A recent post and discussion by Melinda McDonald CF

The whole conversation can be followed here https://www.linkedin.com/posts/minmcd_only-one-appliance-per-outlet-that-was-activity-7351817199822520321-C5gK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAhF_i4B627dEosnojuiVg33bfnkV4wwCH0

“Only one appliance per outlet.”

That was the punchline in a meme posted today by one fire service — a tongue-in-cheek take on the now-viral story of the Astronomer CEO and their Head of HR, reportedly caught in a relationship at a Coldplay concert.

The meme has taken off. The majority of people are finding it funny — a clever, cheeky way to tie a safety message to a trending scandal. The comments, as always, took things a step further: sexualised puns, innuendo, and a cascade of jokes like “plugging two at the same time,” “cords aren’t meant to be plugged into multiple sockets,” “humping relations department,” and “bro could do better.” A few people even chimed in with “waiting to see their marriages break down.”

And it’s made me curious. Is this just smart comms — meeting people where they are, using humour to cut through?

Are public figures just fair game once the story breaks — or are there still boundaries, even when the internet says otherwise? Do the analytics justify the means?

Does this kind of humour help connect people to the message — or does it quietly undermine broader work around respect, psychological safety, and the positive duty for prevention of sexual harassment?

Or do the preachy people calling it unprofessional and worrying about the impact on their families just need to chill? They made a bad call. It’s public. And this is just how accountability looks now.

I’ve laughed at things I later questioned. I’ve also shared things I came to regret. This isn’t about judgement — just reflection. Because maybe the line isn’t fixed anymore. Maybe it’s something we each have to navigate.

Where do you think the line is in 2025?

Next post by Melinda:
Just adding this here because it feels important to say: Megan Kerrigan is a human being in her own right — not just “someone’s wife” in a viral story. I’m sorry that she and her children have become the subject of public commentary and have likely been deeply hurt by the events of today. Whatever the circumstances, no one asks to have their private pain turned into entertainment or a government public safety message.

A comment by Sally Woolford with a reply by Elizabeth Montgomery

Dave’s response to Melinda:

“Gosh. This is a difficult area. I think it is valuable, because in between the ‘humour’ and seriousness is a space that rarely gets discussed.”

Melinda McDonald CF: “That’s an interesting take. What would you say is in that space?”

Dave’s responses conflated into one:
“I am still pondering Melinda. This could be one of those discussions that I will regret. But I am driven by a desire to stop sexual harassment and bullying in the fire service. Given that ‘humour’ is a feature of fire service life, it has to be recognised humour is sometimes innocent fun, and sometimes a deliberate way of harassing women. So I am going to continue. But first a pause whilst I make some coffee.
🍵
I hope that readers will recognise this as an experiment. I have just woken up on the other side of the world. Had one mouthful of coffee, and launching into a conversation that could bury me. Nonetheless, it is a conversation that needs to take place, because, the expression ‘I was only joking,’ is so often at the heart of harassment.
Melinda McDonald CF, your suggestion that ‘I’ve laughed at things I later questioned. I’ve also shared things I came to regret.’ This is true for me also. I continually make mistakes by using expressions that have not travelled well across my lifespan. More of that later.
🤨
My experience in the fire service as an 18 year old in the 1960’s, was as the butt of older firefighter’s (humour). I didn’t think they were trying to hurt me. But maybe they were? Maybe they were trying to get rid of me, because I was so young, so innocent? Maybe they were trying to knock me into shape? Or maybe I was easy prey for their sense of fun? Their source of entertainment during the long periods of waiting between calls.
As someone who served their time in the fire service, then went to University, started to recognise the power involved in the construction of masculinity, did a Phd and now tries to find levers to change the toxicity in fire service culture, I am constantly reminded that ‘having a laugh,’ is often done at the expense of someone else. And whilst I carefully suggest that can be fun for everyone, most of the women who I hear from do not see it as fun.
Pause for reflection, waiting for others to comment.
Culture on Fire
Leanne Allen
Janette Morris“