Racist co-worker?

Question

My manager is interviewing people and he will bring them in the office to introduce them to us.

Reason why he is doing this in the interview is whether they will fit in with the rest of us.

The manager has seen about 5 people today.

The manager said.. 'what about the west indian guy, shall we take him?' ( I am assuming the manager could not remember his name)

One girl (White) shouted NO! So abruptly.. bearing in mind, she was not in the room at the time of the introduction.

I am 1 of 4 black girls, the woman that shouted out NO is white and the manager is white as well.

This white woman also said about a month again to the manager ' Why are you recruiting so many black people?'

I dont have a problem with White people...

Do you think this woman is racist?

I have blocked her from my myspace page aswell LOL :)

She said, she thinks he was not assertive enough!

Bearing in mind she did not witness him during the interview.

When the manager introduced everyone, they were all attentive and listening to what the manager said.

She is a racist Bigot!

Answer 1

She is very racist but the best thing for you to do is ignore her and move on with your life. Don't worry off of someone else's ignorance. She will eventual get what she deserves. But don't even stoop to her level just go on about your business. Good Luck

Answer 2

You said that the manager introduced the people so maybe she didn't like him for some other reason. As for the question maybe she is curious. I really don't think that it's anything to worry about. Even if she is racist it doesn't sound like she is causing any problems so I suggest you leave her be. If you start pointing fingers and calling people racist without some major provocation you will end up being rejected by your work collegues who will probably all become scared at the prospect of you calling them racist too.

Answer 3

It is true that people are more comfortable with what they are accustomed to rather than having to experience something new and expand their mind a little bit. I wouldn't call it racism but simply the need to feel comfortable in their work environment. If she's only been around a certain type of person, naturally her inclination will be to continue in the same fashion. Pushing your comfort zones is uncomfortable and nobody really wants to be uncomfortable especially in something they have to do in day to day life. Racism is thinking one race is superior to another. I don't believe that is the case. I think she wants to remain comfortable with her regular situation, which could be seen as discriminatory, yes. But Racist or purposefully hateful I don't believe she is. It's mostly a comfort thing rather than an actual hate. That could make all the difference. If she had more choice, and eventually perhaps gotten to know this person, slowly but surely I'm sure she wouldn't have a problem with any adversity in culture. Changes must be slow and sure. If you're sitting in hot water, you can't just get out and jump into cold water. That's bound to end up wrong. Do that to a glass and it'll break. You have to make the change slow. One step at a time. Baby steps. And don't be so fast to call anyone a bad person! Everyone is only doing their best with what they've known and experience and grown around. We're all products of their environment. We're all products of our thoughts. Give people the shadow of the doubt sometimes. Try something new as well. It's a commonplace thing for a minority to call a caucassian a racist. That's usually not the case as much as it is comfort, as stated. The more we actually give genuine care to one another, the more we'll like eachother and the easier it'll be to get along. Everyone makes mistakes. The key is to have emotional compassion for everyone as though they're related to you. Negativity simply makes sure that you're the one at fault. Responding to negativity with negativity makes you just as at fault as the person who started the altercation. When approached in this light, no situation is as serious as it may seem. It's only what you make of it. Make it really good for yourself. You deserve it. We'll all get along and it will be beautiful.

Answer 4

Unless you see a long term, constant pattern of racist behavior, or if that person explicitly admits it (like at a drunken happy hour for example) then you should never assume racism. Assuming racism when there is none will stunt your development and cause unnecessary tension at work. As long as your boss has shown an openness towards hiring minorities (which seems to be the case) then don't worry about that co-worker. She's probably just a rude, insecure person who blames others for her own failures.

Answer 5

Racism exists around the world. EVERYONE IS RACIST
IN ONE DEGREE OR ANOTHER. However,if you attribute every rub you have to racism on the other
persons part,racism becomes a self-defeating crutch.
Many blacks here in the states believe that racism,BY DEFINITION means white people hating black people.
PERIOD.This is crazy. 'Racism" thus becomes nothing more than a lame excuse,rather than the horrible,self-destructive mind-set that it really is.So be sure that
any given behavior is truly racist,or the term will eventually lose all meaning. Try to consider all factors surrounding
actions you don't like---maybe someone hates everyone---
maybe someone's just a jerk---maybe someone is merely insensitive---maybe they're racist bastards-----take time to find out. We all know what happens when one cries "WOLF" too often.

Answer 6

I agree the white woman is racist and the candidates should be chosen only by their ability and suitability for the job. I have a colleague who is very racist. We work with vulnerable ethnic minorities so her racist opinions are particularly offensive to me. We are soon to have an Aisian colleague join our team and the racist person has already made offensive remarks about her. I have reported her to the boss to no effect, so I do ssympathise with you.

Answer 7

I am amazed you sat there quietly. If someone said that I would be up in arms and confronting that racist bigot that said "why are recruiting so many black people". The fact you let it go quietly will only encourage them to keep on saying it. You have rights - use it!

Answer 8

Possibly

Answer 9

Ask her to her face if she is racist? Be civil and let her know that you don't mean to offend, but you don't understand her behavior in situations that involve recruiting employees. Tell her that you also want to know because you want to know what kind of people you work around. If she has a problem answering the question, then draw your own conclusion bro.

Answer 10

Hmmm, it sounds like a rude, small minded, ignorant, racist person to me. I'm very sorry this is happening to you, because at the core of it, it's hurtful. I think all you can do is maintain your own personal integrity and be the best employee and person you can be. There's nothing you can do to change the mind of fools. Their loss.