Golliwogs...

[GoodNewsTwo]

A colleague of mine today put a small golliwog figurine on her desk. Said she's always liked them and that she doesn't see an issue. I explained that some people (myself included) find them offensive and dated, and think they are too controversial for a workplace setting. As a black woman, I don't really like to sit and look at it all day. I'm sure many people wouldn't regardless of their ethnicity/race. AIBU to ask her again to remove it? I don't want to be 'that girl' who has an issue with race (I don't) - on this occasion, I just feel extremely uncomfortable.

wwyd?

&

If this happened, report the colleague. Disciplinary act.

Wow. I actually can't believe this thread. This is a real issue for me. Especially as a black woman. Thanks everyone for taking this issue seriously

Why would anyone make this up? Why? Christ I give up! This is why I don't discuss race and I was stupid to even consider asking about this on here. Delete the post mn I don't care.

@GoodNewsTwo
I’ve just reported myself for troll hunting, and I’m mortified if it’s true.
The thought that this happens at work in 2018 is dreadful. And that you don’t feel perfectly justified in kicking up a right royal fuss.
It’s also a check my privilege moment. I’m 50 and have never worked anywhere where if this had happened there wouldn’t have been immediate repercussions for the figurine owner.

Why is the OP getting all these questions and being doubted?

It is horribly offensive and has no place in the workplace. If possible go to HR or your manager and explain how you feel.

@GoodNewsTwo
You’ve been met with scepticism because you have no posting history and because these threads bring out the thick racists and naïf ‘I’m colour blind, me’
No one learns anything or changes their opinion; it’s uosetting and diminishes us all.

GoodNews my sister recently got racially abused on the beach by a man.
Racism in this country is sadly prevalent.

Report her to HR or your manager - she is trying to bully you, especially as you have already called her out on it & she's refused to move the horrible object.

You've explained that you find it offensive ( and rightly so) but she still hasn't removed it.
If it was innoce nt, it isn't now, she's now deliberately and knowingly having a racist item on display.
I don't know of any workplace where that would be acceptable. I think you should put in a formal complaint.
Sorry you're having to deal with this, I'm quite shocked that she hasn't already been made to remove it.

OP, with respect, no-one here knows who you are so some posters are questioning why a person would post this rather than speak with their manager. Everyone knows that those dolls are offensive and should not be displayed. There should not be a need to ask strangers on the internet.

I'm white and am quite torn by this issue. I have a golliwog key ring which I love. As a child I had a golliwog doll but never associated it with a black person, it was just a doll I loved. My daughter, however, is adamant that my golliwog is a symbol of racism but she knows that I am not that way inclined. Anyway, recently one of my best friends & her partner (both black skinned) visited for a few days and I couldn't bear her to see my golliwog key ring in case it offended her. She knows I'm no racist but I felt incredibly uncomfortable in her seeing my key ring. I'm not black and my relatives weren't kidnapped, abused or forced into slavery. I don't mean to cause any offence, it's not in my nature. Maybe I should just bin my key ring?

I have heard the word 'wog' used offensively too often to believe that golliwogs are just innocent toys.

Anyone who thinks they are not offensive needs to wake up to the real world.

Hector would you have a Swastika key ring?

I've name changed. I name change a fair bit as I am paranoid that people will know who I am and identify me. I don't care too much if they do but y would rather not have all my posts linked together.

I didn't speak to my manager because he wasn't in today. I've had a discussion about this with a few people and they all had different responses. Some thought it was ok. Some didn't. I wanted a wider opinion. I asked mn like I usually do.

The people who think this is bullshit are clearly white or stupid. Racism is alive and kicking in 2018. Remember people voting for Brexit? Trump? Some people are shameless.

OP you shouldn't have to tolerate this. Report to a manager ASAP

This is my take on it OP:

1. If it offends you, ask her to remove it, stating quite clearly why it offends you.
2. If she refuses, report to your manager.
3. If there is no removal, get HR involved.

Treat the matter as any other grievance, and record any issues as you go along. Ensure you check out your company grievance and harassment picky to make sure you are doing the right thing.

As the PP said it is so obvious that golliwogs are offensive and not suitable office decoration that its hard to believe the story is true. Giving you the benefit of the doubt tell your manager that you would like it removed immediately. You are 100% within your rights to do so and if nothing else everyone’s imcredulous response on this thread should tell you your colleague is completely in the wrong.

Some thought it was ok

How old were these people and are you in the UK? Definitely not ok imo

yes it is offensive

Yes it entirely inappropriate ina workplace or any setting.

No the OP should not be told to grow up or abused on a forum!

I don't know that it is that obvious to a lot of people though...

Why do so many poo poo reports of racism? It happens, it still happens, it will continue to happen. It is depressing to get the impression that a lot of people roll their eyes when yet again, people of colour are forced to speak out and speak up for themselves after another incident of abuse, slurs, violence, vandalism at the hands of racists.
Why does it get people so annoyed though? Are we wrong for addressing these incidents?

Picky?! Freaking 'policy'!!!!

Of course it's unacceptable, OP, and your colleague should have removed or hidden it once you explained it was offensive. I would just leave it up to your manager now, hopefully they understand the situation.