Is it racist?

Question

Is it "racist" for me to say that many of my Indian co-workers speak and write poor English?

I'm not saying they are genetically incapable of learning to do so.

I'm not saying that all Indians speak and write poor English.

I'm simply saying that their poor communication skills should be taken into account when determining if they should be hired, in evaluating their performance on the job, and in determining their compensation.

Please tell me how that is "racist".

Answer 1

I would tell you, but I don't feel it's racist at all.

As it so happens, I agree with you 100%. There's no reason a customer or an employee should have to put up with an employee's/coworker's poor language skills. If people want to emigrate and seek work in another country--great! Just learn the national language and learn it well. I am insulted when I walk into a restaurant or stay at a hotel and am forced to speak "Spanglish" or use pantomime to get what I need. I'm sorry to sound ethnocentric, but my attitude is this: Either learn the proper language of the country in which you live or get a job where you will not come into contact with a customer.

Answer 2

If your job is as an English Professor or editor, then you might have some headway here. However, most jobs these days do not require perfect, or even less than perfect, grammar skills. I think these days, work ethic and attempts to satisfy the employer are considered more important than someones speaking ability. Remember, they are not there to win a political debate or run for office. So I can see how someone may feel slighted by you saying these things. You will get your promotion if your boss values you. Don't worry about them and don't be jealous. Your hard work and consistent nature will be rewarded sooner or later.

Answer 3

you don't sound racist to me it sounds like you just want what is best for your work environment and than means people who can read and write well and also communicate well. The best thing to say so people won't feel like you are being racist is something along the lines of your last paragraph and nothing to do with race. Whether the person is white, black, Indian, Japanese Chinese or any other race they should be qualified for the job.

Answer 4

No, it just means they write and speak poor English.

Answer 5

i dont think its racist, but i think lots of employers now have to hire so many umm i guess you would term it minorites? But they hire them because they are equal opportunity employers, you know....and every person deserves a shot at the job...anyway thats what i think

Answer 6

I don't think so. Would they put up with this from white people who move to their country? I doubt it.