you have to understand we joke around with each other to no end, but I dont want to take it too far
2007-02-01 04:34:12 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Watch your step, Freedom of speech doesn't apply here.Not anymore.All it will take is one hen to get "offended" and your job is in jeopardy.
2007-02-01 04:39:23 · answer #1 · answered by Dr. NG 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a female and I don't know how calling a group of women "a bunch of hens" can be taken in any racial way. I have heard that word used many times. Women in groups DO tend to be chatty, gossipy, nosy, petty, and catty at times. When they behave like that, for some reason, the term "a bunch of hens" has often been used to describe that. As long as you are in a work environment where teasing is done good-naturedly, and you are obviously concerned about not offending anyone (as your question indicates), then I think you should be fine. FYI - I am white, and I have heard this phrase used in mixed groups, as well as white-only groups of women. Doesn't matter - we women are women - and worthy of that phrase!
2007-02-01 12:45:44 · answer #2 · answered by Chimichanga to go please!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not racially offensive, but it does objectify women, much like calling a group of older men "goats".
Remember, an EEO violation is anything gender/race/religion/disability related that a person takes offense at, regardless of how innocuous it may seem to others.
It's all fun and games until one of the women in your office decides it's time to cash in or leverage for a promotion.
2007-02-01 12:41:34 · answer #3 · answered by Euro Cop 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not a racial slur but it's offensive to some. Women who worked as news reporters used to be called news hens but that term has disappeared. Be careful. You could be accused of sexual discrimination or harrassment.
2007-02-01 12:37:31 · answer #4 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think any time you joke around with people, there is a risk of someone getting offended. And any time we classify a group of people based on their similarites and then give that group a name, we run the risk of being offensive. I always tell my daughter, if you think it might sound mean or be taken the wrong way, you probably should keep it to yourself.
2007-02-01 12:42:39 · answer #5 · answered by mustihearthis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its meant as a joke and taken as a joke, then it's OK. I imagine that their minds are very busy trying to devise someway to get even. I've played this game in the corporate world and it helps to lighten up the day in the usual hellish work environment, but like you say it pays to know your quarry and not press things too far. Try not to let things get personal and always say it with a smile.
2007-02-01 12:40:37 · answer #6 · answered by Preacher 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sexist maybe but not racist. It is something I would be very careful about. I work in a relaxed atmosphere where we joke around a lot too, but it only takes one person to get offended to start making a big issue out of something that may be meant as harmless. Be careful.
2007-02-01 12:54:05 · answer #7 · answered by kayaress 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is disrepectful to women no doubt. NOW- are you only calling certain women hens, like on black women?? Because this is offensive racially and you have gone too far if this is the case.
2007-02-01 12:40:52 · answer #8 · answered by watchingeyes 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Racial, no, but it certainly is offensive. I recommend that you don't try to push the line with your co-workers. That sounds like a recipe for disaster.
2007-02-01 23:07:06 · answer #9 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not racist. Maybe sexist. If you joke around all the time I doubt it would be going too far. It depends on the people.
2007-02-01 12:37:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋