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Original poster

Would you report this - I think it's an anti-Semitic comment?

39 replies

chomalungma · 02/11/2019 10:40

I was dealing with a council employee recently - and we had to pay for a bill. I asked if they could invoice our company but he said "The council want paying now, they're a bit Jewish like that"

I was a bit surprised to hear someone say that. I don't think I've ever interacted with someone who has expressed those kind of views since I was young. Certainly never as an adult.

I didn't say anything. I just paid the bill and went.

But I was thinking about it afterwards. Does it reflect an anti-Semitic attitude?

Should I report it to the council? WWYD?

The person might well know it's me and I will have to deal with them again in a business role later.

OP posts:
EmmaGrundyForPM · 02/11/2019 10:43

Absolutely report it. It's an anti-semitic. comment from a council employee. The council should take it seriously and address the issue.

JapaneseBirdPainting · 02/11/2019 10:55

Anti semitic and yes report. It is completely inappropriate.

Original poster
chomalungma · 02/11/2019 10:57

It really took me by surprise when he said it.

OP posts:
WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles · 02/11/2019 10:59

"Does it reflect an anti-Semitic attitude?"

How can you think it might not be anti Semitic Hmm

Definitely complain. Hopefully calls would be recorded. I'd like to think someone would challenge this at the time if it was said to them.

WhentheRabbitsWentWild · 02/11/2019 11:00

I am not one to complain usually but even I would , in that situation.

Original poster
chomalungma · 02/11/2019 11:01

I'd like to think someone would challenge this at the time if it was said to them

It really caught me by surprise.

OP posts:
Disfordarkchocolate · 02/11/2019 11:02

WTF! Definitely report.

8by8 · 02/11/2019 11:02

How can you have any doubt about this? Of course it’s anti Semitic. You should definitely report.

Original poster
chomalungma · 02/11/2019 11:07

I am a bit worried about repercussions for me - that's why I am posting.

If no one reports things like this, then it continues. But I am worried about repercussions if he identifies who has reported him.

OP posts:
AtrociousCircumstance · 02/11/2019 11:09

What repercussions are you worried about?

ChristaMSieland · 02/11/2019 11:11

You "think" it's an anti-Semitic comment?

You're having to ask us if it reflects an anti-Semitic attitude?

Confused

Why are you posting?

Original poster
chomalungma · 02/11/2019 11:11

What repercussions are you worried about

If you report someone, they get reprimanded or sacked and they know that it was you who got them sacked - who knows what could happen..

OP posts:
ForalltheSaints · 02/11/2019 11:12

Yes report them.

ChristaMSieland · 02/11/2019 11:14

If no one reports things like this, then it continues. But I am worried about repercussions if he identifies who has reported him.

Right, so you do actually know that it's anti-Semitic? You're just pretending not to know?

And you're being a coward.

Bizarre, pointless thread you have here. Well done.

Singlenotsingle · 02/11/2019 11:16

I doubt there'd be any repercussions, but it seems a bit harsh for what was just a throwaway comment.

JapaneseBirdPainting · 02/11/2019 11:28

throwaway comment? it was antisemitism (which at the end of the day is racism).

Would you report someone for a different kind of racism?

Funny how antisemitism nowadays is not considered that big a deal by some sectors of society. Anti semitism somehow does not 'count', apparently.

PetraDelphiki · 02/11/2019 11:31

Please report it. This is still just too common and it’s really scary!

WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles · 02/11/2019 11:33

So first you post to ask if a very clearly anti Semitic comment, is anti Semitic, then tell everyone you don't want to report it.

Not coming off too well here are you?

WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles · 02/11/2019 11:38

Perhaps you should educate yourself so you aren't complicit in condoning hostility and hatred towards Jews. Can I suggest you start with the Holocaust?

AnnieOH1 · 02/11/2019 11:40

Did they definitely say that and you've not misheard? It just seems such an outrageous thing for someone to say in private let alone to a customer/client. :(

Pandainmyporridge · 02/11/2019 11:44

I used to hear people say "that's a bit Irish" when something seemed stupid/mixed up. Of course it was racist. I don't think I'd have had an easy time at work if I reported it.
An option for the OP could me to contact the person who said it - it can be easier than doing it face to face - and say she was thinking about their conversation and wanted to point out that when he said x it was offensive and would fall foul of his work policies - then it's like a warning if you see what I mean? Or if you think that's not enough you could tell HR.

Pandainmyporridge · 02/11/2019 11:44

(I am Irish)

TheBitchOfTheVicar · 02/11/2019 11:51

I am Jewish but most people wouldn't have a clue. This person could easily have said this to me withour realising. You should definitely report.

TwinkleRedMoon · 02/11/2019 11:52

I am a mature student at college. I am shocked by what people say in the classroom and no one ever challenges the offensive comments not even the lecturers. I am mixing out of my usual social circle and it is eye opening. It is very difficult in reality to speak up against these people and create a bad atmosphere or start an argument.

mamapants · 02/11/2019 11:52

I have been shocked by two colleagues saying very similar comments in work in the last two weeks. I didn't challenge it either and feel ashamed of myself for not saying anything.
I understand your reluctance to say anything when you have to carry on dealing with them.