Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Colleague made racist remark on Facebook

259 replies

vivizone · 12/02/2013 21:35

Keeping the FB theme that's on here today!
Not her first time. I suspect she is a EDL/UKIP supporter. Always with her Daily Mail tucked under her arm.
I just feel so cross. Cross that I know this muppet and cross with myself for not saying anything. Made worse by another colleague 'liking' the comment and replying 'too right, too right'.
We work for a really professional organisation. A very well known org.

Would it be wrong to report it at work? I will delete both of them although the woman who wrote the status is a right loud bully. I am shocked and really disappointed in collg who commented. Quiet as a church mouse and she shares that type of thinking.
Both me and collg who commented on the status are non white if it makes any difference.
Sorry for typos. Typing on phone.

OP posts:
HoratiaWinwood · 12/02/2013 22:06

If the profile is linked to the company (eg "works at") then a racist remark can be considered to bring the company into disrepute.

I guess it depends slightly on the nature of the company. If it is say a law firm specialising in equality legislation then it would be hugely damaging; if a clock factory then less so.

Commenting on the post "this is just untrue" might be a decent starting point, if it is one of those ghastly chain post things like the faked "immigrant benefits" leaflet.

Catmint · 12/02/2013 22:06

Agree with the posts that say that you should find out what your org's social media policy is.

snowtimelikethepresent · 12/02/2013 22:08

Squeaky and HoHoHo...I don't want to second guess OP but I suspect she gave the info regarding the fact that she and one colleague are non white so as not be accused of drip feeding down the line.

However if your colleague is also non-white, and yet liked the comment, is it not just a case of your own view of this rather than it really being racist?

Not an unreasonable observation, but a remark does not have to be anti non-white to be racist, surely?

olgaga · 12/02/2013 22:09

I wouldn't raise the issue with either of them - but I would take screen shots and raise it with the manager.

If it's actually racist, why wouldn't you report it?

Dominodonkey · 12/02/2013 22:11

"If it's actually racist, why wouldn't you report it?"

Maybe because we don't live in Oceania....

HollyBerryBush · 12/02/2013 22:14

I suspect she is a EDL/UKIP supporter. Always with her Daily Mail tucked under her arm.

funniest thing I've read all week on MN

snowtimelikethepresent · 12/02/2013 22:15

If it's actually racist, why wouldn't you report it?" Maybe because we don't live in Oceania....

But surely calling people on their racism wherever it's found is a good thing?

Having said that, vivi unless your colleagues' FB accounts are actually linked to your place of work (in which case I think you should report them) I would do nothing other than delete them on FB and give them a very wide berth in real life too

Original poster
vivizone · 12/02/2013 22:16

The comment: 'in a crowded bus. Don't recognise this country any more. The smell is repugnant. I am sitting next to a Muslim guy with a large rucksack. I can honestly say I am scared in case bus blows up! thinking of getting off the next stop'

Comment: 'Too right, too right'.

Have just checked again and colleague who commented has made another comment of 'Hope you got home safe' blah blah.

OP posts:
grovel · 12/02/2013 22:17

What did the person say?

I don't know your definition of racism.

snowtimelikethepresent · 12/02/2013 22:17

Oh good grief Vivi that is far worse than I imagined. Effing disgraceful.

squeakytoy · 12/02/2013 22:18

Well yes, that is a very immature and racist comment. I wouldnt report it at work though. I would simply post underneath "you are aware that not all muslims are terrorists, and not all terrorists are muslims".. and then defriend her.

snowtimelikethepresent · 12/02/2013 22:20

I am shaking with rage Vivi and not just on your behalf, but on behalf of jsut about evry decent person I know.

If I weren't so bloody lily livered I would be adding some very forthright comments of my own!

Original poster
vivizone · 12/02/2013 22:21

This is not the first time but normally she makes immigration status. The copy and paste ones.

Biggest mistake of mine accepting friend requests from work people.

I didn't comment on her status.

OP posts:
snowtimelikethepresent · 12/02/2013 22:22

I think Squeaky has got it right...but it only addresses one of several incredibly offensive elements.

If your workplace is identifiable through your colleague's account then this is surely a disciplinary matter.

OutragedFromLeeds · 12/02/2013 22:22

Shaking with rage?! Really?

Southeastdweller · 12/02/2013 22:23

moondog Why shouldn't she get screwed over?!

fridgepants · 12/02/2013 22:23

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the user's request.

BluelightsAndSirens · 12/02/2013 22:23

For a start I would delete her and the other colleague immediately and then think about what you want to do.

Dominodonkey · 12/02/2013 22:23

"But surely calling people on their racism wherever it's found is a good thing?" - Yes, but calling someone on it is not the same as running to the boss about something in her personal life.

Yes it's offensive but actually she is entitled to her (racist and offensive) opinion. I really don't know what you would be reporting her at work for unless for the fact that she is clearly incredibly stupid and thus incapable of doing her job properly....

Either call her on it or defriend and ignore.

snowtimelikethepresent · 12/02/2013 22:24

Outraged...yes, really and literally shaking with rage. Any good reason why I shouldn't be?

Southeastdweller · 12/02/2013 22:25

Screenshot before you defriend her, obviously, if you choose to.

Original poster
vivizone · 12/02/2013 22:26

I am ashamed to say it but the thought of being responsible for someone potentially losing their job etc is a bit much for me. I am ashamed to say I won't report it at work. She has young children.

I have no respect for her. The colleague who commented to her post has probably wowed me more.

I feel ashamed I haven't got a backbone. I am normally quite detached and can get on with it.

OP posts:
gordyslovesheep · 12/02/2013 22:26

no Domino - which is why people have suggested she actually checks out the organisations social media policy and seek advice?

If she is working for an organisation that requires staff to treat people equally and respect diversity her views are worrying

OutragedFromLeeds · 12/02/2013 22:27

...because there are so many example of crap like that on facebook you must be constantly shaking with rage?! Not to mention all the far, far worse things that people say and do. It seems a strong reaction to something an idiot you don't know posted on FB.

Perhaps get some 'Kalms' or something?

HollyBerryBush · 12/02/2013 22:28

People are frightened at the speed of immigration - granted media hype doesnt help much - nonetheless it is a real fear. And yes education or lack of is a quite a part of the root of it.