Thread by @genderisharmful, I have a special contempt for those who deliberately seek out employers [...]

I have a special contempt for those who deliberately seek out employers to report someone deemed guilty of 'wrongthink'.

I find it distasteful because it's often done to people who haven't done anything illegal or life-threatening, but because they don't toe the line. 1/

Let me explain what happens to the person on the receiving end of such reports:

First, there is the gut wrenching, stomach churning feeling that someone is trying to get you sacked. You feel nauseous and start shaking. You scramble to see what else is being said about you. 2/

Then you see, in all its glory, the torrent of comments & abuse being spewed about you, questioning you personally, attacking your character (which they know very little about, other than your view on one particular issue). You see they have searched for everything about you. 3/

They search for you on every feasible platform they can think of. They see you have children. They find out what your job role is. They attack your ability to perform your job. They attack your ability to parent (which again, they know nothing of) & ability to be around kids. 4/

Then, comes your workplace, HR dept. Pulling you to one side, to talk to you and explain how many complaints they have been flooded with.

You go home in a daze, knowing you have to explain what has happened to your family, knowing you may be out of the job soon. 5/

Then there's the investigation. You have to repeatedly go through explanation after explanation of how you made a basic comment which has nothing to do with your ability to fulfil your job role. Constantly having to defend yourself and your views. 6/

Then you are sacked. Then you are referred to your professional body for further recriminations.

All the while, you are faced with the task of having to look for work, which is no mean feat, considering you were 'sacked' & will have to explain to future potential employers 7/

In the meantime, you are losing money, any savings you had and are supremely stressed. You feel guilty because you can't support your family and your children. Pressure and anxiety abounds at home which can spill over into moodiness and anger. 8/

As a professional in a job which has certain standards and so are faced with the prospect of never finding work again in your field, because you know no-one will employ you. You are damaged goods. A hot potato. Employers won't touch you. 9/

Your money reserves hit rock bottom. You continue to be stressed. You feel increasing levels of guilt for your family suffering because of something to do with you.

Your mood goes from despair to rage as you see TRAs make death threats with impunity. 10/

And...while make the most vile and disgusting comments online, with no chance of them being reported to their employers, you look at your own comment and it makes you look like a saint. 11/

And this is where activism has led us.

Someone can be mercilessly sacked & pilloried for believing that sex should matter & not be dismissed as unimportant, while...

Those who make death threats and throw vile abuse at women are able to do so with no fear of recrimination. 12/

Is this the kind of society you would like to live in?

Where people can have their career and livelihoods trashed because they refuse to agree with the orthodoxy of the day?

I don't.

This has all gone way too far and it needs to stop. Now.

End

#IStandWithMaya

PS. to say I'm angry about what's going on, is an understatement.

I'm fucking furious.

This is no way for a civilised society to move forward. It is a pathetic and cowardly person, who gleefully reports someone to their employer, because they get off on that feeling of power.

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