Men taking verbal potshots at each other at work -- how do you handle it?

Question

The scene: A breakroom filled with men. One guy gets teased by another. A third joins in and brings up sexual inuendos (gay). The guy who was teased throws back another sexual inuendo at the guy who threw out the first one. Silence, but hurt feelings between the two guys who had been on friendly speaking terms with one another. The room was filled with middle aged men (apparently straight). Did they do the right thing by keeping their silence?

Answer 1

I basically agree with the first answer. Men communicate differently than women, and sometimes the "barbs" are their way of harmlessly teasing, or a way of feeling more secure in their masculinity. I have talked to many guys of different ages about this subject, and they pretty much agree that most men let things fly and don't get overly sensitive about stuff. Time usually straighten things out, they say. However, this is NOT an excuse for overtly discriminatory and disparaging remarks.

Answer 2

I have worked in the automobile industry for some time and as you know it is a predominantly male industry.
What I love about men is that they can have "knock down-drag out fights" and then be high-fiveing each other in the next breath. Men are like 5 year olds, they fight and then forget about it. Women are the ones that hold onto "alleged hurts". I would watch it all with great interest and humor; and not take it so seriously.

Answer 3

okay this is a no & yes?but it happens some forms of this is sexual harrasment.
sometimes its best to stay sharp an deal with this sort of thing by talking about it in a non descrimitive way..
sometimes people feel they better not answer and stay out because there opionion might be wrong so therefor say nothing..

Answer 4

it is best to stay out of it, it is a man thing and let them do their thing...