What would you do if......?

Question

This *just* happened to me at work (12:53 EST Jan.8th, 2007) - I had to do what is called a "mock-call" procedure. A fellow co-worker was role-playing as a "southerner" for this exercise. The role-playing was fine for the most part but he kept calling me "boy" in this ignorant southerners accent. I'm black, he is white. If this happened to you how would you feel? Whould you care at all or just let it slide, or would you have a few chioce words with him afterwards?

Wow. I'm pressed with the responses I've received so far. Natas6665, nice answer but what's with your name????

Answer 1

JUST LAUGH AT THEM,AND WALK AWAY,WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO ,BUT LAUGH AT IT ,SUCH JOKE FROM A LOST SOUL,THAT HASNT A CLUE WHAT THE HELL THERE TALKING ABOUT,

Answer 2

Was he also taking a trip back in time? You said he was role-playing but c'mon. I live in the South & I've never heard a White person say that to a Black man. Ever. Only on TV. I'm even offended by that! If you say something to him about it why don't you ask him why he felt the need to not only take on the personality of a KKK member but why he chose to travel back to the 50's or 60's. That's just ridiculous!

Answer 3

I'm not black, so I can never know exactly how this makes you feel. But it sounds like he used the role-play activity as an excuse to let out some of his racist tendencies.
I suggest you speak to him about it in a calm tone, letting him know exactly how you were offended. His response to that will determine what other action might be neccessary.
If you are respectful and professional, you can expect to be treated with respect in return.

Answer 4

if you have suspected this person has a probem with in the past, take it to a supervisor. trying to sort it out yourself may make things worse.

if it's possible that he was making fun of racists, maybe talking to him would clear things up. he probably just has a sarcastic sense of humor. if he is respectful, friendly most of time, i would say you were not the butt of his little joke, still he needs to know that things like that hurt your feelings.

for instance, my ex-boss was catholic and i'm jewish - he would ask if i wanted a sandwich during passover and i would ask him if he thought he was going to hell for lusting after saint patrick (he was from ireland)

we teased like that all the time but we were both in on the joke.

btw - i live in the south, nobody here really talks like that!

Answer 5

Blow it off! He was playing a charachter and unfortunately, back in the old days, that's what those charachters used to say. Only difference: back in the olden days them meant it with their heart. This "actor" is only doing it because it would be "out of his charachter" not to - and in his heart - he probably feels unfcomfortable saying it, definately doesn't mean it.

I would confront unless he started calling "boy" in the 21st century.

Answer 6

Is he big and masculine? Am I wimpy?

If he's not too tough for me, I'd just beat the crap out of him after work. I might even "roleplay" with a raw hide whip!
If he is very big and tough, I will probably just steal his girlfriend or something(and then hide afterward).

Answer 7

We would definately have words! You can role play but still be mindful of others.

Answer 8

oooh, you missed an opportunity to call him boy too! This one isn't a big deal! I'd have told that his mommy was calling him, asked him if his sister was also his aunt. To leave the sheep alone! hahaha.

Answer 9

as long as its not the n word then i wont take offense

Answer 10

Are you a boy or girl? Put your race card away.