Last night’s debate reminded me of abuse and harassment I’ve faced in the workplace. 1/x https://twitter.com/mariashriver/status/1311325486639767552

In meetings, where program direction is being discussed the abuser would devolve into yelling, over talking, name calling, and condescending remarks. After the meeting they would bash reputations and commit career limiting retaliation against the “opponent.” 2/x

HR would get involved. If the person abused ever cracked and snapped back they were equally guilty. Even though there was along history of abuse from the leader. 3/x

In one instance, the abuser relied on the “respect” for the power of their position. In a 10+ person meeting not one bystander helped the attacked person or stopped the attack. 4/x

They mostly lowered their heads because the situation was embarrassing for the receiver of the abuse. They felt there were better than the abuser but did nothing. 5/x

I promised myself I wouldn’t be a silent bystander. I would help. I began distracting the abuser when they attacked other people. I redirected attention to me. I would end meetings. 6/x

After last night I felt like I’d failed. What do we do to end the abuse?
Do we skip the next debate and smother the abuse in silence? Can we demand and get the mics being turned off between candidate responses? 7/end