When do you confront people on their racist comments?

Question

Out of the 20 people I work with, more than half have repeatedly made racist comments about Senator Obama.

At what point should I say something? Clearly, they don't care what I think, so it would come across as lecturing if I called them out.

We all talk about politics frequently, so it happens often.

I usually just walk away, or try to steer the conversation to my objection to him, which is purely ideological. I don't care that he is black. In fact, I greatly admire how he has brought more people into the political process.

I just don't think co-workers want another person correcting them.

Answer 1

i must ask what is your intention on calling them out? or confronting? is it so they are better educated? if so then yes it would be labed as forced lecturing!

if your doing it because you just don't agree and are sick of hearing it - then the intent is all about you  - there for you will get the baggage to go with that! even if it is people thinking your rude..

really there is no reason to confront!  if you don't like it just walk away you do have to work with these people. and only giving your opinion because they don't agree with you is only adding more fuel to the fire!  ask yourself is it worth it!  if you answer yes then you should k now how to confront them!

if you answered no then do what you know is idealogical and walk away!

plus even you said theydon't care what yout hink so why worry about telling them more of what you think if they don't care.. sounds like a waste of time to me!

Answer 2

This is what happens when you talk about politics at work.  Especially in America, where politics is polarized and divisive... and so many people act like rednecks.  (Redneck isn't a skin color, by the way).

Answer 3

I would say something at the time it's said.  Just say I find it offensive when you make negative comments about his race.  If people would speak up it would happen less often.  By not saying anything it's like you agree.

Answer 4

If you speak up you risk being made fun of or ridiculed. If you don't, you might be mad at yourself for saying nothing. Maybe instead of telling them that their being racist, you might want to make a kind of joke, like "well Obama's black but at least he .... better than McCain." I wouldn't go for anything heartfelt or lecture them because they won't appreciate it. I think people respond better to a more carefree remark in these situations.

Answer 5

Just let them know that you don't mind a healthy political debate--everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but leave the racism out of the conversation because you are offended.  If it goes on, then you do have the right to take the issue to your supervisor or manager (or if your higher up is a part of the conversation, take it to someone higher than him/her).