I'm Bi-Racial (Afro-Cuban), but my boss assumes I'm Mexican. Eventhough, my office is decorated with Cuban Flags, pictures of my parents and I. She'll say "Aren't you celebrating Cinco de Mayo?" or she'll ask me stuff that has to do with Mexican culture. I'm sick and tired of her thinking I'm Mexican! How should I engraved that I am not mexican in her hard head???
2006-10-31 10:43:41 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I've told her a bundle of times. I guess she either forgets or something.
2006-10-31 10:48:36 · update #1
But I want to tell her like "Look I'M NIGA and REFUGEE!!!"-but in a nice way, maybe that'll stick to her head.
2006-10-31 10:49:53 · update #2
Have the sign on your cube "Do Not Disturb - Cuban-American On Duty!"
And always jokingly point to the sign when he mentions mexico...
ps.. i think he is not too smart.. expect to be his boss any day soon.. good luck!
2006-10-31 10:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by Sam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps your boss simply does not understand the differences between Mexican and Cuban culture. She probably knows that you're not Mexican, but she doesn't know what Cubans do (in opposition to what Mexicans do). You can simply promote your culture more around the office. For example, you could bring in a cuban dish for everyone to share one day. While everyone is enjoying the food, you could explain that this is a dish that is unique to your culture and not other Spanish-speaking cultures. Things like this might help your boss to see that not all Spanish-speaking cultures are the same, and then she'll probably ask the difference between Mexican and Cuban culture.
In the meantime, if she asks you about Cinco de Mayo or something, simply answer, "That's a Mexican thing. I don't do that."
2006-10-31 23:18:41 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just sit down, and talk to her about it if the subject comes up again. Let her know that you are not mexican, but Afro-cuban. Some people may not know the difference between the cuban and mexican flag, or she may not know that Cinco de Mayo is a mexican holiday, not a cuban one, as well.
2006-10-31 18:49:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a "silly" question: Does your boss know the difference between Cuba and Mexico? Some people think everyone comes from the same part of the world. Many think the customs are the same, the language is the same, the food is the same. It's ignorance, but it's annoying.
I am not sure how you would handle this. It seems you tell her over and over and she just doesn't get it. Is there someone else in the office who is friendly with her? Would this individual be willing to speak on your behalf on one of "those days?"
She is probably just asking to be nice, but she's not asking the right questions!
Pardon my ignorance, but, is there a Cuban day of celebration? I am asking this because maybe you could bring in some of your 'celebration foods' on that day to the office to share. Or, if you have office parties, maybe have everyone bring in a treat/food that is special to their heritage?
Good luck.
2006-10-31 19:04:04 · answer #4 · answered by Malika 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Book a lunch meeting with her, and take her to a Cuban restaurant. While you're there, emphasize that this is your culture...Share with her how your ancestors came to the U.S., and some of their experiences while they were still living in Cuba.
A little bit of your culture will go a long way to helping her understand the difference.
BTW...you should celebrate Cinco de Mayo along with the rest of us white folks!! It's kinda fun!
2006-10-31 18:55:47 · answer #5 · answered by abfabmom1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just file a harassment complaint against your boss with his/her supervisor. No need to be nice to blockheads, and it sounds like the boss needs an awakening. Your boss should not discuss these things in the office. To come out and ask "Aren't you celebrating Cinco de Mayo?" Sounds to me like that comment is purely a hidden insult. Why would your culture have any bearing of what's going on in the office? It doesn't, so have your boss's supervisor explain that to them.
2006-10-31 18:53:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be bold. You don't have to be rude. Simply say 'I really must tell you, I am not Mexican I am Afro-Cuban.'
Your boss is not more important than you she is your equal but simply has a position that is higher than yours in the work place. I do not think that you should compromise your identity just in case you may offend.
2006-10-31 18:49:07 · answer #7 · answered by JAM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
please do not take of fence to this but maybe when something is copied wrong on the copier or something silly like that take a jab at yourself and say " you know how us Afro-cuban's are!!!" and laugh- or just tell her you do not celebrate those things because they are mexican and you are not. she probably just assumes your Mexican and if you have never told her otherwise how is she to know? not that is is right to assume-
2006-10-31 18:49:20 · answer #8 · answered by drox 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She just forgets.
This certainly isn't a harassment case.
Write down on a piece of paper "I'M Afro-Cuban, with a smiley face" and give it to her.
If she asks you why, say., it's getttting on my nerves to called a Mexican.
2006-10-31 19:18:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look I know how you feel, there's not a day that people don't ask me where you from? Apparently I don't look like people from my country (?) I gave up, I'm from Mexico but everyone thinks I'm from Romania, Bosnia, and Israel those are the 3 countries I get all the time,some one called me a Jew one time, I was shocked, I don't let it bother me anymore there's lot of ignorance out there...take care.
2006-10-31 19:05:38 · answer #10 · answered by Atwatoxicity30 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋