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?

Unfortunately you only need to read the online news feeds of certain newspapers to know that racism in this country is alive and well.

Why on earth is OP getting a hard time?

It is incredibly offensive and inappropriate for a workplace. So much so that I don’t think you should say anything directly to her, Op, you need to speak to management or HR.

Wouldn’t last five mins in my place of work and the colleague would be give their marching orders.

Complain.

I don't know that it is that obvious to a lot of people though
It really should be though. You should absolutely not have to be dealing with this shit.

Racial abuse definitely still happens in this country. I'm white but have seen it loads if times unfortunately. Why don't people believe op?

This isn't acceptable to have in the workplace. She may not associate the model with negative stereotypes but many people do. There are also negative connotations from the name. I think sometimes people think the can be wilfully ignorant of racisism because it doesn't effect their lives so can't see the problem.

Just ask her to remove the feckin thing!

One of my friends was recently called the N word by a patient of hers. She was supported by the clinical site team & the patient walked out before he was thrown out.

However she was left devastated & had to take time off sick.

It all makes me worry about what is happening here & in the wider world.

it's obvious to MOST people that this is wrong, and it's hard for them to belive this could happen
but there are pockets of ignorance in this country, especially where it's nearly 100% white and rural, where people don't travel much (I know it sounds mad)- and in these places such things still happen
I would take it up with a manager
And keep a note of what is said, when and by whom.

All I can do is promise you this did happen and I'm not a troll. I just haven't been on mn for that long and change my name a lot. That's my choice and if it's against the rules I will happily stop and post less.

I've posted about my pregnancy and other things too. I've commented on other people's posts.

I feel really gutted by some of the responses on here. Funny how some people are saying it's so obvious that they're offensive that I should've known to report it immediately, when actually that's not the case for a lot of people, clearly. Telling someone to grow up than try and understand how utterly uncomfortable I was made to feel at work today is heartbreaking.

Sorry for asking a simple question. Next time I will know just to search mn for the answer rather than asking.l myself!

GoodNews just ignore the (luckily few) rascists & trollhunters who've commented.

Most sensible people on here know that your colleague is in the wrong & have made suggestions, of which I should think 'throw it on the floor & stamp on it' is the most tempting but tbh speaking to your manager is best, then HR if you don't get anywhere.

This, again?!

@DuchessThingy don’t read the post then fuck off to read something else. Racism happens in all sorts of forms. OP it’s not acceptable, inform your manager.

@tierraJ well said

So there aren't a million and one things that have been asked more than once on mn?

• line eyes please
• is this an emotional affair?
• is bleeding normal in pregnancy?
• Braxton Hicks. Should I go to hospital?
• DH doesn't help around the house. Should I LTB?

But that's all okay to ask over and over. Asking about the appropriateness of a golliwog however results in 'oh not this again' as if it isn't a real issue. It is distressing that there are folks on here who would rather shut a woman down and tell her she shouldn't have commented because it's been asked before, than to have a little sympathy.

Sad world we live in.

Thanks for those who have answered seriously and have been helpful.

Of course it's gross. I have seen racism recrntly in a government department and they were very slow to act on it. Report to HR hopefully they'll be sacked

@GoodNewsTwo sorry you've had a hard time here. YADNBU and if I were you I'd be very upset by my colleagues attitude.

Can I ask what your relationship with her is usually like? Personally I'd be compelled to think its a deliberate dig on her part, if for no other reason than the fact she keeps it there after you've made it clear you're offended.

Some people see no harm in them but people of colour do and rightly so, once you've raised it with her she's out of line to keep it there. She is choosing to deliberately offend.

@Babydusst I have never had any reason not to get on with her. She's so kind to me and vice versa. She's a lovely woman normally and is the sort to go out of her way for anyone, which I guess is why I tried a little to play devils advocate rather than demonise her based on her ignorance.

Really disrespectful of your colleague. Please raise your concerns with your manager and go through the proper channels.

For some reason there’s a diehard minority on MN who will defend gollliwogs to their death.

Goodnews sorry people are being so rude (and dense). Of course it's offensive, she knows it too, however kind she's been. Get it removed, as quietly or as loudly as you like.

@sonlypuppyfat 🤦🏽‍♀️