A comment like this is joking?

Question

am trying to schedule a conference call with an outside vendor, my boss and me. I have never used the phone to do a conference call. I learn the steps from my boss and try it 3 times but can not set it up. So my boss comes over to my desk and sets it up. I was doing somethng wrong. My boss goes back to her phone and as soon as she gets on the line tell the vendor "finally we are on, she is from India, I had to go set it up". I immediately said dont be so insulting. She said I am joking I like Indians. The vendor was speechless, said nothing. We went on with the conference call. After the call, I tell her so I am from India and bring up the topic. She said she was joking. She respects Indian and thinks they are intelligent. You think this kind of comment is joking specially to a vendor. I have another coworker who keeps saying the Indian guy on American Idol can not sing. Indians cant sing. I laugh at that cause I feel it pertains to someone I dont know and also because it can be true

My boss says he can joke on that Indian guy but she cant on me. I told this is about me and that is abt a stranger. You think this is joke or racial comment. What wud u do?

Answer 1

I'd complain too if I were you. It was, to say the least, racially insensitive and unprofessional. I think that if this would have happened in an environment where "joking" was appropriate, that would be a little different (however, if it offends you, you should ALWAYS let that be known). But the fact that it was on a phone conference with a vendor is incredibly inappropriate. I'd write a letter to her boss. Find out who you can file a complaint with. Even though this particular circumstance may not have been blatant, out-and-out racism, it was certainly a loaded statement. If we let things like this pass by unnoticed, the problem of workplace discrimination will keep getting worse and worse.

As far as the other co-worker's remarks about the Indian guy on American Idol... it really just depends on whether it made you feel uncomfortable or not. If it did, the co-worker needs to know where your boundaries are. If not, then I'd just forget about it. In today's society, racial jokes are on the rise among famous comedians, so people think it's okay to repeat them. I think that's up to the individual to decide what you believe!

Answer 2

She might think it's funny, but it's not, especially if it hurts someone. Many people don't realize that their "jokes" are ethnic slurs. She should not have send this--and especially not to a vendor. You need to go in and talk to her about this. Make an appointment with her just for this. Tell her that you are not calling her a bigot, but her "joke" was insulting and hurtful to you and in poor taste, particularly saying it to a vendor.

I think your co-worker is teasing you. Maybe you are so well accepted there, that they think of you as "one of the guys" and want to kid around. If it bothers you, though, you should say something.

Answer 3

Unless all three of you are on very good terms, there is nothing joking about it. It is no less racist to say that Indians can't sing. She should be reported to HR, including the name of the vendor that can verify the remark.

Answer 4

I think your boss is out-of-line. There is never a need to discuss race in the way your boss did, nor the way your coworker does.
I think you should go above your boss' head to complain. You have the vendor to back you up.

Answer 5

Its a witty comedian tale taking part in on the reality the immigrants are oftentimes mentioned as extraterrestrial beings. In Japan in the journey that your not jap you're able to hold around an alien registration card(Ive been giggling for years approximately that). the only racist section approximately it became the reality you mentioned the nutrition stamp place of work(implying that each and every person immigrants are unfavorable, and reliant on state money). yet even then on your strategies-blowing wording all your asserting is unfavorable people who get nutrition stamps are extraterrestrial beings(not immigrants) And your brother is lots too tender.

Answer 6

your boss' behaviour was disgusting! you were right to get upset it WAS a racist comment and just cos someone else is being racist doesnt mean your boss should be able to do the same! if i were you i would report the idiot.....he's lucky im not his employee or he would remember me everytime he screams in pain when he sits on the potty!

Answer 7

it can be a joke BUT any person in business or during official matter and against 3rd party will not do this. so either your boss is racist or not serious abt her job or her position in her office.

Answer 8

I think it was rude, crude, insensitve, possibly racist, prejudiced, and she sounds like a *****. OR maybe she had her head up her behind and doesn't want to admit she said something without thinking.

Answer 9

Her "joke" was a racist comment, and not funny, and not businesslike at all. Tell her you did not appreciate it and then let it go unless she repeats it. You are over reacting a little bit also.

Answer 10

It is completely inappropriate. No question. Racial slurs are harrassment if they continue.