Is this racist?

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

A senior manager who's worked here for decades, who's daddy worked here all his life... recently cracked a joke at a lady who works in our cafeteria saying she looks just like Sonia Sotomayor. Saying she could be SCOTUS justice too, looking like that.

Water cooler rumor is that it's gone all the way to HR.

Edited October 21, 2009 by w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r

[Darnell 8,479]

If the senior manager is Hispanic, then no, IMO, it's not racist.

However, if HE is caucasian, ya, he might have a problem or two, depending on how literal the HR department is , in interpreting the laws.

He might want to consult an attorney that specializes in rebutting racial slurs..

IMO, pegging the 'audience' and 'message' , content and context, is important. If his statements and situation peg it a 'racial slur' - and the HR department treats it as such - YIKES.

Edited October 21, 2009 by Darnell

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

If the senior manager is Hispanic, then no, IMO, it's not racist.

However, if HE is caucasian, ya, he might have a problem or two, depending on how literal the HR department is , in interpreting the laws.

He's our departments golden boy. As WASPy as they get.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I don't know about racist, but its certainly a stupid comment.

[almaty 19]

not really..but it was a stupid comment

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Does the fact that the cafeteria lady really does resemble Sotomayor help or hurt him?

[chri'stina 190]

Well it right way sounds prejudice but in the context I wonder - does she REALLY look like Sotomayor? And I'm guessing he didn't mean she could impersonate Sotomayor and walk right into the scotus. The way it sounds from what you wrote sounds like a racial thing. But I mean after being there all these years is this the first incident? Or is he like that all the time?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Does the fact that the cafeteria lady really does resemble Sotomayor help or hurt him?

Well clearly people aren't given supreme court jobs on the basis of what they look like.

[broma25 2]

Regardless of the intent, the behavior will be judged on its impact!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

Well it right way sounds prejudice but in the context I wonder - does she REALLY look like Sotomayor? And I'm guessing he didn't mean she could impersonate Sotomayor and walk right into the scotus. The way it sounds from what you wrote sounds like a racial thing. But I mean after being there all these years is this the first incident? Or is he like that all the time?

He is a ####### to people outside his little circle of friends. But he wraps his hostility and contempt in a jokey manner.

[almaty 19]

this is...

[Nagishkaw 510]

It's none of his dang business, and as for his comment...it was unnecessary.

[chri'stina 190]

People say weird stuff all the time at jobs, right? It's just a matter of someone getting "caught". He got caught this time!

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

People say weird stuff all the time at jobs, right?

This is true.

[Danno 1,228]

If there is any race-angle (whatsoever) it must be "racist" and treated as such.

IF there is any justice in the universe.... this guy will have, in the past, been a part of implementing "Diversity training programs".