racist comments....

[MariaAngustias]

I am at a bit of a loss about what to do - please help me. I am white British, a new colleague is white British also and is a lot younger than me, very confident, loud, swears a lot and I am shocked by the terms she uses to describe asian people and mixed race people. I made a point of speaking back to her by using the correct terms but feel I should say something but not sure how to approach it as she is new, I work in a very male white environment and I have heard really terrible stuff from other people at times who have not been my direct colleagues like her. I feel so uncomfortable I just have no idea what to do.

Speak to your line manager?

New or not she needs to be treated the same as anyone else would if they were racist in the work place.

'what you are saying is racist'

Say nicely "I don't think that is an acceptable term". If she says it again, then escalate to your manager.

I've had this.

'What is wrong with you?? What are you? An idiot?' always works.

Always.

They can't complain as the moment they do, they're own bullshit bites them in their racist arse.

Rinse repeat. They learn, even these dim fuckers.

Their.

Damn.

Autocorrect.

I've had something similar. The thing is, little did they know I have 3 mixed race kids. It's interested when, as a white British person, people feel in their comfort zone and it's really changed my perception of some people I've known for a long time.
I don't really know how to approach this in your kind of environment but what stands out is that you are seeking advice and offended by it when you could have let it wash over you as so many people do. I wish more were like you.

@pokemeinthemorning thanks for your lovely comment - it just makes me really sad to hear and I feel that if I do not speak out I am complicit.... it is so difficult

@AlexaShutUp good advice - it is a very complicated workforce with different contractors from different companies... but I agree with what you have said - thanks.

To everyone who has answered - thanks so much.

Maria, totally understand what you are up against. I can imagine you feel you wouldn't be taken seriously or maybe ostracised even if you were to speak up. I would speak to someone more senior if you can and explain how it makes you feel. This is just not acceptable in any workplace in 2021 ( not that it ever was) and she needs to learn that. She sounds like an awful person to work with.