t-storm
Member
You should also probably update your terribly written, unclear OP that this person is not your real life friend, nor your co-worker.
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GAF, I may have ruined a man's life.
- Thread starter Dr. Benton Quest
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Audioboxer
Member
Most likely, you're probably right, but I'm just giving the OP my 2 cents given his concern is the guy being fired. If he gets fired he gets fired, that's the businesses choice, the OP just has to come to terms if this is now something he's going to want to do again, and again, and again anytime he sees something on FB that is offensive. That is why instead of having a game of conscious crisis each time you report someone to their HR department, report it to FB and if it's too offensive to fall under "freedom of speech", or it's against ToS, FB will suspend his/her profile. That, and obviously block/unfriend.
OrbitalBeard
Member
I guess the difference there is that he'd be a co-worker of mine.
Like I said, the guy posted this stuff publicly, so he has to live with the consequences. The whole ordeal creeps me out a bit, regardless.
Aaronrules380
Member
If the guy gets fired it's because he's a repeat offender who continues to do this despite multiple warnings. At which point the fault is entirely the other guy
ZombiePlatypus
Member
OP you didn't do anything wrong. They're the ones that chose to publicly behave like scum.
I have to wonder though. As these cases happen more and more, I hope people like this will reflect on their bigotry rather than just think "I have to hide my prejudice"
I have to wonder though. As these cases happen more and more, I hope people like this will reflect on their bigotry rather than just think "I have to hide my prejudice"
What do you think about people who post racist memes on social media? Are they brave?
An honest question.
SomedayTheFire
Member
Nah I mean a non co-worker, like you're outside a store and you hear it.
Or just don't put much on your Facebook. To some extent it's a better look to companies who search you out that you have a really simple Facebook or social media presence rather than don't participate at all.
kavanf1
Member
It generally boils down to the size of your employer and the sensitivity of the work they do (and it's the same in Ireland and the UK). For example if you work in financial services in any way, you should expect to have a full investigation of your entire internet presence to call out red flags. Usually this is done by a third party on behalf of the hiring company and these guys know what they're doing.
The two main schools of thought about being an asshole online are that people can either use a VPN at all times and never mention anything or visit anywhere that could lead them to be personally identified, or, alternatively, the easier and cheaper option is simply don't be an asshole.
Anyone who decides to be an asshole despite being personally identifiable can be held accountable for anything that they say or do.
OrbitalBeard
Member
Oh.
Man, I don't know what I'd do, as I've never been in that sort of situation. I'd honestly probably confront the guy directly before considering anything else though.
SomedayTheFire
Member
Companies definitely search for people on social media during background checks in Ireland.
Audioboxer
Member
I can't comment as that is purely speculation based upon how you/anyone else deem HR departments/this business in particular to work.
I'm not even sure what repeat offender would mean in this case. As in another public complaint? I don't know the guys line of work so I don't even know if he works with the public. Or history of posting images on FB? Well I'm sure he probably has a few on his FB page. Again as I said early on we do not have enough information for some jumps in logic.
I'm more so offering my opinion on the OPs concerns, not this guy. As I said if he gets fired he gets fired, his problem and his actions. My potential hypothetical to the OP is how does he go on now? Does he want to do this again? If the answer is no or unsure then as the first post was written there might be some regret. If that is the case the best advice is report to FB and block and you won't have regrets.
I will concede that the images are racist and stating that they are questionable political views makes light of the situation/images. I would not have contacted the person's place of business over this.
Depending on the size of the company, it's likely they'll never even put 2 and 2 together. They probably don't even take the time to even look up the dude in their system.
"Oh, some random guy just sent me a racist meme. That's weird."
HR has better shit to do than to play thought police with their employees, and OP is silly for thinking they do. (And a bit petty).
I live in the Midwest, and I'm stopped by crazy Trump supporting neighbors going on about Killary and Obummer all the time. One of my neighbors thinks the CIA has been controlling news broadcasts since the 60s and Hillary Clinton sold weapons to ISIS. The dude across the street talked to me for 45 minutes yesterday about how Trump was "too honest" and surrounded himself by brilliant people.
Like, outside of really liberal enclaves, there's tons of people with crazy right wing views posting crazy Obama shit, and you can't fire them all.
Alex Stroud
Banned
He'll get some sensitivity stuff thrown his way at least. No way he'll lose this job on piddly stuff like this.
Earthstrike
Member
It's hard for me to look at the dialogue being had here seriously. Firstly, the OP made it clear in another post that his facebook feed is filled with this shit. I don't know why we are under the impression that this was a momentary lapse of judgement on the part of facebook friend. Not only that, even if we did take it to be some temporary mistake, then why wouldn't we give that credit to the OP, who had a particularly stressful day in a job that already sounds stressful as fuck.
To those thinking the facebook friend should have no repercussions as it may be some little mistake, why not extend that same benefit to the OP, which is clearly the case.
This isn't even getting into a kind of philosophical division that exists between direct and indirect damage. Racism indirectly damages society and the facebook friend may have received direct damage. They are both damage, one form isn't "greater" than the other.
The politics of bigotry and appealing to those who wish to disenfranchise minorities have had a profoundly negative effect on america and I'm not necessarily averse to what the OP did nor will I criticize him, even if I wouldn't have done the same.
To those thinking the facebook friend should have no repercussions as it may be some little mistake, why not extend that same benefit to the OP, which is clearly the case.
This isn't even getting into a kind of philosophical division that exists between direct and indirect damage. Racism indirectly damages society and the facebook friend may have received direct damage. They are both damage, one form isn't "greater" than the other.
The politics of bigotry and appealing to those who wish to disenfranchise minorities have had a profoundly negative effect on america and I'm not necessarily averse to what the OP did nor will I criticize him, even if I wouldn't have done the same.
Can we just not go there? Is anyone in this thread (or on NeoGaf) capable of having a civil discussion without being overly aggressive or without accusing me of being "ok" with moderate racism?
Can we just observe the basic debate principles of charity?
Already Torn
Banned
You've got more balls than me OP. Maybe he'll be so pissed about the sensitivity training that he'll post some really bad stuff and then you can get him properly fired.
People tend to have trouble being polite when you're saying they're less human because of their skin color.
Here is your problem, there is no mildly racist, its either racist or its not. Who is judging whats mildly racist, the minorities or the people being 'mildly racist?
You think its okay for someone to make a mildly racist speech, act mildly racist when doing a job interview or dispatching emergency services?
Should minorities calm the fuck down because they're only being treated mildly racist as apposed to blatantly racist?
Is mildly racist the new "didn't mean nothing by it"?
This is not directed at you but your argument, so please don't take offence as i truly mean none. However this is a full grown man constantly posting material that the OP deems reportable, this isn't an ignorant high school or college kid.
No ones losing their job over that one image, however if HR find a long history of this shit than OP done the right thing in exposing him.
You're expending an inordinate amount of energy defending what you consider to be mildly racist behavior by insisting that the punishment of potentially losing a job over it would be somehow unjust.
I'm gonna ask again: ever think about the harm bigots do in their day to day lives? Or is a little mild racism here and there no big deal, like it never affects their work behavior?
Expansion Pack
Member
Okay no, I seriously doubt he would consider killing himself if he lost his job and family well-being. Angry right-wingers don't usually respond that way in face of difficulties and their own failings in life. He'll do what right-wingers do best and blame this mess on some other group. As such, in my opinion, he's far more likely use his "God-given second amendment right" and seek vengeance for whatever, if anything, happens to him. And it sure as hell won't be a white person on the receiving end of his madness.
So yeah, that was not a good move imo, OP. You potentially ruined a man's life and, as a result, endangered the lives of black persons in America even further too. Like, I get that racist shit should be reported but damn, the results of your actions aren't as simple as you seem to think they are. Also, it should really be said that you have no idea what goes in that guy's head or what motivates him to be the way he is. Would it still be his fault if he was raised in an ultra-conservative household that believed this way and only ever listened to conservative media that reinforced this mentality, etc? Like, does he deserve to go to jail or to have his life ruined because of the way he was (poorly) raised? Especially if doesn't actually pose a threat to black persons other than generally being a racist dick?
I don't know, man.
So yeah, that was not a good move imo, OP. You potentially ruined a man's life and, as a result, endangered the lives of black persons in America even further too. Like, I get that racist shit should be reported but damn, the results of your actions aren't as simple as you seem to think they are. Also, it should really be said that you have no idea what goes in that guy's head or what motivates him to be the way he is. Would it still be his fault if he was raised in an ultra-conservative household that believed this way and only ever listened to conservative media that reinforced this mentality, etc? Like, does he deserve to go to jail or to have his life ruined because of the way he was (poorly) raised? Especially if doesn't actually pose a threat to black persons other than generally being a racist dick?
I don't know, man.
I don't know if the man in question has kids, or a wife, or if he's caring for parents, and if he's relying heavily on his current job. Do you?
TheSpoiler
Member
Mildly racist is a new way of saying "it's just a prank, bro".
What if i want to prank people? Now I gotta watch out for snitches not letting me post up a picture calling all Muslims terrorists and putting the text" I thought this was interesting".
This PC world is disgusting.
What if i want to prank people? Now I gotta watch out for snitches not letting me post up a picture calling all Muslims terrorists and putting the text" I thought this was interesting".
This PC world is disgusting.
He posted what he posted and I obviously don't agree with it, but I'm personally not a big fan of these kinds of take downs. I think a lot of people still don't take the internet seriously, so it's difficult to gauge what he really meant by the posts and I'd rather not embroil myself in trying to figure it out. If these things were said in person at work, it would be so much simpler.
Regardless though, OP, it sounds like you have a really important job and you'd probably be better off staying focused on what you have to do and/or finding a better way of coping with the stress.
Regardless though, OP, it sounds like you have a really important job and you'd probably be better off staying focused on what you have to do and/or finding a better way of coping with the stress.
It is definitely not the norm in Ireland. I've worked for the big 4 and now a major multinational insurance company. I've done interviews with other major entities. Never once was I asked about social media.
I've also been on the other side. Conducting interviews with people. Social media was never brought up.
I find it weird they'd even ask.
None of that matters since he decided to let the world know his racist views.
He should've thought about all that before he posted.
Audioboxer
Member
Out of interest for those who won't entertain any discussion over the actions the OP carried out (as there is no debate over racist images, they are), would you expect this topic to be filled with HR reporting? - http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=887204
As far as I can see most people block/report, which is why some of us are sharing that line of thinking with the OP. He came to GAF to ask about his action/conscious and I stand by it being a quick and weight free option to simply block and report people on platforms. Not spend time going and finding a place of work and writing an email, then having second thoughts.
As far as I can see most people block/report, which is why some of us are sharing that line of thinking with the OP. He came to GAF to ask about his action/conscious and I stand by it being a quick and weight free option to simply block and report people on platforms. Not spend time going and finding a place of work and writing an email, then having second thoughts.
LOL. No. But we know he is a racist who doesn't mind telling people that aren't like him that they aren't worth as much.
SynthFetish
Member
I really hate the whole "internet justice" thing. If someone is being an asshole or saying stupid shit, call them out on it, but don't report them to their employer. exceptions being some one who works in public service as they have a moral responsibility to set a high standard for the community.
Well, that's where we disagree. I would've confronted him about it and if he made it explicitly clear that he calls black people "nigga" because he finds it degrading, then you should let HR know. You seem to see clarity where I see ambiguity.
Pray tell, where does he say that?
BennyBlanco
aka IMurRIVAL69
No, I don't think someone should lose their livelihood over posting some shitty memes.
This isn't the first time I have seen you be more concerned about what happens to the poor racists than those that have racist things thrown at them. Definitely a pattern.
Bottom line, you post something publicly for the world to see, you are completely responsible for what happens to you, "accidental racism" or not, whatever the heck that means.
SomedayTheFire
Member
What about the people he could be racist towards?
Jeffolation
Banned
If this guy cared about his job or the consequences of losing it over social media activity he wouldn't have posted that bullshit.
I don't have the time of day, let alone any sympathy for assholes of the type the OP reported.
I'm not thinking about his hypothetical family. I'm thinking about the real people affected by bigotry.
Like a bigoted clerk refusing to, for example, issue marriage licenses to gay couples.
Like a bigoted police officer shooting a naked unarmed mentally disturbed black man.
Like a bigoted presidential candidate shitting on the memory of a dead soldier in the armed forces over which he would command, just because he happened to be of a different faith, then going on to wage war against all people of said faith.
I see how bigoted beliefs affect people's work and in turn affect the people around them, and I lose sympathy for them when they suffer the consequences of holding those harmful beliefs. Any collateral misfortune would be that bigoted person's fault.
In their world it's only stick and stones! Real people that see racist things don't actually care, don't hate themselves or commit suicide.
What we need to be concerned about is hypotheticals that could result from when a racist person may lose his/her job. Somebody please think of the racists!
BinaryPork2737
Unconfirmed Member
*Shitty racist memes which continue to perpetuate bigotry, you mean.
Maybe he'll learn not to be a racist? That will definitely improve his life and the lives of minorities that have to deal with him.
Mickdundee96
Member
You did it out of spite because you were having a bad day.
You just wanted to create trouble for him by contacting his work. If you were that outraged by his racism you should have contacted the police.
You just wanted to create trouble for him by contacting his work. If you were that outraged by his racism you should have contacted the police.
Expansion Pack
Member
Or, if we're not being completely delusional, he'll just seek vengeance. Which is a far likelier scenario.
quickwhips
Member
I hate people who write this shit. People need to be called on their shit like you for writing this.
StickSoldier
Member
I'd say I hope he doesn't lose his job in the sense that I think it would definitely have an effect on his family and I'd hate that for them, but I wouldn't technically feel bad if he lost his job for it either. And you guys saying that, "Oh well shit I might get reported to HR for posting midly racist shit on facebook?" Well fuck yeah you can, who the fuck thinks its okay to post racist shit at all? I guess it's okay if you are racist though. So lol.. Either way, if you aren't racist, you're spreading hatred that's unwarranted with each racist post, so yeah, if you post that shit and get fired for it, accept it as your own fault for posting stupid shit not the person who reported you. Think before you act.
And as for this scenario, i know whats' done is done, but I would have suggested reporting it to Facebook instead, that way he doesn't have a chance to lose his job and make his family suffer for it. The only thing that'll happen if Facebook takes action is that the picture will get taken off and he will hopefully be blocked or removed.
What's done is done though, you did what you thought was right at the time, so you have to accept it but just look at the all the methods you can do to report things like this before you decide, especially when other people's lives are being involved that had nothing to do with this guy and his actions.
And as for this scenario, i know whats' done is done, but I would have suggested reporting it to Facebook instead, that way he doesn't have a chance to lose his job and make his family suffer for it. The only thing that'll happen if Facebook takes action is that the picture will get taken off and he will hopefully be blocked or removed.
What's done is done though, you did what you thought was right at the time, so you have to accept it but just look at the all the methods you can do to report things like this before you decide, especially when other people's lives are being involved that had nothing to do with this guy and his actions.
BinaryPork2737
Unconfirmed Member
And him seeking vengeance means we should tolerate his racism without opposition? I don't understand why people tend to fall all over themselves in a rush to defend racists for doing racist things and then facing the consequences of their actions.
The guy probably won't even get fired if his employer already knows about his attitude, and employers do background checks all the time on social media.
How do you know it's likely? Is that what you would do?
Audioboxer
Member
Of course not, I don't think even those offering the OP a different view in here are suggesting that. Reporting content to FB produces a consequence that the person gets banned either temporarily, or permanently, and in some instances FB even reports to authorities if dangerous. While FB is far more public in terms of images/names (but profiles can be viewed only by friends), it's not much different than GAF banning. GAF bans racism/misogynistic/trolling posts, GAF doesn't however go and look up people's details from usernames and/or supplied email address/website URL on profile and then email employers.
So, long story short, like I've said a few times if the OP wants to handle this another way in the future there are tools available to cause assholes to have repercussions online. Also employers can Google/search social media, but as I said profiles can be private and only view-able by friends. I know the OP said this guy wasn't his "friend", but I can't see it clarified if it's a random added person (most of us have some randomly added internet "friends"), or if it's some fully public FB he stumbled across.
If the profile IS private then one can begin to debate privacy and if his employer should be able to look at it (screen-caps are not the employer being directed to a public profile to view themselves). Don't start harassing me over that sentiment, it is in no way condoning posting awful content on social media platforms, but like it or not privacy is a serious matter even if you are an asshole. Hence why FB needs its own reporting tools to handle things, as content on THEIR site can be viewed and dealt with by THEM even if your profile is private.
The Lamonster
Member
OP sounds like a damn hero if you ask me.
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