Racist comments at work - a long one

[Cancerian]

I am currently doing contract work and the people I work with are continually saying things which make me very uncomfortable and quite frankly mad. I know if I spoke out I| would be outnumbered being the only person who is black. The thing is, I get on with these people yet they say offensive things which disrespect my race. Today my colleague was talking to another and confirmed that someone's replacement would be an ace of spades. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?
This is totally unacceptable. They are forever making comments about the fact there are too many asian co-workers whose accents can not be understood and they prefer their English co-workers.

I know you must be thinking well, why do I stay and why don't I say something, and how could I possibly get on with them. The thing is I know they are ignorant because they just don't mix with other cultures and because I was born here they feel the fact I don't say anything they can continue and I understand where they are coming from. Don't get me wrong I correct them when they say things but not do it all of the time as I just want to get on with my work at the end of the day and not create waves and for personal reasons I can not walk away from this contract. My husband who is Irish said that I can still report them once I leave as you have up to 3 years to do so. What do you think?

Sound like a bunch of muppets. Better to rise above it. I wonder if they are aware how much they say? Is it one person in particular surely they cant all be racist ?

You shouldn't have to listen to comments that make you uncomfortable. I know how you feel being around a bunch of ignorant, closed-minded people and not feeling you can challenge everything that is said. In this situation I think your husband might be right in reporting it once you leave (I've done a similar thing once) - don't do it now if it will make things harder for you, but I think something should be said so it's less likely to happen to others in the future.

Good luck, and I'm sorry you're going through this.

Sorry to hear you are having such a rough time Cancerian. Have a read of this from the Commission for Racial Equality website, gives advice about racial discrimination at work and what your options are.
Here is their definition of discrimination which includes harassment.
Difficult to advise in your situation, really I would say you either need to address it formally as set out in these links, or walk away, depending on what is better for you. I really don't think there is a happy medium of addressing something like this in a less formal way.

"The thing is I know they are ignorant because they just don't mix with other cultures"

that is no excuse quite frankly

Thanks for your kind words and consideration. I will have decided to keep a diary of 'offensives' and will use it when the time is right. I just wanted to share this dilemma and see what you might do in this situation.

What's ace of spades?

Yes, you should be thinking of putting in a grievance procedure. If they aren't doing it to you it might not be considered harassment (but I think it is indirectly) but certainly a grievance procedure.

This is not normal. My new boss laid into one of his clients who had insinuated that he couldn't understand the acceent of one of my asian colleagues. Good on him I say - every workplace should protect staff from this whether it is from colleagues or from external worksources.

Do not put up with this.

'Ace of spades' is a racial slur, it comes from the term 'black as the Ace of Spades'.

How are you getting on Cancerian?

Very sorry you are encountering this - it is nasty, pathetic and very unprofessional of them.

Can you have a chat with the HR dept and see what they advise? (I'm no expert in all this, but the compay ought to know what goes in and what is likely to be creating upset in working relations and putting good employees off working with them).

Someone who encounters crass and insensitive comments over something difernt posted a response which i thought was good - what if when they start telling you stuff like thier views in Asian workers or the replacement staff etc you look calm but firm and say 'wrong audience'. It might make them think a bit.

Hi Cancerian

I went through a similar experience and am currently trying to take my ex-employer to an employment tribunal. Unfortunately, 2 of my ex-colleagues have now decided not to act as witnesses as they are too afraid, even though they were victims aswell. I would only say that you should think carefully before taking anything up, because although it's the 100% right thing to do, it does cause a lot of heartache and stress.
There's no excuse for ignorance in todays day and age....would those same imbeciles refuse the help of a black doctor in hospital....I think not!!!

Sadly- racism and sexism at work is considered emotive and people are afraid to speak out. It should be classed as unprofessional and it could be tackled much quicker. No employer would put up with staff arriving late everyday-nor should they tolerate staff who make derogatory and racists comments all day (they clearly are not busy enough - give them more work to do).

I'd never heard of the term 'ace of spades' still don't get it but don't particularly want to.

I'm very much loving the 'wrong audience' thing.

However, it's very difficult when you ARE in that position.

Do not be brought down - nor should you be made to feel like you're one of them. I get this crass stuff from my inlaws - like at work I'm completely outnumbered so I give a sarcastic smile and walk off - I would never try to befriend them.

Good luck - it sounds like a horrible situation for you.

Cancerian... I work under very similiar circumstances, and at times it presents itself as a horrible problem. However, I take solice in knowing that there are laws that protect you, and even if your employer does nothing you have rights with the EEOC. The process can take some time but it's worht it. My co worker recently made a statement pertaining to black people taking forever to bury their dead, however white people will bury their dead the same day that they die if they are allowed to. I didn't even dignify that ignorance with a response. Keep your head up, it will all work out I promise.