Racism at Work - help?

Question

It's a long story but anyway... I'm working at a data entry department at a studio right now. I'm working there in contract for the money. I have a diploma in Media Arts (which has filmmaking and writing components to it). I have a 3.5 GPA when I graduated. English is not my first language, although I can honestly say, I am above average when it comes to grammar, spelling, and composition. I did some creative writing and I have an essay published.

Anyway, I spoke to my boss about a possible writing position and here's what she told me:

1) "You don't have a university degree" (which wasn't required by the way)

2) "We're doing data entry."

3) "Not to judge your abilities but English is not your first language and you can either be really good in English or really bad in English" -- and since she already shot me down with the job (refer to #4) this implied that English not being my first language can be a hindrance to the getting the job.

4) "No I don't think it's fitting for you."

and something she did that's not racist but VERY unprofessional:

5) She told my coworkers that I'm interested in the position right in front of me and other people.

I'm very upset and I'm told by everyone I know that this is grounds for complaint. She is a nice person, but also very condescending and neurotic in a passive-aggressive way. I spoke to her superior about the job and I said, "Yeah, I'm talking to you because I got shot down when I asked her." But that's it, she didn't ask any further questions...

I don't know what to do. I don't want to ruin my chances of getting the job but...???

Answer 1

I really don't think she was being racist, she was questioning your qualifications.

Edit:

Here is what I think about the things she said...

1) Just because it isn't required doesn't mean she wouldn't prefer someone that has one. That's life. What does your education have to do with your race?

2) Plain and simple.

3)She IS right. English isn't your first language. I would want to know if you were skilled or not.

4) She might be looking for something else.

5) So? Why is that so bad?

I don't understand how any of these relate to your race. 3 COULD be, but it's stretching it a bit. You're going to be writing, knowing English is somewhat important. Just offer to write something for her, show her your English is good. She's not being racist if she doesn't give you the job.

Answer 2

I can see your complaint and hurt feelings,I think your boss worded this wrong on every level and that shows a lack of respect but on the other hand your boss was honest with you(brutally) and that shows a certain degree of respect,not very nice but your boss seems to think that you can handle it,right or wrong your boss laid it on the line for you and didn't creep behind your back which is the worst type of discrimination,some of the things,well most of the things that were said were very unprofessional so as far as lodging a complaint I would recommend that you go ahead and do that but you have to be prepared for things to never be the same for you in the office,you will never get a straight answer from this boss again so weigh your options here,I would make my complaint and move on to a different job,but thats just me,good luck

Answer 3

Since you can't grasp the basic meaning of racism I'd say she was right.  How does any of this equate to racism?

Or did you say racism in the sense that most dumbasses use it to make allegations against another party from an indefensible position just because you didn't get your way?

Answer 4

ask nicely a second time.........she will know better, it kinda shows your anger if you are nice and persistent. like saying i can prove it to you I'm good in english, and offering to write an essay and being persistent. its enough proof (if she says rejects your offer) you should write to your superiors and be persistent and do all that you can.

I'm only 16, i don't know much about business but dammit don't let her bring you down!!

Answer 5

According to what you wrote it's definitely not racism but can be a discrimination due to the fact that English is not your first language. If you fit all the requirements it is not right to turn you down only on the basis that English is your second language. You can write a complaint but you need to state specific facts like for example her being very unprofessional (number 5) or biased (number 3).

Answer 6

i don't think that was being racist but maybe she just doesn't like you and you should write a letter to the superiors and she what they think

Answer 7

i don't think that is racism, i just think she doesn't believe in your abilities. maybe  you should write the letter, but remember that the job is not a definite.  

Answer 8

I agree with the first person, and you need to get a degree, it will only help you in the long run.