what would you do

[dilligaf]

Originally Posted by bubsdad

It doesn't really matter what the race of either was. Racial comments are wrong and everyone is aware of that. .................................................. ..................................

Absolutely correct.

[over9five]

I've known Dilli for quite a while. She was not trying to back anyone into a corner or offend anyone. Knowing her, I did not take her post that way.

All is good!

[dilligaf]

Originally Posted by over9five

I've known Dilli for quite a while. She was not trying to back anyone into a corner or offend anyone. Knowing her, I did not take her post that way.

All is good!

Thanks Over!

[City Driver]

all im saying is dilligaf assumed i would report a middle eastern man, simply because hes middle eastern

thats it....its not a big deal really but it is what it is

[dilligaf]

Originally Posted by City Driver

all im saying is dilligaf assumed i would report a middle eastern man, simply because hes middle eastern

thats it....its not a big deal really but it is what it is

Well, technically I asked if you would. So I really didn't assume anything. You wouldn't, so it is what it is.

[pickup]

Originally Posted by City Driver

ok this is no joke.....i witnessed something VERY immature and stupid by a driver last week


i was washing my hands in the bathroom...a black driver walks in...then a white, lets just say good ol boy, whos never been to our terminal, walks in

black driver grabs paper towels, damps it and starts wiping his face

and billy bob said "you can wipe all you want that poopskin aint comin off"

black driver handled it the best way possible in my opinion.....at work atleast...something along the lines of "that is racist, that is harrasment, i have a witness here(me) and if you ever say something like that to me again ill make sure you dont have a job"

white guy walks out without saying anything else......i ask the black driver if he knew that guy and he said no....and the white guy had told me earlier in the day that it was his first time coming to our terminal

so im asking....would you of reported it? not from my standpoint, i mean if you were the black driver would you report it?

by the way before somebody says it, i dont think I should report it......its not my business but if the black guy was to report it and they did ask me if i heard what he said i would tell them exactly what the guy said

to me, the whole "dont snitch on your union brothers" thing goes out the window when they disrespect the hell out of 1 or more of their union brothers

first of all, we don't use the term "black" anymore. African American is the preferred term. I am deeply offended. Hello, moderators, do your jobs.

[DorkHead]

Originally Posted by over9five

Wow, I can't believe that really happened. My first thought was they were pulling one over on you, but you did say you knew the black man, and it was the white mans first time there.

OK, if it had been me there as the witness, I would have said something right there to back the black man up.
My first thought was to bring white guy aside and talk to him, but if he really is one of those "good 'ol boys", you ain't gonna change his prejudice.
So after I backed the black man up in the washroom, I would have taken him aside after, and suggested we report this together to management.

Ditto. This is the correct answer.

[upsguy72]

I'd mine my own business. If the other guy wants to report the idiot than he can use you as a witness otherwise it's over and done move on. The guy that said those thing will eventually say something to the wrong person and get in trouble or maybe he was just fooling around with the black guy and they do know each other. Whatever it is mind your own business.

[ups1990]

Citydriver. I would do nothing at this point. The person offended has said, that if it happens again, he will file a charge. From your statement, it seems he made it very clear, this better not happen again. My bet is this guy say's these things often and will repeat them somewhere else.

This idiot, has put the two of you in a compromising position. If he, decides to put this charge on paper, you'll probably have to put your statements in writting and sign it. Who knows how people within the Union and company will take it.

[BLACKBOX]

Originally Posted by upsguy72

I'd mine my own business.

This is the problem with people now-a-days, it didn't happen to me so its not my problem. I would have reported this incident and mention to HR that IF the offending party wants to file a complaint then I would be available if any more information is needed.

Racial,sexual, or any kind of harassment will not be tolerated in today's working environment. I don't feel the need to advise the offended person I reported the incident. If he wants to report this person,HR can put two and two together.

[upsguy72]

Originally Posted by BLACKBOX

This is the problem with people now-a-days, it didn't happen to me so its not my problem. I would have reported this incident and mention to HR that IF the offending party wants to file a complaint then I would be available if any more information is needed.

Racial,sexual, or any kind of harassment will not be tolerated in today's working environment. I don't feel the need to advise the offended person I reported the incident. If he wants to report this person,HR can put two and two together.

What planent are you from it's the other way around these day everybody wants to stick there nose into everyone elses business and tell them what they should and shouldn't do.

[BLACKBOX]

Originally Posted by upsguy72

it's the other way around these day everybody wants to stick there nose into everyone elses business

I'm only saying that since he was present at said incident, reporting this would be the right thing to do. How this would equate into getting involved in other people's business is way out in left field.

[No such person]

I would have reported it in a heartbeat. Plenty of good people looking for jobs, get rid of the meatheads.

[trplnkl]

Originally Posted by BLACKBOX

I'm only saying that since he was present at said incident, reporting this would be the right thing to do. How this would equate into getting involved in other people's business is way out in left field.

Sorry, I don't know what team you play on but left field is way out there with the people that do not mind their own business, especially when the offended can take care of themselves. Back the offended up? You bet, in a heartbeat. Tell him he has to report it (which is in effect what would happen if you reported it) no way.

[ajblakejr]

Originally Posted by over9five

Wow, I can't believe that really happened. My first thought was they were pulling one over on you, but you did say you knew the black man, and it was the white mans first time there.

OK, if it had been me there as the witness, I would have said something right there to back the black man up.
My first thought was to bring white guy aside and talk to him, but if he really is one of those "good 'ol boys", you ain't gonna change his prejudice.
So after I backed the black man up in the washroom, I would have taken him aside after, and suggested we report this together to management.

over9five detailed how I would have handled this situation...


This behavior is 100% unacceptable.

Behavior uncorrected is reinforced as acceptable. The "good 'ol boy" may have felt safe to make such a comment because you had "bonded" in an earlier brief conversation.

In a strange perverted way, the 'ol boy may think you are now "buds".

I am willing to bet the next time he sees you...he already feels a brotherhood with you. Let him come to you...be kind...say hello. Then explain to him that his behavior was unacceptable as a UPSer and as a human.

[trplnkl]

Originally Posted by pickup

first of all, we don't use the term "black" anymore. African American is the preferred term. I am deeply offended. Hello, moderators, do your jobs.

I can't tell if you are joking or not.
If not, I have no intention to take anyone's pulse to see what "term of ID" they prefer today. I try to not use descriptive terms (in racial matters) unless the situation calls for such terms. The term I use at a given time is the one that I think will best describe the situation. I believe in courtesy not political correctness.
If you were joking, HAHAHA.

[trplnkl]

One black guy(African American), that I used to work with and I were pretty good friends, I would have had him to my home (or me go to his) just a quickly as I would have any of my white co-workers. We joked around alot at work, tell jokes, make smartA comments and such. He delighted in hearing the latest "ethnic" jokes and would ask me to tell him anytime I heard a new one so he could share it with his buddies. He would likewise tell me the same type.
If he had been asked the same question as the "offended" person in the OP, he wouldn't have even looked up before he said, " Ya know I've heard that, how did you get the poopskin off your face?'.

[pickup]

Originally Posted by trplnkl

I can't tell if you are joking or not.
If not, I have no intention to take anyone's pulse to see what "term of ID" they prefer today. I try to not use descriptive terms (in racial matters) unless the situation calls for such terms. The term I use at a given time is the one that I think will best describe the situation. I believe in courtesy not political correctness.
If you were joking, HAHAHA.

yeah it was a joke

[dilligaf]

AJ, Trp (and others) I think in the end you are right. Over, had the best response. I tend to dive headlong into things (especially things that tend to piss me off), like a bull in a china shop. I still would have reported it, and maybe wrongly so, but I still would have.

[ajblakejr]

Originally Posted by trplnkl

One black guy(African American), that I used to work with and I were pretty good friends, I would have had him to my home (or me go to his) just a quickly as I would have any of my white co-workers. We joked around alot at work, tell jokes, make smartA comments and such. He delighted in hearing the latest "ethnic" jokes and would ask me to tell him anytime I heard a new one so he could share it with his buddies. He would likewise tell me the same type.
If he had been asked the same question as the "offended" person in the OP, he wouldn't have even looked up before he said, " Ya know I've heard that, how did you get the poopskin off your face?'.

That is good !!!

Everyone reacts is a different manner in these situations.

I think the most important reaction is the third party. I feel it is important to acknowledge to the injured party that you understand limits were violated and that you are a witness.

The 'ol boy may have laid a path of destruction in his wake to the bathroom. He may have made some off color comment to another coworker that will also go unchecked.

Like I mentioned before...behavior uncorrected is reinforced.

[helenofcalifornia]

What struck me about the conversation is how open he was about his racism. Tells me that he gets away with this type of "joking" all the time and no one calls him on it. I would have told a supervisor about the conversation after telling the offended guy I was going to do so. Not in an official capacity, just so their is a trail if the racist strikes again so openly. Feeder driver?

[ajblakejr]

Originally Posted by helenofcalifornia

What struck me about the conversation is how open he was about his racism. Tells me that he gets away with this type of "joking" all the time and no one calls him on it. I would have told a supervisor about the conversation after telling the offended guy I was going to do so. Not in an official capacity, just so their is a trail if the racist strikes again so openly. Feeder driver?

Exactly!!!

[trplnkl]

Originally Posted by helenofcalifornia

What struck me about the conversation is how open he was about his racism. Tells me that he gets away with this type of "joking" all the time and no one calls him on it. I would have told a supervisor about the conversation after telling the offended guy I was going to do so. Not in an official capacity, just so their is a trail if the racist strikes again so openly. Feeder driver?

Freight driver.

[stevetheupsguy]

Originally Posted by City Driver

ok this is no joke.....i witnessed something VERY immature and stupid by a driver last week


i was washing my hands in the bathroom...a black driver walks in...then a white, lets just say good ol boy, whos never been to our terminal, walks in

black driver grabs paper towels, damps it and starts wiping his face

and billy bob said "you can wipe all you want that poopskin aint comin off"

black driver handled it the best way possible in my opinion.....at work atleast...something along the lines of "that is racist, that is harrasment, i have a witness here(me) and if you ever say something like that to me again ill make sure you dont have a job"

white guy walks out without saying anything else......i ask the black driver if he knew that guy and he said no....and the white guy had told me earlier in the day that it was his first time coming to our terminal

so im asking....would you of reported it? not from my standpoint, i mean if you were the black driver would you report it?

by the way before somebody says it, i dont think I should report it......its not my business but if the black guy was to report it and they did ask me if i heard what he said i would tell them exactly what the guy said

to me, the whole "dont snitch on your union brothers" thing goes out the window when they disrespect the hell out of 1 or more of their union brothers

From your post it looks as though you are the offended party. If you are that offended, report it. If not all that offended, I believe the gentleman defended his honor properly and it is time to move on.

Originally Posted by City Driver

ok i understand that but just because its a hot topic you automatically assumed i would go and report a middle eastern person when i already said i wont report the white guy who did this

you made a big assumption about me with absolutely no basis when you said "i bet you would report the middle eastern person for doing it"






that would make more sense but thats not what she said..she said the middle eastern person was the one making the remark

She made no assumption, but was just wondering where you stood. Take it easy. You ask a question and you'll get all sorts of answers, even those you don't agree with.

Originally Posted by City Driver

but it is what it is

Does this really mean anything? Why not just use some words and express yourself instead of some catch phrase?

Originally Posted by pickup

first of all, we don't use the term "black" anymore. African American is the preferred term. I am deeply offended. Hello, moderators, do your jobs.

I'm not joking here, in my house we don't use the word black when referring to African American. We use the word brown. Black is a color that fades to gray, not brown. We don't use the word white when we describe a caucasian, either. Most of the time we don't use color description, as it's not needed.

When talking about your friend, do you actually say, my black friend Steve or my white friend Bob? Why is everyone so stuck on color differences, when we're all striving for pretty much the same things in life? JMHO, as always.

Originally Posted by BLACKBOX

This is the problem with people now-a-days, it didn't happen to me so its not my problem. I would have reported this incident and mention to HR that IF the offending party wants to file a complaint then I would be available if any more information is needed.

Racial,sexual, or any kind of harassment will not be tolerated in today's working environment. I don't feel the need to advise the offended person I reported the incident. If he wants to report this person,HR can put two and two together.

Very well said, BB.

Originally Posted by ajblakejr

over9five detailed how I would have handled this situation...


This behavior is 100% unacceptable.

Behavior uncorrected is reinforced as acceptable. The "good 'ol boy" may have felt safe to make such a comment because you had "bonded" in an earlier brief conversation.

In a strange perverted way, the 'ol boy may think you are now "buds".

I am willing to bet the next time he sees you...he already feels a brotherhood with you. Let him come to you...be kind...say hello. Then explain to him that his behavior was unacceptable as a UPSer and as a human.

Good point, AJ.

Originally Posted by dilligaf

AJ, Trp (and others) I think in the end you are right. Over, had the best response. I tend to dive headlong into things (especially things that tend to piss me off), like a bull in a china shop. I still would have reported it, and maybe wrongly so, but I still would have.

I'll get you some band aids, but please, don't ever stop being YOU.

[dilligaf]

Steve, I doubt there is any possibility of me not being me. Of course the bandaids would come in handy. Thanks.