I work with someone who openly says he doesn’t care about women, minorities, disabled people, or "southerners." He makes rude remarks about Labour voters and never has a kind word to say about anyone outside his bubble. He doesn't seem to have any non-white or non-male friends either.
Despite this, he’s really well-respected at work. People say he’s “competent” and “fun,” and he seems quite popular socially. The women all seem to like him.
I’m baffled—and honestly a bit disturbed—at how easily others ignore his views.
I know workplaces aren’t always about morals, but I’m struggling to understand how someone like this can be so liked when he openly expresses things I find completely unacceptable.
Has anyone else experienced something like this? Why do people overlook this behaviour, and how do you deal with it without making yourself a target?