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If you hear someone say, "I'm not scared of that," or, "I didn't want that promotion anyway," it doesn't necessarily mean they're mentally strong. In fact, there's a good chance it's just a facade.

To illustrate this, let's look at the subreddit which we at Bored Panda call "I Am Very Bad". From gun nuts to overly-protective boyfriends, this online community has plenty of examples to prove that overcompensation can be very, very obvious.

Here are the posts that got the most upvotes from the sub's 1.2 million members.

To learn more about "I Am Very Bad" we contacted its moderators and one of them, u/ergoegthatis, agreed to have a little chat.

"Some of the most popular ['tough' people on the subreddit are the ones who see] injustice in the news (e.g. someone being insulted or bear up), and say, 'If that happened to me I'd so and so and so and so!' With everyone on social media having a platform to air any opinion they have, this is incredibly common," u/ergoegthatis told Bored Panda.

"Also in the US, there are many intense political/social statements related to politics and guns. For some reason, Americans are religiously addicted to expressing their opinions on everything, in every possible way (including car decals)."

#2

And Murdered By Words Of Another Vet

And Murdered By Words Of Another Vet

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes, the 'us' and 'them' mentality. Also the result of brainwashing. If someone cuts in line, say something. You don't immediately have to resort to violence like a little coward who can't communicate his feelings like a normal adult. (edited the bad word to coward)

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#3

Vaping In Front Of A Water Service Vehicle Thinking It's A Cop Car

Vaping In Front Of A Water Service Vehicle Thinking It's A Cop Car

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even though it's not a cop car, why would it matter if he was vaping in front of one. Is it coz he is possibly under-age or something?

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According to the moderator, the subreddit's 'characters' usually overcompensate due to their fear of a scary, unpredictable, and hostile world.

"It depends on society too: we rarely see these ... expressions coming from Europe, the Arab world, Southern and Central America, Russia, China, Japan, etc. America is witnessing social, political, and economic implosions, so this seems to be a way for them to cope with that," they added.

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The subreddit's community, on the other hand, is way more diverse. "It's heterogeneous, [and has] got all sorts of people," u/ergoegthatis said. "I don't think there's any common factor in our userbase, except the desire to have fun and laugh at people who take their purported [toughness] to comical levels in public."

#4

A Birthday Well Wish Escalates To ”there Will Be Consequences”

A Birthday Well Wish Escalates To ”there Will Be Consequences”

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#5

Even My Local Police Department Had To Call Out This Guy's Bulls**t

Even My Local Police Department Had To Call Out This Guy's Bulls**t

reddit.com Report

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Marcellus II
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm wondering in this scenario, what's the motivation of criminal nr 1000 to go test the door, when there's already a stack of 999 corpses festering in the spring sunshine?

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While acting tough may meet a person's needs in the short term by artificially boosting their ego or by getting others to back off, it's not a good long-term strategy. In fact, one study conducted by psychologists at Rutgers University found that guys who act tough may suffer serious consequences.

The paper, published in The Journal of Health Psychology, found that these men visit doctors less often. They're also less forthcoming about their medical symptoms when they see a male physician (interestingly, these same men were more likely to choose a male doctor because they believe male doctors are more competent than females).

#6

My Friend And His Wife Are Going Through A Mutual Divorce, Her New Boyfriend Is Wasting No Time Asserting Dominance

My Friend And His Wife Are Going Through A Mutual Divorce, Her New Boyfriend Is Wasting No Time Asserting Dominance

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#7

If You Have To Advertise It, It’s Probably Not True

If You Have To Advertise It, It’s Probably Not True

ReformedCanine Report

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Dee Hunter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't "Alpha" mean a version that's full of bugs and not in a condition to be released to the public?

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#8

She Always Told Me He Was Jealous But Dang

She Always Told Me He Was Jealous But Dang

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Researchers suspect that delaying medical appointments and minimizing symptoms could be one of the reasons why men in the US die, on average, five years earlier than women.

If you want to see whether or not you have a tendency to act this way, this article by Inc. provides a 7-point checklist that could help in evaluating yourself.

If you're also putting up a fake exterior that helps you feel superior, consider the toll it may take on your life. Instead, try to invest in building mental strength, so the way you feel on the inside matches how others see you on the outside. As your mental strength increases, your need to act tough decreases.

#9

Comment On A Post About An Old Couple Having To Slowly Put Back Potatoes One At A Time At A Grocery Store Until The Price Was Low Enough Because They Are Poor

Comment On A Post About An Old Couple Having To Slowly Put Back Potatoes One At A Time At A Grocery Store Until The Price Was Low Enough Because They Are Poor

CaseyS447 Report

#10

If A Cop Is A D*ck You Are Legally Allowed To Beat Him Up Apparently

If A Cop Is A D*ck You Are Legally Allowed To Beat Him Up Apparently

reddit.com Report

#11

You Never Know What Will Go Down At A Subway Sandwich Shop

You Never Know What Will Go Down At A Subway Sandwich Shop

RichPaulsBurner Report

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Penny Fan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's necessary because his masculinity is too fragile to survive without them.

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#12

Bad**s Boomer Responds To Being Ok'ed By A Journalist He Yelled At About Climate Change

Bad**s Boomer Responds To Being Ok'ed By A Journalist He Yelled At About Climate Change

FreezeSPreston Report

#13

High School Is A Hell Of A Drug

High School Is A Hell Of A Drug

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#14

His Daughter Took A Laptop Home From School To Message A Boy. So He Decides To Shoot The Laptop That Wasn’t Even His Property

His Daughter Took A Laptop Home From School To Message A Boy. So He Decides To Shoot The Laptop That Wasn’t Even His Property

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ivoh avatar
Ivo H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what happens when people are allowed to have more guns than IQ.

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Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And then he took photos and told the whole internet about destroying someone else's property.

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope the school made the ignorant fool pay for a new one.

edc_82 avatar
Lola
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be surprised if he is not being investigated by police and child services. As a teacher, I would make sure that child is taken away.

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goddamn psycho. I would not be at all surprised if he hits the poor girl as well.

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Skara Brae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pure animal reaction. Not having a clue that he taught his daughter to hide what she does from him.

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J. Normal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The saddest part, she will probably end up with a boy just like him, pregnant at 15, single mother at 16 - waiting for the next abuser to come along. Grandma will end up raising the kid, just like her grandmother and for generations in the past.

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cybermerlin2000
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for your confession with photographic evidence. The police will be along shortly with a warrant and a bill for criminal damage and the cost of a replacement laptop

janetch avatar
Janet C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And when she hits 18 she'll be gone and never speak to his scary, abusive ass again.

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Sara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess he is not thinking about what he is "teaching" his poor daughter...?

leighm avatar
Dodo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He knows. He's teaching her that she will do exactly as he says when he says it. He's creating a cult of fear and probably getting off on it.

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Sue Grigg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's nothing creepier than a father this wrapped up in his daughter's relationship with boys. Calm down dude, she's not your property, she's your daughter.

lisah255 avatar
LH25
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an AWFUL lesson to "teach" his daughter. On many levels.

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Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shooting a laptop on cement doesn't sound like a very good idea. If you have to be a moron, put it on the grass, Ricochet Joe.

lunanik avatar
Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Enjoy reimbursing the school their $2000. You might even have to sell some guns.

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Laura1985
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welp, that's a new computer for the school and I'm betting his insurance won't cover that.

edc_82 avatar
Lola
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everything else aside, I hope child services were called on this animal. No child should ever have to witness that kind of animalistic behavior.

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Mike Loux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure the school was absolutely overjoyed at how dad treated their property.

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Von Klaus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yup...the computer made the choice to talk to the boys...

zselyke_szekely avatar
UpupaEpops
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please tell me that CPS gave them a visit. This sort of behaviour seems extremely dangerous...

john_123 avatar
More Thinking Needed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Somewhere along the line we became a society that devalued good parenting, and we may never recover.

terryltobias avatar
Terry Tobias
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, he sure nuff showed that computer who's boss! Also, what lesson is the daughter supposed to learn from this psychotic behavior?

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4848532
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Has a 40-calibre weapon, yet can't form a plural noun properly.

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Lovin' Life
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good Daddy! Ha! And this is why people with no brains at all should not have guns.

bmaeb4063 avatar
Brooklyn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats just not right. If she is old enough to message boys, shes old enough to have her own phone, so she wouldn't have to bring the school laptop to her house in the first place. I say let her message the boy. Who cares? Who gives a care about her messaging someone? WHO CARES???

stephaniekeith_1 avatar
Stephanie Keith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is what happens when all over social media you see quotes like date my daughter you die. Or daddy will be here with a shot gun loaded. People are influenced by bullshit all over social media. The behavior of so many people in this country is equal to scrolling through Facebook seeing every petty, hateful, disrespectful, inhumane quote come to life through actual human beings. It's sad to watch.

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Hugh Walter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

America is really f99ked-up! Every Swiss male and a lot of females have a military-grade assault-rifle or firearm at home for approximately a third of their lies, and they have about 6-suicides a year and one shooting incident a decade . . . mature attitude to guns see?

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Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dislike people who parent on Social media. The only reason you did this was to post about it.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am counting the days till your daughter turns 18, as I'm sure she is too, at which point you will never see her again.

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Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasted ammo and computer. Over jealous dad, serious boundary issues here

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Hey Ho neighbours
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please tell me this got him arrested.... not only for destroying VERY expensive school property, but also for endangering his child / children / family by waving a f*****g machine gun around indoors to make a point that he can't do with his WORDS - you know, like we teach toddlers to do? Use your words? Probably also terrifying for neighbours etc.... I can't imagine the absolute s**t the children of this man have had to / will have to put up with until they can get away from him.

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Dolevaal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wouldn't it be enough to just bring it back? *shrugs* Besides, she's texting a boy, not building a nuclear bomb. She won't be a toddler forever, go deal with it and act like a actual humanbeing.

jon_steensen avatar
Jon Steensen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So why didn't you turn in your assignment on time? My dad shot my computer! Well that is a new one (at least).

kieleahar_1 avatar
KieLeaHar
Community Member
12 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One, that’s abuse… two, this is why people don’t like America/most Americans.. the obsession with guns is RIDICULOUS!!

scarchainrebel avatar
Raptor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope they paid for that to be replaced. They had no legal reason to shoot school property.

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Jenny Takala
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope the girl is safe, because that kind of reaction does speak volumes about the goings on in their home otherwise, too.

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Katharine Lancaster
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah… And now this dumbass has to pay to replace the school computer he just destroyed. All because his poor daughter was probably just talking to a male classmate about a school assignment.

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Jackie Nettleton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder if he frames his new Mac so he can show any future boyfriends how much of a tough guy he isn’t

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Leesa DeAndrea
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Psycho dad. Dude should have his kids taken away from him. Unfit father.

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We really need to give people tests before they procreate or buy guns. Hey, Mr. Masculine Toxicity, how much did the school bill you for destroying their property?

greggb57 avatar
Gregg Bender
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Time to call the cops and child welfare services. He's got a major anger problem and shouldn't be trusted with a weapon.

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martin734
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This guy is a living, breathing advert for both gun and birth control.

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J.L. Martin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonder how much it set them back to replace that for the school district...

justviv avatar
Vivian Orr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What makes men think it makes them look macho when they act like an as*hole?

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deanna woods
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"On another note, my daughter hasn't spoken to me in like two or three days. Could that have anything to do with me shooting the computer?"

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David
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're only a "Man" if your IQ is lower than the number of guns you own.

saderman avatar
Shelli Aderman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s a pretty expensive photo he’ll have to reimburse the school for…

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Seabeast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And when his daughter leaves home and moves 2000 miles away, he'll whine and ask why.

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TK 421
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We did this to a hard drive once for computer science finals project. I believe the professor’s exact words were, “If you can find a way to make the hard drive unreadable, you get an A”. We unloaded on the thin one Saturday, and he still plugged it in. Our “encryption” still won though.

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Stephanie Keith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you get down voted for just sharing this detail of a science project, that you were asked to do? People are oddly down voting when there is no rational reason to do so. It's just strange.

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Jjiinnee
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

people who believe this stuff is real make me giggle. I just can't. The net is a contest to see who can post the most shocking thing for the most views.

mdr_1 avatar
Potato
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's sad is the level of depravity people will sink to to get those views. The more outrageous, the more views. Which means that those bullet holes probably aren't fake. And people really ARE that stupid, if what they want is "views."

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#15

A Challenge From A Bad**s

A Challenge From A Bad**s

2DeadMoose Report

#17

Oh Man... Stay Away From This Guy!

Oh Man... Stay Away From This Guy!

whippedcreamcheese Report

#18

Shooting A Target From A Mile Away? Light Work

Shooting A Target From A Mile Away? Light Work

ANailBlaster Report

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The (approximate) equivalent to the 13th furthest recorded sniper kill according to wiki.

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#19

Do Not Underestimate People With Multiple Font Tattoos

Do Not Underestimate People With Multiple Font Tattoos

ne_credibile Report

#20

Coronavirus Is Scared Of Catching Me

Coronavirus Is Scared Of Catching Me

irich Report

#21

Accidentally Added The Wrong Guy On Facebook. Guess I'm A Coward Now

Accidentally Added The Wrong Guy On Facebook. Guess I'm A Coward Now

HodlMeNow Report

#22

He Doesnt Need A Bed Just Sleeps In A Holster

He Doesnt Need A Bed Just Sleeps In A Holster

AnonymousAnalAssasin Report

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KJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That doesn't translate well to Scottish, calling someone a weapon up here isn't a compliment.

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#23

I Love My Friend But I Get These Often

I Love My Friend But I Get These Often

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Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I bet you threw your aluminum can in the trash instead of the recycling bin and jaywalked next, and everyone on the street begged you not to hurt them!

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#24

Vegans Can’t Even Make A Dent

Vegans Can’t Even Make A Dent

Sasha__fierce Report

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Iapetos
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm an asshole and I can't stand it when people try to make things better for anyone."

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#25

A Warm Welcome Back From My “Bad**s” Roommate

A Warm Welcome Back From My “Bad**s” Roommate

poser-genocide Report

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Dorothy Parker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Girlfriend is being held captive. Save that text and use it as reason to move out. . .

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#26

Dysfunctional Veteran Leave Me Alone!

Dysfunctional Veteran Leave Me Alone!

reddit.com Report

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sure, because no one would call the police if they actually believed these were bodies. No, they'd go about their business and be nice and polite to the psycho killer.

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#28

School Dropouts Are Very Bad**s

School Dropouts Are Very Bad**s

kenziiefox Report

#30

U Can Use Your Zip Ties To Make Sure Your Legs Stay Together In The New Wheelchair

U Can Use Your Zip Ties To Make Sure Your Legs Stay Together In The New Wheelchair

highvolkage Report

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Jihana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Obviously he does park like a jerk and feels threatened now.

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#31

Walmart Patriot

Walmart Patriot

domsak Report

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Wonderful
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let me translate “I was walking down the aisle when a guy wearing a mask passed by me and we briefly made eye contact. Then when I got home and went to take my daily poop I thought up this story to make me look like a bad ass.”

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#32

Shoot First, Ask Questions Later, I Guess

Shoot First, Ask Questions Later, I Guess

Birdie49 Report

#33

Going To The Gym Makes You Invincible

Going To The Gym Makes You Invincible

Here-For-The-Comment Report

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#34

A Comment: "I Bet You Spent More On This Than Your Kids Since They Were Born"

A Comment: "I Bet You Spent More On This Than Your Kids Since They Were Born"

Zorkonio Report

#35

Who Would Dare After That

Who Would Dare After That

barsby456 Report

Note: this post originally had 90 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.