yeah, the week where they explain why it's important to engage in domestic abuse at 4x the average rate is a real buzzkill for the non-reptiles.

...

back when i was still on , i was reading one of those large general advice subs. can't remember which, but it was apolitical and all that. anyway, some woman in mid/late 20s was "having a problem at work" wherein people at work were spreading rumors about her sexual history and that she was serial cheating on her husband with coworkers etc etc. just gross, malicious shit. none of it was true of course and she was asking how she should deal with it professionally. then she drops the bomb. "i'm a cop, btw".

the top response was that if it were any other profession, the move would be to contact HR and several tiers of supervisors, document everything, and be prepared to advocate for yourself, litigation, etc. but since they were a cop, the commentor did not feel this was safe due to the pervasive culture of harassment and bullying in US policing which is extremely resistant to reform. not to mention, de facto immunity from investigation or prosecution for murder. they recommended the person try and solicit advice anonymously through national associations or strongly consider exiting the organization.

i've worked in institutions with a reputation for bullying and harassment and it is fucking toxic. but i shudder to imagine the same place if every fucking asshole is walking around with a gun on their hip and the ability to hurt, maim, incarcerate, and kill with total impunity.