

It's a big thing with Millenials, like my kids, but I think it's weird. It tends to make them nervous and anxious about getting approval for their lives, I think. But they can't quit it.

It's seems social media makes people become like bonobo chimps.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....in the bleak midwinter at February 13, 2015 05:25 PM (RFeQD)

103 So the question is what her punishment should
be:
1. Loss of her job
2. Loss of her career
3. Kicked out of every organization she's a
member of
4. Killing her pets
5. Public shunning and blacklisting

A trip through a VA Hospital.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 13, 2015 05:25 PM (gl1op)

104 98 Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (pAlYe)
See my comment at 77
Posted by: Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:24 PM (iRZl4)

Well I've explained the distinction I think ace was making. If you don't get it, well you don't get it.

Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:26 PM (pAlYe)

105 My favorite take on the woman taken in adultery tale: http://snipurl.com/29p8gul

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at February 13, 2015 05:26 PM (VAsIq)

106 So the question is what her punishment should
be:
1. Loss of her job
2. Loss of her career
3. Kicked out of every organization she's a
member of
4. Killing her pets
5. Public shunning and blacklisting

--

Barrel

Posted by: @votermom DIY or die! at February 13, 2015 05:26 PM (cbfNE)

107 Arlington National Cemetery is one of America's most hallowed places. Within it is The Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier, the centerpiece of the whole thing.

It was there that Ms. Scrunt decided to pull her haha stunt. I don't care if she ever gets a job again.

The WeinerBoy had to resign in disgrace due to his own actions; but nothing prevented him from trying to make a comeback as he made a try for mayor of NYC. He lied and tried to cover the whole thing up; eff him too.

I'm also not losing any sleep over Brian Williams or Bob Packwood or anyone corrupt. I do feel a tinge of sadness for the chick that tweeted about catching AIDs as she boarded a plane for a trip to Africa. It was a lame attempt at a joke; but I do understand her employer of the time taking a dim view of the bad press she brought upon them. I hope she has a new job.

What I'm getting at is there are degrees of dumbassery and so different levels of shaming punishment ought to apply. Even the judicial system sometimes employs shaming, like making a person write a letter of apology or hold a sign on the side of a road for a while.

Shaming has its uses.

Posted by: GnuBreed at February 13, 2015 05:27 PM (maU7y)

108 This post of Ace's shows very weak form

Posted by: Judger of Form at February 13, 2015 05:27 PM (nbGZj)

109 Buddy of mine works in a law office.

His left-wing black co-worker talks politics all the time. Rails against Repubs being racist dirtbags all the time

My buddy is a libertarian Republican. He thinks Diversity hiring is BS, just hire the best lawyer.

He can't say that at work, though, cause he's afraid he'll be punished.

He got called into his superior's office once and berated cause he was overheard, at lunch, of using the term Mexican stand-off to describe a deal that was, well, in a Mexican stand-off. He was told to never, ever use that term again on pain of losing his job.

It's Strong Horse vs Weak Horse. If one side is public and loud with their views, while the other side is keeping quiet out of fear ... it's clear who the Strong Horse is.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at February 13, 2015 05:27 PM (ZPrif)

110 For example, they destroyed that woman for making a half-assed joke about AIDS.

But why choose her?

Search Twitter and you can find thousands of twitter users -- apparently under their real names -- saying stuff like "Dumb Afrokans deserve AIDS for being so DUMB!!!" and "AIDS is God's punishment against faggs" and so forth.

Wy not target these people?

Probably because the mob just sees what is right in front of it and nothing else.

Posted by: zombie at February 13, 2015 05:27 PM (K4YiS)

111 The Left isn't hiding. They are using their real names to force ppl to bend the knee. They attack, they curse, they make viciously cruel jokes.

Meanwhile many on the Right keep a low profile to avoid the backlash. Understandable. But it's also why they win.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at February 13, 2015 05:23 PM (ZPrif)

A skilled warlord with eyes on colander face mask world would view knowing who they are without them knowing who we are as a huge tactical advantage.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at February 13, 2015 05:28 PM (FMbng)

112 Everyone enjoys being part of a mob. It's one one mankind's dirty secrets.
Posted by: toby928(C)

i don't. I'm not a 'joiner', and I really don't like to "join into" groups. It feels uncomfortable to me sometimes.

It's not misanthropy. It just seems like a group regresses to the dumbest person there, and there is some sociopath always ready to try to manipulate a group.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....in the bleak midwinter at February 13, 2015 05:29 PM (RFeQD)

113 I don't think shaming is an all or nothing game. Part of the relatively recent downfall of America is lack of shaming.

Admittedly what is considered appropriate for shaming or not will always be subjective so the problem feeds on itself.

Posted by: Bob Belcher at February 13, 2015 05:29 PM (iRZl4)

114 Baboon are almost as rapey as dolphins and penguins.

Only they'll rip your face off, too.

Posted by: Garrett at February 13, 2015 05:29 PM (3sV0A)

115 The Left isn't hiding. They are using their real names to force ppl to bend the knee. They attack, they curse, they make viciously cruel jokes.

Hard to get the unemployed fired. We have to figure out a way to get ebt and trust funds cut off.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 13, 2015 05:29 PM (gl1op)

116 So the Arlington Bird Flipper had a thing about being reflexively 'transgressive.' Kind of made her own problem there, then.

Of course, every member of the holier-than-thou mob likely has their own vulnerabilities, and they know it full well in the back of their minds even as they cheer the noose for the Emmanuel Goldstein of the Moment.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at February 13, 2015 05:29 PM (MMC8r)

117 Daily Troll is in last thread.

Posted by: Carol at February 13, 2015 05:30 PM (sj3Ax)

118 Smell my Finger.

Posted by: Twitter Shamer at February 13, 2015 05:31 PM (3sV0A)

119 The first openly bi-sexual govenor to be, in Oregon is not a hottie

Posted by: Recovery Summer #6 at February 13, 2015 05:31 PM (q+zA9)

120 A mea culpa from a semi-reformed Internet shame jockey, now that he is safely esconced in his New York Times gig. Forgive me if I suspect insincerity and maybe even hypocrisy. Jerk.

Posted by: Marcopohlo at February 13, 2015 05:32 PM (buGfv)

121
1. Loss of her job
2. Loss of her career
3. Kicked out of every organization she's a
member of
4. Killing her pets
5. Public shunning and blacklisting
---------

Well like I said, personally I wouldn't say she deserved any of that. The heat on social media sure. On the other hand, someone who couldn't understand how that's different and didn't realize she was putting it on public social media.

I don't know, sounds like a YOLO future Darwin Award winner to me.

Posted by: Nigel West Dickens at February 13, 2015 05:32 PM (/JYFW)

122 Care to back up your Tweet face to face? Yeah, I didn't think so. Keyboard tough guy.

Posted by: You're Opinion = 0 at February 13, 2015 05:32 PM (gwG9s)

123 Nood!!!

Posted by: Carol at February 13, 2015 05:32 PM (sj3Ax)

124 Something like this is unlikely to happen to me I think as tend to say hurtful and hateful things while sitting in a dark room surrounded by loaded firearms.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at February 13, 2015 05:32 PM (oFCZn)

125 For example, they destroyed that woman for making a half-assed joke about AIDS.

But why choose her?

It's worth noting that was led by a Buzzfeed sucker-of-cock.

Taking down a PR executive has a more satisfying feel than a high-school dropout barista.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at February 13, 2015 05:32 PM (MMC8r)

126 One other thing to keep in mind about the woman who was fired. If she lived in a "right to work State" she can be fired for any reason at all that does not violate federal discrimination law.

Posted by: Vic at February 13, 2015 05:33 PM (wlDny)

127 Why not target these people?
--
They want to target someone they can hurt. So the anonymous ppl don't make good targets.

Sacco was white and, seemingly, well-off with the jetting around the world from NYC. They probably thought she was a white Repub from the beginning with the seemingly racist joke (they think all white Repubs are secret racists).

They want scalps, so it has to be somebody who can be fired.

They don't go after ppl like InstaPundit cause he has tenure, can't fire him.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at February 13, 2015 05:33 PM (ZPrif)

128 >>> I don't think that Ace was excusing it - he's just pointing out that this was thoughtless dumbassery on her part rather than a targeted insult to Arlington. And intent matters when determining punishment.
Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (pAlYe)

I don't think Ace was excusing it either, maybe minimizing it is a better word? Sure, intent matters, but that doesn't mean that action on her part was no less offensive. It's objectively offensive, isn't it? Should it matter all that much that we now know that she is stupid too?

I don't think this means she is a terrible person, just someone with an appalling lack of good judgment. What's the fitting punishment for that? I'm not sure.

Posted by: L, Elle at February 13, 2015 05:33 PM (2x3L+)

129 It was stupid of her to do that. Disrespectful. What should be the consequences? She should be told what she did was stupid. Disrespectful. She should be told these things by people who actually know her. Perhaps her parents could take her to visit some WWII vets. But thousands of people calling for her head? Over a child making a stupid joke? (Yes, I maintain she is a child. A stupid, immature child.)

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at February 13, 2015 05:34 PM (VAsIq)

130 72. 4. Killing her pets

MILITARIZED THUG COBS!!!!!

Posted by: Navycopjoe (thugging through the doghouse) at February 13, 2015 05:34 PM (1nXWI)

131 I always find it absolutely mystifying that they choose to destroy random people

If you call a SturmFronter a racist asshole he'll enjoy it. A put down is no fun if the other guy laughs.

Posted by: DaveA at February 13, 2015 05:34 PM (DL2i+)

132 Of course now we are only treated to her side of the story

A woman who had the wisdom and maturity to flash th bird on film and post iron it on line

Not too bright. I suspect she has made judgments in error her whole adult life

Did he talk to her employer? I am sure she was perfect save this one instance, what with stellar judgment she has exhibited.

It's not the same as walking on the grass. She knew that. She didn't care. She didn't care about other people. I'm returning the favor

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 05:35 PM (zOTsN)

133 I don't think Ace was excusing it either, maybe minimizing it is a better word? Sure, intent matters, but that doesn't mean that action on her part was no less offensive. It's objectively offensive, isn't it? Should it matter all that much that we now know that she is stupid too?
I don't think this means she is a terrible person, just someone with an appalling lack of good judgment. What's the fitting punishment for that? I'm not sure.
Posted by: L, Elle at February 13, 2015 05:33 PM (2x3L+)

The problem is that the mob only has one punishment.

Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:35 PM (pAlYe)

134
she and her friend always made it a point to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it,
..........................
too bad they didn't try the "Don't Walk" sign at Sunset Blvd and Highland Ave during rush hour.

Posted by: wth at February 13, 2015 05:36 PM (wAQA5)

135 131. A put down is no fun if the other guy laughs

Aka Browns fans

Posted by: Navycopjoe (thugging through the doghouse) at February 13, 2015 05:36 PM (1nXWI)

136 They don't go after ppl like InstaPundit cause he has tenure, can't fire him.
Posted by: Costanza Defense

He also lifts weights and his wife is a cyborg. Yes, he actually joked that Helen is a cyborg because of her implanted heart pacemaker.

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....in the bleak midwinter at February 13, 2015 05:36 PM (RFeQD)

137 Oh no, the problem is we have taken this idea and
extended it to the point where you cannot point out ANYONE's wrongdoing
unless you yourself are clean.
. . .

Posted by: Aetius451AD at February 13, 2015 05:19 PM (wt/Oq)

*****************************
Matthew 18:15-17: If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church, and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Jesus did NOT say if someone sins, just ignore it. That is the lesson too many of the "cast the first stone" repeaters fail to grasp.

Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon at February 13, 2015 05:36 PM (5f5bM)

138 Christ also told the woman to 'go and sin no more.' He didn't give her a 'get out of jail free' card.

Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at February 13, 2015 05:37 PM (MMC8r)

139
she and her friend always made it a point to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it,
...........................
too bad they didn't try the "Don't Feed the Bears" sign at Yellowstone.

Posted by: wth at February 13, 2015 05:37 PM (wAQA5)

140 Almost time for another selfie. Where's my stick?

Posted by: Emperor Clusterfuck I at February 13, 2015 05:38 PM (S0A/C)

141 Turd: " I was bullied in school.

And I did some bullying."

Me, too, come to think of it. But my point was that Ronson's perception of it was that he was more the bull-ied. Part of the piece is about him realizing that wasn't quite true though.

He overall has, or at least projects, a neurotic, awkward, self-loathing personality. Something like a cross between George Costanza and Hunter Thompson (the latter applying to when he writes about, e.g., sneaking into Bohemian Grove with Alex Jones or visiting neo-Nazi compounds in North Idaho).

Posted by: Knemon at February 13, 2015 05:39 PM (90YUq)

142 140 Almost time for another selfie. Where's my stick?

In Michelle's pants

Posted by: Navycopjoe (thugging through the doghouse) at February 13, 2015 05:39 PM (1nXWI)

143 1,2,3,4,5...

Yelled at and an apology covers it.

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bsdHxUXf2CE

Posted by: DaveA at February 13, 2015 05:39 PM (DL2i+)

144 " He "wrote" on the ground. I've always wondered what he wrote."

He wrote "WHORES ARE COOL NOW"

H/t Brad Neeley's "Professor Brothers"

Posted by: Knemon at February 13, 2015 05:41 PM (90YUq)

145
she and her friend always made it a point to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it,
...........................
too bad they didn't try the "No Swimming Sharks Sighted" sign in South Africa.

Posted by: wth at February 13, 2015 05:41 PM (wAQA5)

146 I don't think that Ace was excusing it - he's just pointing out that this was thoughtless dumbassery on her part rather than a targeted insult to Arlington. And intent matters when determining punishment.

Intent does matter but I think some acts transcend stupidity and immaturity. I can't think of a worse place for her to have done this. So punishment may be harsh but the learning curve is steep.

And no, this is not the American version of making cartoons for a French magazine. This twithead's right to life trumps a punishment of death because someone is offended.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:43 PM (08Znv)

147 Zombie: " I guess they go after the innocent random people because they are the ones not expecting an attack, and so are easier to take down. Trying to hurt someone who is expecting your attack is much much more difficult."

No, it's worse. The *point* is terror of the innocents and relative innocents. The point is to show that they *run* things now, cf. Marquette firing.

Posted by: Knemon at February 13, 2015 05:43 PM (90YUq)

148
she and her friend always made it a point to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it,
........................
too bad they didn't try the "No Jumping" sign on the Golden Gate.

Posted by: wth at February 13, 2015 05:43 PM (wAQA5)

149 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church, and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

So now we know what Jesus thinks of the IRS.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:45 PM (08Znv)

150 There's a good lesson in all this: If you don't want to be treated badly, don't treat others badly.

But that Golden Rule thingy is like over a hundred years old...

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at February 13, 2015 05:45 PM (0HooB)

151
she and her friend always made it a point to disobey all signs and take a picture of themselves doing it,
........................
too bad they didn't try the "Keep Out" sign down at the firing range.

Posted by: wth at February 13, 2015 05:46 PM (wAQA5)

152 The on
U thing that happened to the bird flipper is she lost her job

She worked in DC. At a place for disabled adults

Wonder if any of them were vets?

No. She doesn't need to do that work

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 05:46 PM (zOTsN)

153 Intent does matter but I think some acts transcend stupidity and immaturity. I can't think of a worse place for her to have done this. So punishment may be harsh but the learning curve is steep.

And no, this is not the American version of making cartoons for a French magazine. This twithead's right to life trumps a punishment of death because someone is offended.
Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:43 PM (08Znv)

Then let's be honest about what she's really being punished for: a public act of blasphemy.

Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:47 PM (pAlYe)

154 Aka Browns fans

You might think you can hide from short people behind a stack of dead dogs. But I'm not going to test it.

also 2 laughs in a row, good work.

Posted by: DaveA at February 13, 2015 05:47 PM (DL2i+)

155
Almost time for another selfie. Where's my stick?
Posted by: Emperor Clusterfuck I at February 13, 2015 05:38 PM (S0A/C)
.........................
Pouty face! *puckers lips*

Posted by: President Duckface at February 13, 2015 05:48 PM (wAQA5)

156 KITZHABER RESIGNS

Enter bi-sexual Kate Brown.
Wiki says she's married. He must be an...interesting fellow.

American culture...I don't think I can drink enough to make this shit up.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:48 PM (08Znv)

157 Not nearly enuf for the guy who shot the baboon (if that is true). He should be put in a real pillory and pummeled with rotten cabbages for a week, without food or water, and allowed to soil himself, before his lungs are shot out with a 357.

Posted by: Bobby Ahr at February 13, 2015 05:48 PM (zmZ2x)

158 Maet no one spoke to her employer

She worked in DC. At a place for disabled adults

Some of them likely vets. I would can her ass too

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 05:49 PM (zOTsN)

159 Then let's be honest about what she's really being punished for: a public act of blasphemy.

Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 05:47 PM

That could be a good name for it. In a secular sense, given her job at the time and where she was, in the minds of many that is exactly what it was.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:51 PM (08Znv)

160 "American culture...I don't think I can drink enough to make this shit up."
-Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:48 PM (08Znv)

I've been trying.

*hic*

...nope.

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at February 13, 2015 05:53 PM (16bOT)

161 It's not blasphemy. It's having such poor judgement that it renders her unable to do her job. Suppose her clients and or their families no longer want her services. It's not personal. It's business

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 05:54 PM (zOTsN)

162 ColdBeers...I'm waiting for Commander's Call.
At 1600...but may start early.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:54 PM (08Znv)

163 So now we know what Jesus thinks of the IRS.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:45 PM (08Znv)

*****************
Comes up in a bunch of places, actually.
There's this left-wing perception, fueled in part by left-wing Protestant denominations and Catholic orders, that Jesus was a socialist. Far from it. When He said disparaging things about rich people, it was in context of their not giving to charity and their love of money as a false God or an idol, not because there was anything wrong with the rich per se. He raised Lazarus from the dead to care for his widowed mother, rather than turning to the village and saying she was now their responsibility. He never once advocated giving money to Caesar (or Pilate, or Herod) so that they could redistribute it, nor did He ever say that taking care of the poor was their job. Instead, He said it was our job.

Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon at February 13, 2015 05:56 PM (5f5bM)

164 I don't enter churches except for weddings and funerals, but I still know to behave in a respectful manner in them. I also try and keep the noise level low when I go to a public library.

AFAIK, you don't get arrested for violating these social norms but shaming is certainly appropriate.

Posted by: GnuBreed at February 13, 2015 05:57 PM (maU7y)

165 It's not personal. It's business

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 05:54 PM (zOTsN)

*****************
Isn't that Stringer Davis's line?

Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon at February 13, 2015 05:58 PM (5f5bM)

166 @163 Caesar North of the Rubicon at February 13, 2015 05:56 PM

I know...I just liked the way it came out in that post.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:58 PM (08Znv)

167 Nobody posts "Corgi-Calls", nor "NOOD!", anymore?

I might seek pay for this sort of service...

NOOD!

Posted by: ColdBeer1 (Slap) (T) at February 13, 2015 05:58 PM (16bOT)

168 I know...I just liked the way it came out in that post.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 05:58 PM (08Znv)

Why I gratuitously left it in.

Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon at February 13, 2015 05:59 PM (5f5bM)

169 161 It's not blasphemy. It's having such poor judgement that it renders her unable to do her job. Suppose her clients and or their families no longer want her services. It's not personal. It's business
Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 05:54 PM (zOTsN)

The fact that some people here have such visceral reactions and are okay with her being permanently unemployed or just dead says it's not just business.

And the punishments offered seem way out of proportion to the crime unless you realize what the crime actually was.

Posted by: Maetenloch at February 13, 2015 06:00 PM (pAlYe)

170 I have to admit, I don't know what NOOD means.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 06:02 PM (08Znv)

171 Not just one, but THREE!!!

Posted by: Emperor Clusterfuck I at February 13, 2015 06:05 PM (S0A/C)

172 Why are we taking her word for it that this is why she is still unemployed. Yes. I am sure she got a crappy reference. Yes. I am sure that other facilities for disabled adults, who also have vet clients, would not hire her

She then needs to find another job. Perhaps in mother field. It's called "consequences"

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 06:10 PM (zOTsN)

173 The only punishment she got was losing her job.

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 06:11 PM (zOTsN)

174 I know a lot of Vets who believe what she did was despicable. Even, as mentioned earlier with Maetenloch, nearly blasphemous. Most of these Vets, and me, simple consider the source and recognize this for the immaturity and classless act that it was, and move on.
Few I believe, harbor any ill will. Most will forgive, all will move on, but few will forget.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 06:25 PM (08Znv)

175 Great thread for a Friday afternoon!
But it is Friday...nearly 1600 here on the Left Coast and almost time for Commander's Call. Time to E & E to LZ Beer.
G'night!

Posted by: Diogenes at February 13, 2015 06:27 PM (08Znv)

176 Interesting article, all things considered ... joining in with a righteous mob is most always a fun thing for a lot of people. But I really do wonder sometimes, about the things that people put out there without a second thought, as if they cheerfully assumed that no one but their friends would ever read it. My professional training was as military PA/broadcast tech, so I've always had that self-censor impulse fully operational.
One of my early NCOICs used to say - if you have to think about whether you should say something on-air ... likely you shouldn't. So - I've been fairly circumspect online since 2002. I use a nym, although my real-life identity could probably be found, if someone were malicious enough to put their back into finding it out. But I am also self-employed, and I don't believe any of my existing clients would have heartburn about any of my posted opinions.

Posted by: Sgt Mom at February 13, 2015 06:31 PM (95iDF)

177 From the article, about the woman who got a man fired by posting his photo with the caption of an off-color joke he made:

"The woman who took the photograph, Adria Richards, soon felt the wrath of the crowd herself. The man responsible for the dongle joke had posted about losing his job on Hacker News, an online forum popular with developers. This led to a backlash from the other end of the political spectrum. So-called men's rights activists and anonymous trolls bombarded Richards with death threats on Twitter and Facebook. Someone tweeted Richards's home address along with a photograph of a beheaded woman with duct tape over her mouth. Fearing for her life, she left her home, sleeping on friends' couches for the remainder of the year.

Next, her employer's website went down. Someone had launched a DDoS attack, which overwhelms a site's servers with repeated requests. SendGrid, her employer, was told the attacks would stop if Richards was fired. The next day she was publicly let go."

Don't have much sympathy for that person. Sorry.

Sucks when the online mob you sicced on someone else comes for you, don't it?

Posted by: Hawkins1701 at February 13, 2015 06:32 PM (Ib1Cd)

178 Yeah I am not ok with death threats, disturbing images, and years of hounding. But with regard to the woman in the gag photo at Arlington. No, losing her job is not unfair

Posted by: ThunderB, Shapeshifter at February 13, 2015 06:39 PM (zOTsN)

179 Interesting article.
Seems like social media is big, new, and powerful enough that we as humans still have to figure out how to wield this power.
(Along the same line, people are probably getting wise to taking nude photos of themselves, considering how easily they can be made public.)

Maybe, eventually, employers will stand up to the mob and not give in to demands to fire people over certain jokes. What are the mob going to do, boycott them? What if, say, an employee at Intel made a tasteless offensive joke? Who gives a fuck. 10,000 bellyaching twitter SJWs are not going to make a difference to their bottom line.

Seriously, getting fired over a joke about a dongle? What kind of fucking weasel fires someone for that.

Anyway, Richards played with fire and got burnt.

Posted by: fb at February 13, 2015 07:00 PM (JVEmw)

180 Something I discovered many years ago: There are people out there who derive great pleasure in destroying someone else simply because they can.

Posted by: Random Thought Generator at February 13, 2015 08:20 PM (wLLbf)

181 Sacco's joke wasn't even offensive, IMO. It basically amounted to, "I'm a sheltered white girl. Nothing bad could ever happen to me! Tee-hee!"

She was making fun of herself. Are we not allowed to make fun of even ourselves anymore?

Posted by: Prothonotary Warbler at February 13, 2015 09:23 PM (5pg79)

182 #179: Seriously, getting fired over a joke about a dongle? What kind of fucking weasel fires someone for that.

It's like someone in the mortgage business getting fired for joking about PUDs (Planned Urban Development). It's kind of hard not to chuckle occasionally when you hear the word "pud" in various random sentences every day.

Posted by: Prothonotary Warbler at February 13, 2015 09:34 PM (5pg79)

183 If I were a twit, which I am not, I wouldn't give a whit or a shit, if you were to shame me, because I would never read it,
Twitter is for twits,,,said it once and i'll say it again...Twitter is for twits.

Posted by: Andy at February 14, 2015 03:01 PM (XZpOb)

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