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We all know very well that things in this world tend to backfire. Call it a law of nature, a frequent twist of fate, or destiny. “Look who’s laughing now” is a phenomenon that has happened to virtually every one of us, and no matter what you do, it repeats again and again, and again.

The Reddit community “There Was An Attempt” is dedicated to precisely the comic absurdity of all the attempts in life that went against the plan, or turned in the wrong direction. Created in August 2015, the subreddit now has 1.9m members that are not immune to the funny attempts that “were there.”

“People enjoy the slapstick comedy of it. At the end of the day, everyone is laughing,” the subreddit’s moderator told Bored Panda in the interview that you can read in full below. And now we leave the stage to the ensued hilarity.

#2

To Complain About A Child Selling Hot Dogs

To Complain About A Child Selling Hot Dogs

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Bored Panda spoke to redditor u/F4T4-M0RG4N4, the moderator of the r/ThereWasAnAttempt subreddit, who said that the community has evolved a lot since it was created 5 years ago.

“When I first joined the team, it was mostly a screenshot sub. A few months back, there was some drama about how there were only three mods who ran the subreddit (which at the time had around a million members).” As a result, they invited more people to join the moderator team and removed the screenshot posts.

#5

To Make Speaking 2 Languages Sophisticated

To Make Speaking 2 Languages Sophisticated

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#6

To Sound Literate

To Sound Literate

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For those who’re wondering what, precisely, “there was an attempt” refers to, u/F4T4-M0RG4N4 explained that it’s basically about “someone attempting something but ultimately failing.”

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Conceptually, it’s similar to “if someone tried jumping off a trampoline into a pool but when they tried to jump, the trampoline tore. In that case, you could say, 'Well... there was an attempt, at least' and that’s where our subreddit comes into play.”

The posts are mainly about “some people having a dumb idea, trying out that idea, and failing.” This misery is what makes it so funny. 

#7

To Prevent The Homeless From Sleeping Here

To Prevent The Homeless From Sleeping Here

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stuartwhiteley avatar
Papa Emeritus IV
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you just see the top picture and thought "...but you could put a tarp or sheet over the top and have a den..", then scrolled down. ha ha ha.

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james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is so f****d up that people will go to such great lengths to prevent homeless people from having somewhere to sleep.

tiari avatar
Tiari
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, I get why business owners don't want them in front of their shops. Its really bad for business. Cities should provide acceptable places.

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dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a business is willing to spend thousands of dollars to prevent homeless people from sleeping on the sidewalk, they can easily use that money to help build Homes for Humanity houses, better shelters, groceries, etc.

mintyminameow avatar
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t think the business put that up, I think the city did. That fence thing maybe cost like $5000 - $10000 max to install. You can’t build shelters with that money. That doesn’t make sense.

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s_p_barnett avatar
Steve Barnett
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can think of numerous ways to prevent someone homeless from sleeping there, but this attempt is both useless and a waste of metal. Oh, BTW, I'm not going to say what better ways there are, because I'm on the side of homeless people.

deb_14 avatar
Carrie de Luka
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More shelters and looking at and providing solutions to homelessness - that's what you meant, right? 😁 👍

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varwenea avatar
varwenea
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Elevated away from the concrete makes it warmer to sleep on, too. Bonus. 😁

el_dee avatar
El Dee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an awful thing to do. It costs nothing to have someone sleep in an open doorway and yet they have spent possibly thousands to prevent it. No compassion..

davesmith747474 avatar
Dave Smith
Community Member
3 years ago

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Seriously you thought that's what this picture is about. Honestly tell me how this stops people sleeping on the floor, quick clue it doesnt, are you that blind to even look at what is on your screen. I am lost to why people have become so stupid

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

I have questions. Is that door never used? Imagine it is a fire exit....

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So everyone inside dies. But there won't be any homeless people on our doorstep.

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ae_3 avatar
あんぱんまん
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

u gave them a good place to keep their mattress and protect them from any animal passing by... they are thankful

kennykulbiski avatar
Kenny Kulbiski
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never seen a homeless person dragging around a mattress and box springs before.

elainemattingly avatar
Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The mattress might have been a donation from someone as disgusted as I was when I saw the barriers.

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kanashii-yume avatar
Kiki
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's in France and this type of stucture (there are many other kind) are everywhere to make sure homeless people don't stay in front of stores or in public (visible) space. We can think that it's the stores' initiative but it also comes from the French government since our president promised he would get rid of the homeless problem but here we are and 300 000 person are still without a home. We are doing very bad in this matter....

sweetangelce04 avatar
CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not help them find a safe place to sleep and maybe none of that will be necessary?

iancarter avatar
Clever Dog
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

city councils that do this really piss me off, rather than spending large amounts of money on inhuman anti homeless measures why dont you help these people get a warm place to sleep instead.

bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So now they've created 2 spots for homeless people to sleep.

elainemattingly avatar
Elaine Mattingly
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I'm glad someone figured a way around some heartless person who wasted enough money he could have feed people.

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MrTree1779
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It would also prevent wheelchair access, block a fire exit, block access for people with a cane or walker... Yeah. Bad idea.

elakat124 avatar
Enalpria
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you prevent homeless people from sleeping there? They are also human beings, just like you!

imlaysheepinchina avatar
I'm lay sheep in China
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Few months before I saw an article how American r sick of birds pooping on their car so they set Pointy fences on branches to prevent birds seating on the tree. Can u believe it?!! It's like Taking out shark out of ocean bcuz lot of ppl r dying of shrak bite

cameronmetcalf avatar
Cameron Metcalf
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YOU GO GURL! i can make rocks comfy so f the person who is putting these poles whereevver they want to

dancer5224 avatar
c Fuller
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where does he keep his mattress during operating hours?

kim_lorton avatar
Kim Lorton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Creativity to get your needs met... it’s what humans do!

whtotter avatar
OTTER
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When there’s a will, there’s a way! I heard that somewhere. 😉

ryandeschanel avatar
Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they can be bullied by tramps... I should choose another bank.

c_friseal avatar
ravn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goddamn those things piss me off (in SF they use stones, spikes, etc). It's passive aggressive and just plain mean. We sometimes have people sleeping in the door stoops in my neighborhood, and I just make sure they're being safe and have something to put garbage in.

sphinxlady avatar
Khadija Hammond
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not only was that cruel and dangerous, but you were outdone you idiots. Way to go homeless champ. If I had you over here in Egypt you have a warm bed to sleep in.

maddietem avatar
Maddie Tem!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can relate. I live in a small house with & siblings, a cat and dog. You have to learn to GET OVER things that are in your way ;)

leopetipas avatar
Leo Petipas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stainless steel posts? Stainless steel? Crap ton of money there.

lanajig-maker avatar
Lana Jig-maker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

loft bed. Off the ground, so it is away from damp and cold. Also, a stylish way to create vertical space. Lets run around giving homeless loft bed huts. Habitat for Humanity? Nah. Huts for Homeless.

girishkayanadath avatar
TheFakeSteveRogers
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an Idiotic Idea. The Homeless people are Smarter than others. We would've just turned away (But after seeeing this, we won't).

don503765 avatar
Donald Holder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn. You would think that cost of labor, equipment, time and money spent putting up these stupid posts, they could of housed 5 people for a month.

cruzarts avatar
Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I watched the owner of the business where I helped set-up in the morning take a hot breakfast sandwich and cups of coffee in cups to meet homeless people who slept in the entry and let them know he needed to open the doors soon. His respect earned their respect. I don't ever recall the building or windows being defaced, although there was graffiti on neighboring buildings.

robroymetre avatar
Luuta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being off the ground would make it safer (from pissartists and rats) and warmer, too. They've just IMPROVED his accommodation!

samtgodfrey3 avatar
Sam T Godfrey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now why the hell doesn't that person have a job? Wish I was hiring!

cyberchook avatar
Cybele Spanjaard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Off the damp cold concrete..yes. Like seeing him reading a book 'in' bed' too

lisas_1 avatar
LSS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn't want homeless camping out in front of my building either tbh.

aphex1982 avatar
Jaye Rodger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks like a fire exit. Not sure those obstructive poles are compliant with fire codes...

abbad_l avatar
Jack Burton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its definitely in France, im a ashamed of my country and also proud of this homeless guy who trolls this s**t

napalmglop avatar
Rod Egret
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

French bank (actually mine...), most likely Paris, I'm appalled and ashamed.

bapa avatar
Ba Pa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like his effort, but I've seen homeless sleep in much less space than the poles provide so nice try city, how about solve why they are homeless in the first place.

vinmifsud avatar
Vin Mifsud
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stupid idea if that is what they are for; someone with more money than sense

mishte_tine avatar
Mishte Tine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the wealthiest country on the planet (I think SA might best us) can we not have homeless folks? Please?

julian-mallett avatar
Downunderdude
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Which country is this? I shall punish it by not going there. That'll teach 'em.

marythepoem avatar
Mary Peace
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently it's in France, I wondered if it was Poland, because of the poles...

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Thalia Lovering
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The person who put these deserve a pole up their a**e. Or maybe just one night on the streets.

thalyanaone avatar
I'manoob!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HA! The homeless man is smarter than the "educated" people that built the poles!

marythepoem avatar
Mary Peace
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes the homeless man is far more resourceful than whoever wanted the poles put up.

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Kim
Community Member
3 years ago

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So store owners are supposed to have homeless people blocking their doors? In which universe is it the store owners’ fault that people don’t have anywhere to go? Imagine having to step over people sleeping to get in to the building, I understand why you need to try and get people not to sleep there. It doesn’t mean I don’t sympathize with those who are homeless, I do very much, my point is just that regular people shouldn’t be punished as well as the homeless, this is a bigger problem. (Gotta say if that door goes to a government building I’m all for letting them sleep there! Because those are the people who are actually responsible and CAN do anything.)

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Jenny Li
Community Member
3 years ago

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I was getting tired and then leaned on my elbow only to get stabbed by my earring. XD

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Dave Smith
Community Member
3 years ago

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Why do people fall for such lies, are you blind or just stupid. How does this even stop people lying down . Jeez get of the internet and look at the real world instead of these fake pictures that you will pass on to the more oblivious and perpetuate this s**t

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#8

To Start Cat Racing

To Start Cat Racing

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

That is just adorable 🤣 Also: why would you think a cat would get out of a box?

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#9

To Prove That Patton Oswalt Is A Failed Comedian

To Prove That Patton Oswalt Is A Failed Comedian

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Today, the moderator team only allows video submissions and cross-posts, “which are posts that were in one subreddit but were reposted to another (kind of like retweeting.” This format works better for r/ThereWasAnAttempt, since screenshots can more easily become reposts, for one.

Especially when there’s one similar subreddit that’s specifically for social media clapbacks and comebacks, but its content mainly features screenshots.When it comes to their 1.9 million member count, the moderator said that “I don’t think we have the exact same post frequency as, say, a meme subreddit.”

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Partly, it’s because it isn’t easy to repost something from r/ThereWasAnAttempt. “I could probably look at the new section for r/memes and see quite a few frequent reposts.”

#14

To Shame Atheists And Take Away Their Holidays

To Shame Atheists And Take Away Their Holidays

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#15

I Mean... You Tried..?

I Mean... You Tried..?

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s_p_barnett avatar
Steve Barnett
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'Having Voldemort trying to kill him at every opportunity finally took its toll on Harry Potter'

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#17

To Arrest A “Drug Dealer

To Arrest A “Drug Dealer

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#18

To Make Fun Of A Bird

To Make Fun Of A Bird

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DforDory
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least he realised it. If you can't laugh at yourself, you're doomed.😁

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#19

To Shame Men

To Shame Men

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#22

To Convince People To Be Pro-Life

To Convince People To Be Pro-Life

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you got a tiny Voldemort in your womb, abortion might not be the worst idea.

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#23

To Defend God

To Defend God

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#25

To Be Racist

To Be Racist

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Queen fhk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am proudly a Muslim just like a Christian proudly a Christian and also like an atheist who is proudly an atheist!!!!!!! It's our believe when people think about freedom of speech, they forget about hurting other people's religion, but when we stand for our rights we are themed as paranoid. Just leave us alone, stop looking for trouble which you wouldn't get and exercise Human Rights fairly not partially degrading other people's religion. I quote everyone is different yet you try to make everyone the same religion, race, tribe all " Differences matters, yet that makes us who we are, denying our differences is denying the truth " I am A PROUD MUSLIM, it's me not you allow me to practice my religion in peace and stop popnosing on my affairs, everyone deserves right to religion just as u think!

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#26

To Suggest A New Idea

To Suggest A New Idea

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flawless! And you should be able to make a audio contact with other people in real time so you can tell them, instead of typing a message for them.

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#28

To Eat A Mozzarella Stick

To Eat A Mozzarella Stick

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#32

To Replace I'm Sorry With Thank You

To Replace I'm Sorry With Thank You

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charlotte_18 avatar
Charlotte
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But actually this is a technique I used in customer service. For example when you put a customer on hold to go get more info, you ask them if they’re happy to wait. When you get back you thank them for waiting. If you say “sorry for the wait” it suggests you did something wrong, when really you were just doing your job. It leaves a different impression on the customer and genuinely impacts satisfaction.

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#33

To Prove How Unfashionable These Jeans Were

To Prove How Unfashionable These Jeans Were

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#35

To Provide Front, Side, And Rear Photos For The Car Insurance Rep

To Provide Front, Side, And Rear Photos For The Car Insurance Rep

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#37

To Get A Cardi B Tattoo

To Get A Cardi B Tattoo

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jamiebyrnes avatar
Some Cool Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never realized that there is a level of messed up that someone would want to get an Anne Frank tattoo on your damn FACE

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#39

To Display Plus Size Clothes Without Causing Offence

To Display Plus Size Clothes Without Causing Offence

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ilovethebacon avatar
Roger Haywood
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering that there are no plus sized mannequins, I think its good improv. (I'm on the larger size myself, and I'm nowhere near offended)

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#40

To Stand Up For The Joker

To Stand Up For The Joker

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Welcome to the Internet, where you can be offended by literally everything,

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#42

To Fuck The Police

To Fuck The Police

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#47

To Criticize A Garbage Man

To Criticize A Garbage Man

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Sanne H.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don’t know how it’s in other countries, but here in NL apparently it’s one of the best paid low-education jobs available. A friend of mine did it as a student job while in university and apart from the smell he was quite happy with it.

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#48

To Be A Professional Company

To Be A Professional Company

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Pamela24
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All that's gonna do is make more people drive drunk. If Uber is so concerned about people throwing up in their cars or being violent (which is understandable) they should charge a deposit and/or allow the drivers to have pepper spray or something to defend themselves if necessary (not guns!).

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#49

To Create 3 Mexican Countries

To Create 3 Mexican Countries

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#50

To Hide

To Hide

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Note: this post originally had 150 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.