Is this call racism?
I have a witness, but I am not sure she wants to be a witness.
2007-10-27 08:22:10 · 7 answers · asked by standard69 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You need a hobby!
2007-10-27 08:30:23 · answer #1 · answered by Larry J 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem. I was born in Canada, but raised in New Zealand from 5 years old. I have a strong NZ accent that people just love to try and copy. At first I thought that they were trying to get a rise out of me, and I'd get annoyed. Then a good friend reminded me that often imitation is just a form of compliment, and a lot of people were copying my accent because they like it. Sure there are the few that do it maliciously, but not many, and to those I just explain that it IS annoying to do it ALL the time, and most stop. The ones that don't stop even then, I give the choice of stepping outside to sort things out, or to behave. It works for me. I don't think suing anyone will help, it will probably be retroactive, and turn your supporters against you. Have a talk with your employer, I'm sure he doesn't want this behavior to affect the work place, and a warning by him will be a lot more effective than anything you do. I hope this helps.
2007-10-27 15:50:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a bad idea. Why? Because it makes you look immature, like you cannot handle your own personal problems. I realize the woman at issue makes fun of your accent, and yes it's mildly racist (it depends on whether she would actually discriminate against you based on your race or ethnicity), and yes, this may cause you some displeasure. But your reaction (writing to the company) and considering legal action against your employer is only going to make you very unpopular there. I bet that the witness probably doesn't want to be a witness, because she doesn't want to be seen as a petty troublemaker.
You should have taken up your concerns directly with the person who is making fun of your accent. In fact, if the company replies to your letter, this will probably be the first thing they'll ask: "Did you speak to the person who made fun of you?" If you say no, they're going to be upset with you for having tried to kill a flea with a shovel.
2007-10-27 15:41:12 · answer #3 · answered by C R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends. Did you first ask the woman to please stop mocking your accent? She may not realize the affect her behavior is having on you. If you've not yet approached her about the subject then, do so now.
Did your company intervene on your behalf once you notified them? I imagine they would have, unless they felt the subject to be too petty (professional human resource departments normally consider no issue too petty).
If you approached the woman and she refused to refrain from mocking you and your company either refused to intervene or their interventions failed to bring about effective results then you may have a justifiable lawsuit. Still, you'll have to prove damages before being able to collect anything.
2007-10-27 16:14:23 · answer #4 · answered by Wendy G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's rude, but not racism. What are you going to sue her for? Your inability to take a bad joke?
2007-10-27 15:38:58 · answer #5 · answered by Dan H 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe the woman is learning english and sees you as a role model.
2007-10-27 15:24:58 · answer #6 · answered by SAMUEL ELI 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you cant sue someone for talking like you! WTF
2007-10-27 15:33:03 · answer #7 · answered by ABC 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋