He cracks jokes about minority racial groups, makes fun of people living in low-income housing, etc. Many of my co-workers and I don't find this humorous. What can we do without jeopardizing our jobs?
2007-12-25 21:00:27 · 23 answers · asked by annswers 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
First of all, don't laugh at the jokes. Just make yourself scarce when the topics come up. Later when you are alone with him, you can just let him know that it makes you uncomfortable when he makes jokes like that.
2007-12-26 08:33:22 · answer #1 · answered by drshorty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't get your self involved face to face after all he is a supervisor an can easily use any excuse to get rid of you if he/she feels you will tell on him/her. Best thing to do call the labor board and ask how to approach the problem. You can also get the rest of your coworkers to sign a letter that would be addressed to him asking him kindly to stop his remarks. The reason this would work is that he/she cannot get rid of all of you, and also sees the support the letter has. Date it and make sure all of the people that sign it have a copy, that way in the future if he tries to fire you or anyone else that letter can be use as your defense within reason of course. GOOD LUCK and I hope his/her idiot comments stops because is not only unprofessional but also ignorant.
2007-12-26 05:09:39 · answer #2 · answered by wiseornotyoudecide 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Since when is it mandatory to laugh at poor jokes by your supervisor in order to keep your job? I'm not sure of the laws in your area, but if he worked under Australian workplace laws you could report him for racial discrimination.
The only other way around it is to show a total lack of interest in the jokes which I suspect you don't find funny at all anyway.
Report him immediately to the highest authority you have access to.
2007-12-26 05:23:08 · answer #3 · answered by Miss Sally Anne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just don't have any reaction at all. The guy is a jerk and very unprofessional. If HE has a boss, you should all go and complain about him, if not, either keep silent and ignore him or start looking for another job. It's actually harrassment in the workplace and if you all wanted to, you could get him in a lot of trouble and sue the company.
2007-12-26 09:30:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
These jerks are everywhere, aren't they, fuelling their nasty little egoes at the expense of others!
You've got several options, some of them better than others.
I've posted a link below which outlines one method I have seen used and used myself in the workplace, and it really works!
Basically, you tell the 'joker' you don't get it ... and force them to explain why the joke is 'funny'.
It exposes the racism or other nastiness in the joke, and makes the teller think about their attitude.
At the very least, it will force the person to think twice demonstrating this type of 'humour' when you are around.
Cheers :-)
2007-12-26 07:33:27 · answer #5 · answered by thing55000 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get another job. You don't like your supervisor, that's a valid enough reason to move on.
Alternatively half smile, say in a loud voice 'Good grief, you can't say that, my best friend's an asian midget and I am WELL OFFENDED! Wash your mouth out with soap and keep your racist jokes for the pub would you?'
If you can carry it off with confidence and your colleagues react positively to your comment you should keep your job and give your supervisor food for thought.
2007-12-26 06:05:24 · answer #6 · answered by dizzzybubble 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask him not to do it again as when he makes you laugh he is making you an accessory to a breach of the race relations act.
This happens to be true by the way; you have been made an accessory by your own persistent failure to report him..which is perfectly understandable but not something you can go on taking risks over..someone else might report him and his chosen audience and then where will you be?
2007-12-26 05:36:42 · answer #7 · answered by selina.evans 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make a complaint to HR. They do not have to divulge who made the complaint. Companies also have a strict no retaliation policy so after making the report, keep a journal, just in case.
2007-12-26 05:05:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell your HR rep. Drop an anonymous note in their office stating that you fear for your job but feel his conduct is inappropriate. Companies are taking that stuff more and more serious everyday. If they are a serious business, once the complaint is made, they will look into it. You could also have a relative (husband, brother) call them and tell them.
2007-12-26 05:04:23 · answer #9 · answered by alwaysmyself 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Don't laugh at his jokes. Change the subject after he tells one. Basically don't give it any attention and he will get that idea without you having to confront him directly.
2007-12-26 05:03:39 · answer #10 · answered by I know EVERYTHING! 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋