is this an assult or just a joke?

Question

Ok guys I want to ask for your advice regarding an incident which happened yesterday.
Yesterday, I was in the meeting with bunch of people that I didn’t know. Then the department chair asked every body to introduce his/her self. I woke up and introduced my self (but forgot to say my last name) immediately the chair pretending that he is frustrated said “come on this guy does not bite” and asked me for my last name. He himself was the only person who was laughing to his joke and nobody else found it funny. I felt like I was humiliated in front of people I didn’t know. I wanted to go and talk to him about what he did but first wanted to ask you guys what you would do if you were in my situation?
Is what he said considered an assault or is it just a joke?

Answer 1

Sounds like your social insecurity is balanced by his buffoonery.

Answer 2

Seriously this is not big deal. No else needed to laugh. The wouldn't laugh because that would have been construed as mean since they not in charge. They probably got the point that in business one acts a certain way and stays alert especially around people one does not know.

Actually the director was being nice....... really. He and others may have noticed you were zoning out, uncomfortable, unsure, inexperienced, new to the group or whatnot. To say "I don't bite" is not humiliation and I have seen such a million times. It is more of a "I realize that you don't know anybody here, others may feel the same and I am an approachable person and not an ogre". It's a message to the entire room not just you.

In fact it is the mark of a good manager to insert a bit of humor in a way. Because anybody can rule by squishing people, being unapproachable and staid. Not everybody can get the human end. In fact seeing how someone reacts to a ribbing is the best way to ascertain if an employee is going to be a good manager later. If they get all up in arms they will not get the social thing later. They may be great at there job but they are not great material. The employee who shrugs it off and says whatever shows self confidence and an understanding of core qualities.

Answer 3

Just a joke. If he had come over to you and poked his finger into your chest and demanded you say your last name, that would be considered an assault.

You need to take a deep breathe and realize that if you are in a job that required you to be meeting with other people; you need to remain alert and awake and be happy to participate.

The department chair may have been concerned or embarrassed that you were sleeping or acting disinterested and he was reacting to that with the comment.

Have a good day.

Answer 4

I wouldn't want you working in my company. Sleeping in a meeting; failure to introduce yourself properly; taking personal umbrage when asked for your last name; taking it way too seriously. I wouldn't hire you to clean the coffee cups.

Answer 5

How did him wanting you to tell people your last name make you feel as if you were in danger?

Assault is putting one in fear of physical harm.

Answer 6

Are you nuts???? I mean - i don't even get what you thought was so bad - let alone it may be verbal assault or something.... Your a paronoid guy who should go to bed earlier.

Answer 7

you have got to be kidding. you insulted the meeting by sleeping. he was only being humorous. dont sleep in meetings.

Answer 8

I don't get it, whats the big deal?

Answer 9

You are being paranoid/