He's new at work. We listen to the radio or CD's in the back office and my co-worker was listening to rap. He came in and said to her, "why are you listening to that N-Word music?" I'm sure you all know what that word is. To me that is not acceptable especially in the work place. She took a huge insult to it because her husband is from Jamaica and for other obvious reasons. She confronted him about it a day later and he didn't even say sorry and just walked away. She had a run in with another manager and talked to HR about her so she's worried if she says something about this situation, it'll look like she's trying to start trouble. We all suggested she talk to HR about what he said but she hasn't and continues to bring it up in conversation with us. Whether or not he was trying to be funny, you just don't say certain things at work. Don't tell me to mind my own business because we all work closley and what happens there effects all of us. Any advice?
2006-12-20 03:30:35 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
The music is besides the point. It's laid back in the evenings and only one person is in the back office then and no one has had a problem with the type of music we play, even when I play my death metal.
2006-12-20 03:46:48 · update #1
Yes, you can go to HR and take responsibility for your own behavior and feelings. If you witnessed this, you can report it.
2006-12-20 03:33:31 · answer #1 · answered by Faith 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If she confronted the person using the derogatory language, no further action is warranted unless it happens again. Much like any kind of harrassment, the first one is free...meaning, once you TELL someone that they made you uncomfortable, they get the benefit of the doubt to NOT DO IT AGAIN. If it comes up again, anyone can report the incident to HR. You are right, racial slurs have no place in a work environment...but then again, if the rap music she was listening to was using the same sort of language you won't have much of an argument.
2006-12-20 03:40:09 · answer #2 · answered by leahivan 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As inflamatory as the N-word is, it is not illegal to say it. Your company might have a no-tolerance policy that you might use to get that manager in trouble - but - what would that really accomplish?
Also, there is a big difference between something that is said once, and a repeated event that happens over a sustained period of time (weeks).
Ask yourself, "What is my goal?" I will assume that you and your co-worker's main goal is to succeed at this job.
I would advise a pragmatic approach: 1) You and your co-worker should focus on doing a good job on your responsibilities. 2) Get along witht the managers the best you can. 3) If there is something that *prevents* you from doing a good job, resolve that with your supervisor, and if your supervisor does not fix it, then talk to HR.
Good luck!
2006-12-20 03:37:50 · answer #3 · answered by Bryan J 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The first answer is the right one. For those of you who feel it's not her fight - she was made uncomfortable by the comment, and observed a co-worker who was made to feel uncomfortable by a superior. This is definitely worth reporting to HR. While no action may be taken beyond a reprimand, what if this behavior were to continue? If it's not reported now, and his behavior worsens, it will put you and HR in a worse position to remedy the problem. For those who said it's not illegal to say the N-word, companies still have a responsibility to maintain a safe and harassment-free workplace, and behavior that's not illegal can still get you fired.
2006-12-20 03:48:45 · answer #4 · answered by Phillip W 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's really super rude. Obviously the other 2 people thought so because they got quiet. Yes, she could of used her words to make it a better situation. It all in how you say things & the intention behind them. There really isn't any way to bring it up to her now that it's over. It would of been nice if one of the other gals spoke up in your defense at lunch but that did not happen. Try not to take it to heart, some people are just tacky hun!
2016-05-23 00:06:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Above is right, it's not your fight and you could take some serious damage in your career. The manager should not have used that word, but welcome to reality...rap definitely is not appropriate in the workplace...especially since a lot of rap and hip hop use that word...which is wrong no matter if it's a black, white or other person using it.
2006-12-20 03:41:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
talk to someone above that manager anonymously
and in response to Goober, a work place is an area of professionalism, completely different from what we hear on down time!
2006-12-20 03:38:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Go to HR. Have it on record, to prevent it in the future.
2006-12-20 03:36:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
why dont you say something. you said os yourself it effects everyone of you. so speak up for her and the rest of you. what he said was wrong and i personally would let him have it a while ago.
2006-12-20 03:40:28 · answer #9 · answered by Daisy Carlos 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
file a complaint against this person but don't use your name in the event any repercussions come forth
2006-12-20 03:39:26 · answer #10 · answered by ken s 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋