Doxxed : a campaign for social justice

If James was pressed to describe the attitude of these three people he would have to say it was a curious mix between indignant and sympathetic. David had approached James in a friendly manner just before going home the previous evening and mentioned off hand that this meeting was scheduled. That morning James had received a formal invitation. Also in attendance, according to the email, there would be the Department Director, Beverly Steadman, Branch Leader David Finch, and an HR rep, Jill Graves, for three PM that afternoon. This was no catch up meeting. James was concerned.

Director Steadman had two piles of paper freshly printed and stacked in front of her, she had started a third stack as she flipped through a series of printouts, examined each one carefully, and placed them neatly on the stack.  She gave a light little sigh at the end of the series. She tidied the new pile making it flush and at a right angle to the other two.  Up until that point she had maintained a placid poker face, sometimes nodding as she read a caption.

Ahmed Singh had told James that the Director was a bit of a bitch, his words. He said he had been walking in front of her one morning coming in to work and had held the door open for her, just to be polite. She told him just because she was a woman did not mean she was incapable of opening a door, and that this was a progressive work environment, and that his old fashioned notions were no longer appropriate. This sudden recollection made James’ palms sweat. Ahmed received a verbal warning from his supervisor.

‘I myself have no comment to make regarding these pictures,’ she said, ‘but I am concerned about the connection they have to Breakout Health Gyms and Spas.’ Her manner was even and professional. ‘I know they have been created by you in a personal capacity. If David or myself were to paint a picture or sculpt a figure or something, that would be in our personal capacity, as long as there were no direct connection to the company then the company would not interfere with its publication or display…’

‘To be fair,’ interrupted James, ‘these comics were published on Engage, and nowhere on that account did I identify as an employee of Breakout. You have seen them, they are really only making fun. There’s no… like, malice there.’

‘Yes, we understand that. But there has been a large response. A lot of people were offended. So, by definition you were publishing offensive material.  We also understand that it was not your intent associate us with the content of these comics but, that is what happened.’

David’s voice seemed trapped; he opened and closed his mouth. He pushed his chair back a little distance so he was able to cross his legs. He finally said, ‘that was unfortunate.’

Beverly smiled reassuringly; encouragingly. She was attractive for a lady in her early sixties, tall and thin, with good teeth and bright eyes. He said, ‘I don’t think it was offensive material. That is a bit strong. Sure, it offended them, but they were the butt of the joke. It’s just how humour works.’

He continued, ’It was not the only unfortunate thing to happen. It’s been a nightmare since this thing blew up. I’ve told David about it…’ James looked to David, who nodded to both Beverly and James vigorously but said nothing. The coward, thought James. Again he received that encouraging smile, and was beginning to sense that that smile was a lure and trap, that it would draw out information and words that would then be used against him.

‘Ok…’ he started, his throat dry, ‘firstly, I had to drop offline. All my accounts were either flooded with abuse or hacked. It started with an explosion of hits of my Engage account, that’s where I ran the web series. Someone posted the comics as a thread in a feminist subgage and started a campaign. I'm not the first one they have done this to. This is what they do to silence people who disagree with them. My comics are all over the net. I thought it was funny at first, and you know… exposure.’ James paused, desperately going over what he had already said, which to his ear sounded chaotic. He felt he was rushing. Frustration was building behind his eyes. His throat hurt.

‘He had to change his phone number,’ David said, trying to be helpful.

‘Yes, just taking a break from the net wasn’t enough. I started to get phone calls, hang-ups, abuse… death threats. My real name and address got published. They spray painted “rapist” all over the front of my house and my car. I called the police but there is nothing they can do.’

‘Why did they call you a rapist? I don’t recall any posts about rape.’

‘It’s… they call people Rape Apologists; Misogynist; Rape Apologist, whatever. I think they also wanted all my neighbours to think I was rapist, to make my life hell. And that shit worked too, people were looking at me real strange. I know it created doubts in their minds. Like… everyone was keeping their distance, more than usual. I could see it on their faces’

Beverly said, ‘As I mentioned earlier, if you would like to make jokes about rape that is your business. However, a problem develops when the company is associated with those topics. That is what this meeting today is covering, the consequences of that problem.’

‘I didn’t make rape jokes, I…’ James’ arms were crossed and he voice was rasping. The corners of his eyes were filled with tears. But he refused to wipe them out. That would seem like setting them and giving them permission to fall. He would start to cry for sure.

‘How did they find out where you worked,’ said David.

‘They found my professional profile online. Prolink – I used it when I was looking for work. I updated the site when I got the job here.’

We have some examples of letters and comments we have been receiving regarding your work. These are on the corporate home page and all social media, and emails. It seems a number of department heads’ email addresses where leaked and they received many disturbing emails. Have you seen any of these?’ asked Beverly.

‘David has shown me a few, and I can imagine. I’ve been receiving the same for the past month. You don’t need to tell me.’

‘For the record than,’ said Beverly. She indicated to Jill from Human Recourses, who had been diligently taking the minutes for the meeting. Beverly expertly pinched the first crisp sheet of paper from the top of the pile, turned it over, and began to read. It was an email. Beverly began to read, ‘I cannot believe my Gym would employ this type of scum. I identify as a white female and so I always check my privilege. But I believe I have the right to say you are condoning the murder of LBGT people all over the world by supporting this monster. Having him as an employee I conclude that Breakout Gyms supports his ideology and is itself just as bad. You’re every bit as misogynist, racist and homophobic as he is. Prove to us you have a social conscience and take a stand against prejudice. Hoping I am wrong about this… signed Kat.’

‘Surely you can see the intent behind that… they are trying to get me fired.’

‘I can see their intent quite clearly.’

‘Right.’ 

‘There were many in much the same vein as this, and then there were other…’ To illustrate that there were many pagers of similar content, she flipped page after page onto the desk, ‘less reasonable emails. Here is one that says if we employ a pig like you we deserve to be raped; that if they ever get the chance they will make us pay. There are dozens claiming they will be cancelling their memberships and telling all of their friends about us. It is all, quite disturbing. It is a big problem, I think you would agree.’

‘Yes, it’s been… bad,’ replied James, not quite sure if her last statement was sympathetic or accusatory.

Beverly turned her smile to Jill and requested that she furnish James with a copy of the Breakout Code of Conduct for employees.

‘If you turn to page thirty four you will see section 5.1.1 states that an employee must conduct themselves in a way as to never cause Breakout Gyms to be reflected in a negative light. ‘

‘Come on, it is not like I did any of this on purpose. It isn’t my fault. I was a victim of crusade. Overly sensitive liberal webtards did this, not me.’

She continued, ‘Corporate and I have discussed this incident and we all agree that the severity of this breach of the code of conduct does warrant an appropriate response. We are terminating your employment with Breakout Gyms and Spas.’

‘I…’ James hated himself for the tears running down his face.