I think I've just been accused of racism at work

[Imlookingatapicture]

Panicking somewhat..

For context I'm the only Welsh person in our London office. Lots of banter around the football World Cup.

Chat started on teams (chat not video) re the 6 nations game tomorrow. Collegue (huge football fan, most vocal in the world cup) said 'I don't care about rugby. I'm half Welsh anyway'

I replied

'Oh I'm half English too. We all have our crosses to bear ;)'

Manager has just emailed me to say collegue above has complained, and it's not acceptable, especially given recent discussions around inclusion and diversity.

It was honestly just a joke, in the same vein as the world cup 'banter'

I know I shouldn't have put it on teams. Maybe context didn't come across.

How much shit am I in?

I have no idea whats offensive about it. He said he was half Welsh you said you were half English. Sounds like he's being petty to me 🤷🏻‍♀️

It was the 'we all have our crosses to bear' comment

Sounds like a typical football fan to me

I don't understand what the issue is? Anti-English sentiments? Which at worst would be xenophobic, not racist. I don't see how "being half English" comes under any kind of diversity heading.

I'd say that some retraining or inclusion and diversity awareness might be suggested. It might be helpful to ask if you can issue an apology.

Honestly it's ridiculous OP, people are so sensitive nowadays. But I hate to say it, you'll just to apologise sincerely. Creating an argument will get you having a lecture of "diversity" etc. - they don't what they're talking about. He was being petty, but you'll have to be the bigger person.

But your half English? It was a joke made about your own heritage surely?!

He's a prat. Hope it's not a big deal for you.

I thought it was a (mildly) funny reverse on 'I'm half welsh anyway'

But see how it didn't come across well. Im seriously shitting myself about this. Company is very big and inclusion and diversity

Could you explain what that training would cover?

Just tell them they're being ridiculous and that it was in relation to the Rugby team you support.

Could you say something like 'I am really sorry to hear I have upset somebody. Please could you explain specifically what I said and why it was upsetting? I was talking only about my own heritage, but I am happy to learn.'

Jeez. I train people on diversity and it’s wanky little tantrums like this that perpetuates the “snowflake” narrative.

If you were talking about yourself then I don’t see how it can be construed as anything other than humorous. And I’d argue that point with anyone who said otherwise, including a badly-informed HR department.

Blimey. That's ridiculous. Has this person been looking for a way to bring you down?

Not to make disparaging comments about people’s nationality maybe?

You've mistaken your colleagues for a group of mates.

I would just apologise and make all the right noises to your bosses for the sake of keeping the peace at work, and just make sure there's a boundary there in future when you're all chatting.

What a prick. Apologise and forget about it. Don't engage in any more banter, work only from now on.

I’m half English and Welsh. I would have taken that comment to mean that you are both doing badly in this years six nations. They are. Ireland and Scotland are on fire this year.

I just struggle to take this seriously .wtf?

@Aprilx the comment was about the sports teams though.

I think you'll probably just get a caution or maybe not even that. Ask the manager if you are allowed to apologise directly to this person. Accept whatever training they want you to do and more on.

I agree that you did nothing wrong, but if someone wants to be offended, then they can use these types of comments, so be careful.

It’s ridiculous.

If you’re questioned about it say that you were offended by his comment that he’s half welsh because it was obviously derogatory towards Welsh people and it must have triggered you. Maybe they should provide you with some support to cope with that.

This is how I would explain it if I were in your shoes, OP.

And apologise. Be the bigger person.

As has been said, don't mistake colleagues for 'mates' in future.

I would just apologise. Your colleague is going to look very silly.

If I had a pound for every anti Irish comment I shrugged off...

That's an awful thing to say. As if being half English is a bad thing.

I'm sure if you offer to apologise and go on the diversity training it will help.