My house mate's (longterm) visitor (who is also her sister) called me a monkey, absolutely unprovoked, not that it would excuse it. But she just left the room and said to the landlord 'Bye Brian', bye monkey!' I asked her if she called me that because I'm black, I had to ask a few times for her to finally say no as she wouldn't answer me. I unfortunately told my fiance and now he is very upset and wants me to sue. I myself can ignore a person who calls me a B** or silly words like that, but not a racial slur.
Please advise. (Oh, I'm in England yes, I'm black.) Thank you in advance.
2007-08-01 03:41:18 · 17 answers · asked by Flipper 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
We all put up with facetious names from time to time without overreacting and I think that to bring such a matter to court would be overreacting. A civil defamation action is out of the question. They are notoriously expensive and tricky. I doubt that the police would be very interested if you approached them to lay a complaint. If she won't stop calling you monkey (and have you actually asked her not to?), then find something to call her which will rile her just as much and perhaps she'll stop. Few women would like being addressed as Miss Piggy, for example.
2007-08-01 08:51:34 · answer #1 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hay there,
I think you're overeacting just a little
It sounds most likely to me that shes actually flirting with you and using the word monkey in attempt that you might call her a nickname back !
If i were you i'd try it out an see to what conclusion these flirtatious remarks actually come =P
Then you might actually have a proper reason to sue
2007-08-01 12:32:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If her behaviour is deemed racist you can report her to the police. If she is charged with racism you're more likely to be able to sue her. If you don't want to speak directly to a police officer you could ask for advice on your local constabulary's website, I think you'll find racism is a crime they take seriously. However, do you really want the hassle of suing someone just for being a stupid, pathetic, ignorant twerp? Wouldn't the shame of being questioned by the police be enough?
2007-08-01 11:00:05 · answer #3 · answered by ♥ Divine ♥ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If someone I knew called a black person a monkey I'd see it as being racist. I work with children and would say this to any child playfully regardless of colour but saying it to an adult would be different. I do agree its not nice at all but I dont think you could sue, just tell them to f**k off and dont speak to you if they try to!!x
2007-08-01 10:55:37 · answer #4 · answered by emmaloubeeee 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure what you can sue over, hurt feelings?
I think an apology is more appropriate that legal action, if you find law to sue with, I'm sure a judge would throw the case out as it not a big deal in the big scheme of things
2007-08-01 10:48:27 · answer #5 · answered by superliftboy 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Would you really want to take it that far?
First of all you would have to proove that it was because you were black and she meant it in a derogitory (sp?) manor. I call my son "my little monkey" because he is cute and active (no, he isn't black). So its going to be your word against hers about the context and meaning.
People get called names everyday, fatty, b*tch, loser, ect. The courts would be jammed up if we all filed suit against people who in the end simply hurt our feelings.
She's obviously an idiot. I think you would be better served to not give her stupid comment any more thought. You being angry over it only gives her the power. Take it back and move on.
I
2007-08-01 10:56:53 · answer #6 · answered by KH 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. I understand that it was rude, possibly racial and uncalled for but you have other things to worry about. You're about to marry her brother. If you don't let it go it could cause more damage and then just imagine how lovely all the family events will be with his side of the family. Not only that but, do you really wanna marry someone who doesn't stand up for you? even to his family? She sounds like she's not very mature but still, i think he should have said something to her.
2007-08-01 11:09:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I call my son a Little monkey all the time. get Over it
2007-08-01 10:45:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
I cant believe some people. This isnt the States, we dont just sue people for minor things.
2007-08-01 10:52:59 · answer #9 · answered by lister_larger 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Was it not meant in a friendly playful manner as in "cheeky monkey"?
2007-08-01 10:51:38 · answer #10 · answered by 203 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋