Two cubicles over i over a supervisor having a discussion whith some of crew. At the end of the upbeat good spirited talk one the the crew says "You are the boss and we will do what you tell us to do." Jokingly the supervisor says "your damn right you will." Then that crew member says "Yessa" before he catches himself and lowers his voice "Yessa massa". I am on temperary assignment here and when i heard this I realized i am the only african american in this section of the building. This is a govenment agency.
2006-11-01 06:04:22 · 14 answers · asked by Coach inthefight 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
well....if they haven't made any racial comments towards you, it's nothing to worry about. people are going to make....comments behind "close doors" (that's why he lowered his voice).
The fact that he lowered his voice is showing that he probably didn't want anyone to get offended.
But if someone makes a rude or racial comment towards you or offend you in some other way you should tell them about themselves without starting a confrontation. If that doesn't work then....complain to human resources.
hope this helps
2006-11-01 06:14:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
What a shame! I would ignore it - this time. If it happens again, I would try to talk to the person who made the comment and tell them how it makes you feel. And ask them to please stop making those types of comments. Then if it continues, you might speak with the supervisor.
Are you with a temp agency or are you permanently employed? If you are a temp, the only recourse you may have is to get reassigned - if the supervisor either does not take you seriously or does nothing about it, but check with the agency. If you are employed, file a harassment claim.
2006-11-01 14:15:13 · answer #2 · answered by Pasa Doble 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe it was aimed at you. If anything, I would have taken it for what it is worth. Nothing. He is actually making fun of the fact that we all have to bow down to our Massa when we work for a living. I don't think it was intended only for your ears and to demean you. Lighten up. It had nothing to do with you personally. Besides, you were eavesdropping. If you were able to hear every single "racist" comment ever uttered, you would go crazy. I am Mulatto Cherokee and Black. If it doesn't apply, let it fly. Worry about only what you say and do because that is the only thing you do have control over. Know what I mean?
2006-11-01 14:10:28 · answer #3 · answered by sherijgriggs 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It I am sorry to say is not to respond. I am sure that at the moment they did not have it in their minds to be disrespectful. As for was it a racist comment I really don't believe it intended that way today might just be the day that you are supposed to be the bigger one here and just not respond. Chances are you will probably never hear anything like this again they are probably very embarrassed about the whole thing that will make them be conscientious around other people next time.
2006-11-01 14:14:38 · answer #4 · answered by 33kasper 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i can see why it would bother you... but it still doesnt' mean they intentionally were being racist towards YOU. just keep this in mind, and watch how they treat you/others in the office. if u see more or worse comments, u may have a valid reason to be upset. until then, try not to let it get to you. it's a sensitive subject of course, and most people are quite insensitive.... i'm sure u wouldn't have minded if YOU had made that joke, so try to keep yourself on the same level as others, instead of higher or lower.
2006-11-01 16:01:47 · answer #5 · answered by tarmee2006 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You might want to say to the supervisor that you overheard the conversation and say somethin' like, "You know, the first time I let that go. The second time we might just have a serious problem." Just an idea.
2006-11-01 14:16:04 · answer #6 · answered by panama3 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since you were ear hustling and they were not talking about you I would not make a big deal about. But if it is really bugging you maybe you can let your supervisor know what you heard and see if they can handle the problem for you.
2006-11-01 14:22:08 · answer #7 · answered by Tosha 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are being ridiculous.
It was a joke, not directed at you but at the idea that by accepting the supervisors edict they are behaving like slaves.
If you listen hard enough you'll hear insults everywhere.
2006-11-01 22:20:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dont be such a big girls blouse is my first thought.
It wasn't directed at you so I advise you not too make a big deal out of a non statement.
Americans are strangled by political correctness so badly
2006-11-01 14:08:45 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Ignore it and move on. If it was aimed at you, do not lower yourself to their level by reacting. It will 'get their goat' more if you do not respond/react. Obviously they are not very educated. Have a good day ;)
2006-11-01 14:16:21 · answer #10 · answered by 49erfan 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋