I was talking to a new guy at work the other day trying to get along so i asked him who is favorite rapper,and he got highly offended so he said Your saying that cause' I'm black I might Like rock music and you wouldn't know.Was my question is did I really stereotyped someone or did he over go overboard.I might have to apologize if most of you agree.
2007-02-03 09:51:26 · 16 answers · asked by ? 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I was only trying to be friendly thats all
2007-02-03 10:01:12 · update #1
You were trying to be friendly, but yeah, unfortunately, it does seem like u unintentionally stereotyped him. I guess it was an unconscious thing on your part. Or maybe not, but I can see why he felt offended.
I guess he was a sensitive man, not just generally, but...minorities could be usually quite sensitive about such things. It could be their insecurity, perpetuated by the discrimination they hv always faced here and there.
Eitherways, because he felt offended, u can honestly explain to him, that u were just trying to be friendly, and you are sorry he was offended, but you did not mean it in that sense.
2007-02-03 10:26:02 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you were stereotyping. If you met a white guy chances are you wouldn't ask who his favorite rapper is. You would most likely ask, what kind of music do you like and then take the conversation from there.
You don't have to make a big deal out of the apology. Just say, "Hey, sorry if I came across wrong the other day. I didn't mean to stereotype you and I didn't mean for you to take offense."
Leave it at that.
By the way, did he ever tell you what kind of music he does like? That might be a good way to move on...
2007-02-03 18:02:04 · answer #2 · answered by jered_gold 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am a native Texan . When I was in Hawaii, a few people said, " Where's your horse and 10 gallon hat? " or " Don't expect that hill- billy music here". I guess that was stereoyping, but was it so severe to get upset about it ? No, I've heard it before... same deal with you. Yes, I guess you unintentionally stereotyped, but was it so offensive for him to get his back up? I think not. Seems like he should have made a better effort when on a new job to get to know people he is going to be working with.
2007-02-03 18:04:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
He went overboard. he could have just said I don't have a favorite rapper or I don't like rap. I don't think that you were stereotyping. A lot of people like rap and it is very easy to assume a person likes rap. It was just a mistake. just tell him sorry i offended you, i was just asking a question. that is all u need to say. if he goes overboard again AFTER you appologize just stop talking to him.
2007-02-03 19:31:25 · answer #4 · answered by FallingOutWithFallOutBoy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The question is: Did you think that he would like rap music because he was black or did you choose to ask that because in your opinion is the most popular music?
If it is the first one, you should go and apologize, because it was stereotyping, though you did it unintentionally. It was not offensive anyway.
2007-02-03 18:04:39 · answer #5 · answered by mechi_shamrock 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If the person you were talking to wanted to be offended then the question was in fact offensive. It may have been easier if you asked what type of music he like before you asked who his favorite artist was. That way you're still in the safe zone.
2007-02-03 18:00:55 · answer #6 · answered by Hacksaw 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Im afraid that was a stereotype, and in the world of today where political correctness overrules so many things you have got to be careful. If somebody asked me that, im afraid i would be offended (im actually an avid rock fan) but i wouldnt say anything. Its a shame, but you just have to adapt to it.
2007-02-03 18:42:59 · answer #7 · answered by i_heart_retro 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only you really know the answer to this...what was your intention of the question? and did that specific question come to mind because of the color of his skin? You could've asked about his favorite type of music I guess. If you were talking about yours or you have an interest yourself in rap then I don't see what the big deal is.
2007-02-03 18:00:11 · answer #8 · answered by DebChick 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally don't think that you Stereotype your coworker, i think he overreacted. But, go to him and let him know that you were trying to be friendly and that you like rap music and that is way you asked him. I you ask me if i like Latino music, i wont be offended or feel stereotyped, but i guess it depends on the maturity of each individual.
Good luck
2007-02-03 18:02:52 · answer #9 · answered by Atzy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes you did stereotype. All Black people do not like rap music just like all White people don't live in trailer parks, all Italians are not part of a Mafia, all Jews are not rich and all Mexicans are not illegal aliens, etc.
Why didn't you just tell him what kind of music you liked and then asked him what kind of music he liked?
You should apologize and take him to lunch. And don't put your foot in your mouth (AGAIN) and suggest KFC, Church's Chicken, Popeye's, etc.
Free your mind dude. Free your mind.
2007-02-03 18:04:49 · answer #10 · answered by YaYa 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋