Wtf? Am I wrong? White older woman vs 20’s something black woman.?

Question

Okay, scenario, this white woman, older lady, in her 60’s makes these comments regularly

1. Well when the company 1st opened (talking about the company we work for) they hired all these Mexicans none of them could read or write. She has made this comment over 6 times in front of very important people.

2. Well, the old company I used to work for they hired all these Indian people to do the billing & they just messed it all up.

3. “He” is the nicest black man I have ever worked for.

And more……

Come on people, she says this out in the open at work. I mentioned this to the supervisor who is a dumb blonde, (sorry, not all of you are dumb, but this one is) & instead of her talking to the employee, (like she should have done) this is what she says. “Maybe it’s her generation, because my dad is the same way. One day I bought my son’s friend up there with us to visit my dad & the next time we went to go & visit my dad, he asked my son, well where’s your colored friend.” Bull-c**p, come on people??????????? Her being a manger, shouldn’t she have had a word with the older lady? See, the older lady talks loud & note we have a Mexican lady who works out in the warehouse, now what if she would have heard. Then what? Is this unacceptable, her being a manager, should she have made a comment to her for talking like this? Or is she a racist beeyach too? My grandmother, (black, might I add), I never heard her say these things, and if she had or have I never heard them and she’s in her 70’s, near 80.

Answer 1

People are very ignorant.  I'm assuming you live in the South, as do I; I'm just wondering what part.  I suggest looking into making an appointment with an attorney.

Answer 2

Yes, the manager is wrong for not talking with the employee.  Talk with HR and see if they'll help.  Other than that, I'd simply inform her of my offense to her comments, in the same loud, ignorant manner in which she uses to spew that c**p in the office!

Opinions are like azzholes, everyone has one - but that doesn't mean you must share it with everyone!  I'd tell her flat out - "keep your racist comments to yourself please.  they are not welcome here".

Answer 3

I agree with the first two ladies completely.  It is true that it could be generational but in every generation you are taught to have manners and in the workplace to censor yourself. The fact that she is sixty is not an excuse. I would skip going to the manager again and go over head because clearly she can't handle the situation.  Good Luck

Answer 4

As manager, it is her duty to ensure that everyone feels comfortable in their workplace, and to discourage racist remarks of this sort.

If she will not do it, I would go back to her and say that I expect her to deal with it, or I will be forced to speak to someone of higher authority. If she refuses, put it in writing to her superior and request a meeting in person to deliver your letter. Make sure the letter states that you have already approached her on this and that she has refused to intervene by dismissing the woman's behaviour based on her age.

I definitely think that your manager is complicit in this racism by refusing to intervene when it is clearly her duty.

I would be very offended by these remarks, even though I'm white, and would not appreciate someone making racists statements or allowing them to continue.

If your manager's superior does the same, take it to the human rights board if needed. That is just unacceptable on behalf of both of them.