My race always seems to be a topic of conversation with this particular colleague. I am british born chinese. Today she asked me if I can cook chinese and I said yes I can make stir fries but not everything...then she said surely you can...you are chinese arent you? I said yes she said again arent you chinese ?
I said yes again (at this point Im not sure what to make of what shes saying, she seemed condescending). Then she says do u english food? I felt like laughing at such a stupid question at that point....Then she was imitating a chinese accent at me....was she being racist to me? And if so what should I do if she does something similar again?
Dont say tell your boss because I want to deal with this situation as and when it happens at that moment in time.
2007-08-06 08:19:49 · 13 answers · asked by Max 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
The comeback in the US would be to file a complaint (harassment or discrimination).... That's definitely racist here. I dunno, coming up with a comeback seems a little short sighted, sort of like George Costanza going through a whole Seinfeld episode trying to come up with one. When he finally did and used it, the other person immediately came up with another comeback and he was left speechless again.
2007-08-06 08:42:25 · answer #1 · answered by Rossonero NorCal SFECU 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It sounds as if she isn't being blatently racist more than she is just being ignorant. Depending on where you work, you should consider telling HR or your boss what is going on (although you would rather not), if only to have something on record. That way, if you decide to confront her, it doesn't get turned around on you.
As far as dealing with her directly - just tell her the comments she is making could be construed as racist. Ask her if she has any further questions about your ethnicity and then tell her to drop it.
2007-08-06 08:28:33 · answer #2 · answered by kkd 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, she was being racist. I would not bother with comebacks - I would try to improve your relationship. Since you have to work together, why not try to deal with this problem in a respectful way? I suggest telling her that her assumptions are incorrect and racist, and asking her not to say things like that. If she is mature, she will at least be civil, and maybe you can get along. Good luck with this.
2007-08-06 08:31:39 · answer #3 · answered by JustAsking 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
She's just naive and sounds like she hasn't experienced much of the world. Just point out to her that she is being somewhat racist with her line of questioning. If she doesn't understand, explain how she is falling for stereotypes.
2007-08-06 08:24:37 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, you have a right to be insulted. Perhaps you can turn the tables, and ask her, "evidently by your questions you're obsessed with my ethnicity do people from other lands and cultures frighten you?"
Perhaps, you can then smack her on the hand and remind her that her line of questions are impolite.
2007-08-06 08:30:14 · answer #5 · answered by Allicia C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can't beleive that this person made it to adulthood without getting the beating of their life!
This is a prime case of harrassment! You are not helping that person to grow out of this situation, they are too ignorant to do it on their own.
If you insist on dealing with it yourself, just ask them, "who made you this way?" They will probably continue, but if you don't report this, it will get worse and they will grow worse too.
2007-08-06 08:30:27 · answer #6 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
thats funny make fun back at her thats what id do if i was Chinese...id be all like shouldn't you be at home cleaning the house where you belong.........the people answering this question need to get a sense of humor.........in a hurry
2007-08-06 08:24:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Excuse me, but what you apparently find funny, I find extremely rude and condescending. Am I making myself clear?" If that doesn't shut her up then: "if you don't stop saying these things to me, I'll be forced to take the appropriate steps."
2007-08-06 08:26:48 · answer #8 · answered by Stephen L 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
next time she asks if you're chinese, say 'yes, too bad you're not' or 'yes, good thing you're not'...then turn and walk away
or just look at her with a blank stare and walk away
2007-08-06 12:27:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I know I am lucky, I am one few people that have had the chance to TRUELY experience more than one culture, I find it so sad that so many people never have this opportunity, I think if they did ignorance and racism would be eliminated."
2007-08-06 08:32:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋