Racial comments at work

[cbg]

I think I'm better off not knowing.

Aimiegaines, please disregard absconder. We all try to.

 

[amiegaines654]

Amiegaines, NO ONE is saying that such comments are acceptable or appropriate. I find them every bit as offensive as you do.

However, the law requires more than a single comment before it would agree that either illegal discrimination, illegal harassment, or a hostile work environment exists. The Constitution of this country gives her the right to hold, and speak, her opinions as long as she does not take any adverse actions against someone on the basis of her bigotry.

If the company chooses to, they can discipline her for her inappropriate remarks. But until she crosses the line into illegality, which she is far from having done as yet, no one is obligated to take any action. It's up to you to decide how you want to proceed.

Beth's suggestions on how to handle any subsequent comments are excellent.

Thank you for your advise instead of your opinion. I have a much better idea of how to deal with her. Thank you

 

[ZippidyDoDa]

Belieze is not saying you are a racial bigot. He is pointing out, correctly, that EVERYONE is bigoted to some degree about something. It may not be race. It, in fact, may not even be a personal characteristic. It may be a political or social position; it may be something totally different. I, personally, am bigoted against the NY Yankees . But EVERYONE has an opinion about SOMETHING that might fall into that category.

It is not taking a position about something or even feeling strongly about it that makes someone a bigot and I think the term is being used loosely here. The operative words in the descriptuions posted were:

"intolerantly devoted "
"unreasonable beliefs "
"intolerant of"

A person can feel strongly about something and still be open to discussion with others without being a bigot.

 

[cbg]

True. But I still maintain that most everyone has something that their opinions reach the bigotry standard. Even if it's only a sports team!

 

[ENASNI]

um

I personally am a bigot against bigots...

 

[cbg]

Very good, Enasni.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

I think I'm better off not knowing.

Dear God, no.

What? You're BOTH ganging up on me?

There has GOT to be a fantasy in there somewhere