There are a few co-workers at my job who really do not like me at all. They don't like me because they say that I am ugly. Every single time we walk pass each other, the co-worker will try to purposely bump shoulders with me in order to get a physical confrontation started with me. I'll try to move away from them as far as I can, but they are constantly keep doing this in order to pick a fight with me. I do not bother anyone that I work with. I just try to be nice and friendly with everyone, but that doesn't seem to help. I had someone tell me that that is just the way that black people are. They're just rude and arrogant. I believe this because I never have to deal with this silliness and foolish whenever I am around white people. Can someone please explain to me whether this is harassment or not, and should I report these people to my supervisor?
2007-09-22 15:36:45 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
If any part of their actions are making you uncomfortable, then it is considered harassment. Especially the bumping into you. You should keep notes on each incident and report it to your supervisor. If you keep good records and notes, it'll give you a good, solid foundation for you to back up your side of the story. Good luck.
2007-09-22 15:42:45 · answer #1 · answered by Nunya 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is harrassement. It's blatant discriminatory behavior too.
Part of their actions come from the fact that you always back away. Being "nice and friendly" will get you nowhere in a competitive workplace, and it seems like you got a lot of oestrogens in that room...
So you moved to an environment you're not used to. It's possible you're mistaking some of the signals you're getting because this isn't your usual social setting.
Still, being pushed around isn't "just the way they are". There is physical contact and that is a notch to high for my tastes.
Have you worked there long? If not, you probably didn't have time to forge a basic link with your superviser and reporting your collegues might get you in trouble more than anything. Your superviser could see you as a troublesome newcomer and side with the others. Once you've proven you're a good employee, then you can move to your superviser and talk to him/her.
You should try to make your place first, grow some backbone. I know this is hard, I've been there myself. Still, stating that you've had enough will usually discourage bullies (cause that's what it is, even with grownups).
Be clear that they don't touch you. They don't like you; you don't like them, but you need to work and it's there you'll do it. Just tell them: "Don't touch me, okay?!? You can talk sh*t all you want, but back off!!!"
If they tell you "What? I didn't touch you!"... then say that you don't care, just don't do it.
... Oh, and no nice, shaky or pleading voice. You're making a statement: there's the line, don't cross it!
2007-09-22 22:54:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would consider that harassment. And you should report it to your supervisor! However, you should not believe what your friend is saying about black people, because that is ignorant. Some people, both black & white, are just annoying and have nothing better to do. But NOT all blacks are this way. You may also want to talk to the person who is bugging you, and ask him to stop nicely. If he doesn't, then you should tell your supervisor.
2007-09-22 22:43:04 · answer #3 · answered by Evanescence 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is harassment, and not black people are not all rude and arrogant, and all white people are not the angels that you claim they are. I am black, and I am not rude, but I cannot say that I'm not arrogant. I'm drop dead gorgeous with an awesome shape. It's hard to be modest. (I'm joking) Just a couple of days ago, two white men leveled a very negative and false allegation against me for no reason at all, and I don't assume that all white people are hateful liars.
They are probably racist or they perceive you to be racist. Your comment that you believe that black people are arrogant and rude highlights your racist leanings. Don't assume for a moment that people don't sense your disdain for them because they do sense it. They probably perceive you to be racist, and they harass you as a form of retaliation.
In any case, it's not just harassment, it is assault. You can't just hit people for no reason. Don't be ridiculous. Report it. If you don't want to report it, confront them and stop being afraid of them. They don't bite, and confronting them will probably get you labeled the crazy white girl, and they'll leave you alone.
You don't know very many black people, so I strongly suggest that you not make sweeping statements about us. I find it offensive, but I will not label your entire race based on what I have learned about you.
2007-09-22 22:53:31 · answer #4 · answered by Kitten S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you should report it. That is not tolerated in the workplace. If you feel that you are being targeted based on your race, you can file a complaint with the EEOC if no action is taken by your employer to discipline these employees.
Keep a diary of each instance that you have one of these confrontations with someone and document their names, etc., and if there were any witnesses to this behavior. I have seen employment lawsuits based on less offensive behavior than this.
Your first step is reporting it, though. I hope this stops. The workplace is not meant to be a hostile environment that you just have to deal with. You have certain rights that protect you from this treatment.
2007-09-22 22:53:13 · answer #5 · answered by Lydia H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is absolutely harassment, It falls under the heading of hostile workplace environment, and you should definitely report it to your supervisor. You should also know that the law requires your supervisor to conduct an investigation and take any necessary appropriate action.
2007-09-22 22:47:25 · answer #6 · answered by Den_Rode_Bjornen_Losener 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is harassment, but will be difficult to prove.
You must start a chain of evidence by sending written request to you manages asking for his help in the situation.
This will have to be repeated every incident email with the specif peerson the time the place all those who were around and alwyas end the letter asking for his help.
You move up the chain asking for help always documenting
till you get to HR
2007-09-22 22:47:39 · answer #7 · answered by cyrano2u 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Harassment is a sad situation. If you feel uncomfortable in this situation, DO bring it up to your supervisor. Don't bring up anything to do with race... just say why this bothers you (the physical contact)... and good luck... it is a difficult situation.
2007-09-22 22:43:08 · answer #8 · answered by roxypuff 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think your prejudice is provoking this behavior towards you. Not all black people are rude, not all white people are polite. You are a racist and it is obvious to your co workers. If you report it to your supervisor I am sure the truth will surface and you may be the one doing the explaining.
2007-09-22 22:45:28 · answer #9 · answered by canam 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I could have stopped after the second sentence--people saying you are ugly at work qualifies as harassment. Report them immediately.
2007-09-22 22:41:25 · answer #10 · answered by swimeveryday 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋