Posted on 12/18/2008 12:41:15 PM PST by flowerplough
Question:
I recently was in a situation at work where a coworker made transphobic statements about a customer (out of earshot, thank God). He said things like, "That person isn't really a woman," and went on to mention how proud he was of himself for being able to "tell." What are the best ways to react to such comments? I'm a queer white woman who's out, and I wanted to engage my coworker in conversation as a peer so that our work relationship can continue to be positive, and so that we can have the kind of dialogue that eventually leads to greater understanding. At the same time, I also wanted to make it clear that what he said was unacceptable and that I won't stand for it.
Excerpt from answer:
Most people aren't bigots, sexists or homophobes--and if handled with generosity, will respond to kindly offered dialogue. A fellow Navy pilot who took the time to explain his experience as an African American as he helped me be our office's "minority officer recruiter" changed the trajectory of my life in the 1980s.
This doesn't mean that you're always going to have a "kumbaya" moment. My experience with the responses to this publication is that many people stubbornly hold onto their discriminatory views and take criticism as a personal attack, even when it's counterproductive. Take your incident, for example. Only a creep would make a comment like that--especially considering he was in a work environment with an out lesbian in his company.
(Excerpt) Read more at diversityinc.com ...
How do i respond?
You really don’t want to know. And Jim wouldn’t let me say it anyway.
I will accept your gender role standards to the extent that you accept my right wing Christian standards.
Sounds like a fear of trans-fatty acid!
It’s a perfectly cromulent word.
On the farm they’re called “freemartins” and are neither bull nor cow. They lock ‘em away in their own pasture and corral so as not to spook the bulls and cows who react very strongly to sharing any quarter with such a beast.
Just had to say.
Queer?
When did that change, I thought that was not allowed?
How are people supposed to know what not to say when the rules keep changing?
One day she might show up at the shop to pick up her car and hear me saying "That tranny needs a complete rework!"
I’d tell the fag/dyke to quit being such an effing whining sissy beotch.
The owner of the company I now work for asked me in my first phone interview if i was a n*gger. I never laughed so much in my life. OK, I have, but i laughed anyway. He’s a great guy, just a little old school, and harbors not one bit of bigoted attitude despitee his comments. He’s almost 80, and still sharp as a tack, when he’s awake.
If you're OK with the word "queer," then why would you take offense at any other word?
Or is it like where only blacks can use the "N"-word?
I call those hamburger, not freemartins.
Why even post this crap here on FR? It defiles our site.
Diversity Inc. is prohomosexual while speculative about religious tolerance.
Homosexuals are permitted to share all facets of their lives with coworkers without prompting or rejection of such details but religious people should respect the rights of others and not preach their faith to coworkers.
My name is now Sleep and Eat and I have Ethnic Identity Disorder. I will come to work in Black Face and demand to use the Colored Only Rest Room. My African-American coworkers will accept me as one of their own or have to undergo Diversity Training.
How to Handle Religion at Work Without Offending Anyone
By Daryl C. Hannah
http://www.diversityinc.com/public/4845.cfm
If you live in a major metropolitan area such as New York City, it’s not uncommon to see the occasional crucifix, Kuffi or yarmulke being worn by professionals on their way to work. But what happens when these displays of religious expression interfere with everyday duties, such as working with atheist colleagues or clients? And more importantly, how do you get over that religious interference?
“I am not a fan of having deep religion in the workplace,” Melinda Wolfe, former senior vice president, executive talent, and chief diversity officer for American Express, said during DiversityInc’s Religion in the Workplace roundtable last year. “I don’t think it belongs there...”
“I wanted to engage my coworker in conversation as a peer so that our work relationship can continue to be positive, and so that we can have the kind of dialogue that eventually leads to greater understanding”
Leave me alone. Freak.
Excellent point Wee Gee. If I shared specific sexual details with the Receptionist, I’d get fired for Sexual Harrassment.
It shows you why American corporations went down the tubes. Socialists subverted them from within.
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