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Is this racism?

Was the described situation racist?

  • Yes, it sounds like a racist remark

    Votes: 3 7.5%

  • It was insensitive

    Votes: 8 20.0%

  • There was only cultural gulf and misunderstanding

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • The fellow's sensitivity over his ethnicity was coming to the surface

    Votes: 7 17.5%

  • Is bad handwriting a stereotype for people from Philippines?

    Votes: 4 10.0%

  • People should be more careful throwing out accusations of racisms

    Votes: 11 27.5%

  • Other

    Votes: 7 17.5%
  • Total voters
    40
There are quite a few posts on this thread, which I would consider over reactive. If you over react to over reactions, this can prompt over reactions, to the over reactions, to the over reactions ..... Ending such a vicious circle is what is important.
 
Mell said:
There are quite a few posts on this thread, which I would consider over reactive. If you over react to over reactions, this can prompt over reactions, to the over reactions, to the over reactions ..... Ending such a vicious circle is what is important.
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So by responding to the thread, you just overreacted to the overreactions at the overreactions to the overreactions overreacting to the overdone reactions to the overreactions?

*crosses eyes*
 
''So by responding to the thread, you just overreacted to the overreactions at the overreactions to the overreactions overreacting to the overdone reactions to the overreactions?''

No, not necessarily...
 
jallman said:
If he's Philipino, his reaction probably has little to do with his race and much to do with the fact that he is likely a flaming drama queen like most Philipino's I have ever met.

I'm serious: I have met one straight philipino in my life. And even he was questionable.
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Interesting. I'm not familiar with the tendencies of this culture. They do run short, and this particular man is quite small. He's not gay, I know he has kids, I think he's married. I have heard that he's had outbursts before, although I've always been fond of him. After this episode however, I'll be very leery of anything but a business like relationship with him.

He recently got a hairpiece, I was surprised when he showed up wearing that...
 
so, was your implication that Filipinos are illiterate? Racism can be expressed through generalizing about someone on the basis of their perceived race or country of ethnic origin.

Racial discrimination typically points out taxonomic differences between different groups of people, although anyone may be discriminated against on an ethnic or cultural basis, independently of their somatic differences.
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I would suggest that making generalizations about people on the basis of race or ethnicity isn't wise, particularly these days.

I would never do this professionally, though I do sometimes make fun of racial stereotypes, but only about my own race.

My kids are half filipino, and people have said some very stupid things to and about them. I've taught them some appropriate responses that range from sarcasm to a fist in the face.
 
MyOwnDrum said:
Interesting. I'm not familiar with the tendencies of this culture. They do run short, and this particular man is quite small. He's not gay, I know he has kids, I think he's married. I have heard that he's had outbursts before, although I've always been fond of him. After this episode however, I'll be very leery of anything but a business like relationship with him.

He recently got a hairpiece, I was surprised when he showed up wearing that...
Click to expand...

....Just stop.

Would you generalize about white poeple like this? What are the tendencies of white guy culture? Let's see. White guys tend to be backward ass country ****s who watch a lot of NASCAR and have too much body hair, right?
 
Catz Part Deux said:
so, was your implication that Filipinos are illiterate? Racism can be expressed through generalizing about someone on the basis of their perceived race or country of ethnic origin.
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I get the impression that MyOwnDrum would have made the remark about them being from the same country no matter WHAT country that may have been. I know I would have. Hell, I would have flat out asked, "Do they not teach y'all how to write in [insert country here]?" ROFL

Catz Part Deux said:
....Just stop.

Would you generalize about white poeple like this? What are the tendencies of white guy culture? Let's see. White guys tend to be backward ass country ****s who watch a lot of NASCAR and have too much body hair, right?
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Pretty much, yeah. In the southern US, anyway. :lol:

But what generalizations was he making about "filipinos"? He was talking about a specific man.
 
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rivrrat said:
Pretty much, yeah. In the southern US, anyway. :lol:

But what generalizations was he making about "filipinos"? He was talking about a specific man.
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You tell him that his handwriting is difficult to read, and jokingly compare it to another co-worker's (well known to everyone) bad handwriting, who is also happens to befrom the Philippines. Then you good humoredly note "you guys are even from the same country".
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HE was generalizing two co-workers on the basis of ethnicity.

Would you like to be told that you are somehow incompetent in some way and that it must be related to your gender/ethnicity/religion?

I've had guys make comments about me being female on the job. It will always get some kind of response and they may not enjoy it.
 
rivrrat said:
I get the impression that MyOwnDrum would have made the remark about them being from the same country no matter WHAT country that may have been. I know I would have. Hell, I would have flat out asked, "Do they not teach y'all how to write in [insert country here]?" ROFL
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Yeah, I think that's pretty damn stupid. And based on MOD's history here with racially-based polls, I have a sneaking suspicion that he makes a LOT of generaliziations about his co-workers on the basis of his race, and thinks that because he's had cordial relationships with them in the past that they are going to overlook his racial comments.
 
Catz Part Deux said:
HE was generalizing two co-workers on the basis of ethnicity.
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That's not what you quoted. And no, he wasn't generalizing ****. He was making an observation that he couldn't read either one's handwriting and both of them were from the same country. Those are facts. No generalizations there. Just an observation that was a joke.

Would you like to be told that you are somehow incompetent in some way and that it must be related to your gender/ethnicity/religion?

I've had guys make comments about me being female on the job. It will always get some kind of response and they may not enjoy it.
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Happens all the time. And when they're jokes, like what MyOwnDrum said, I laugh and give it right back to them. But then again, I'm not a tightass lacking a sense of humor.
 
Catz Part Deux said:
so, was your implication that Filipinos are illiterate? Racism can be expressed through generalizing about someone on the basis of their perceived race or country of ethnic origin.



I would suggest that making generalizations about people on the basis of race or ethnicity isn't wise, particularly these days.

I would never do this professionally, though I do sometimes make fun of racial stereotypes, but only about my own race.

My kids are half filipino, and people have said some very stupid things to and about them. I've taught them some appropriate responses that range from sarcasm to a fist in the face.
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LOL, the other person with illegible handwriting is a PhD, lol, no there was no implication that these people are illiterate. :rofl
 
rivrrat said:
That's not what you quoted. And no, he wasn't generalizing ****. He was making an observation that he couldn't read either one's handwriting and both of them were from the same country. Those are facts. No generalizations there. Just an observation that was a joke.



Happens all the time. And when they're jokes, like what MyOwnDrum said, I laugh and give it right back to them. But then again, I'm not a tightass lacking a sense of humor.
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Lol, I just made the mistake of feeling too much like this guy was just 'one of the guys'.

I work around a lot of Hispanics and I'm very careful to avoid controversy, and really find it offensive when other co-workers start bringing up hot topics at work, such as complaining about illegals. I just think the workplace should basically be a neutral ground.

No, this comment was meant to be lighthearted, but I found out Tony is not. I'm going to be more confrontational and direct with the guy from now on.
 
Catz Part Deux said:
so, was your implication that Filipinos are illiterate? Racism can be expressed through generalizing about someone on the basis of their perceived race or country of ethnic origin.



I would suggest that making generalizations about people on the basis of race or ethnicity isn't wise, particularly these days.

I would never do this professionally, though I do sometimes make fun of racial stereotypes, but only about my own race.

My kids are half filipino, and people have said some very stupid things to and about them. I've taught them some appropriate responses that range from sarcasm to a fist in the face.
Click to expand...

I remember my whole family was sitting at my grandmother's table enjoying a holiday meal. My uncle, who is Polish had just married an Italian girl, name Aunt Pat. I really liked her and we hit it off real good. I was six years old at the time.

It was kind of quiet at the table because this was her first meal with my immediate Polish family, but none of her relatives were there.

I was eating my salad and dipping the lettuce into a bowl of vinegar when I said, "Hey Aunt Pat, isn't this the way the Dagos do it?"

Everbody cracked up including my Aunt Pat and the ice was broken and I didn't even get an ass whooping.:)
 
Catz Part Deux said:
Yeah, I think that's pretty damn stupid. And based on MOD's history here with racially-based polls, I have a sneaking suspicion that he makes a LOT of generaliziations about his co-workers on the basis of his race, and thinks that because he's had cordial relationships with them in the past that they are going to overlook his racial comments.
Click to expand...

You think what is pretty damn stupid? Making a joke?
 
MyOwnDrum said:
Let's say you are receiving a verbal report from a fellow from a another country originally, along with a handwritten reference sheet. This guy is from the Philippines. You can never read this fellow's handwriting. You tell him that his handwriting is difficult to read, and jokingly compare it to another co-worker's (well known to everyone) bad handwriting, who is also happens to befrom the Philippines. Then you good humoredly note "you guys are even from the same country".

This previously congenial colleague flies off the handle, extremely offended, and accusing you of racism, calling you a racist. You immediately try to sooth the situation, apologizing, but the co-worker has trouble getting over it. Other co-workers are dumbfounded at the fellows reaction too.
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No This is not racist.

digsbe said:
It may be a little insensitive but not racist.
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No, its not insensitive.

Zyphlin said:
Insensitive and just not smart to say in todays society? Probably yes.
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No, not insensitive, and nothing wrong with saying it in today's society.

rivrrat said:
I don't even think what MyOwnDrum said was the least bit insensitive. He was making a joke, for ****s sake.

People CHOOSE to get offended.
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Correct. People choose to get offended because they get all this extra special attention. Wankers.


Mell said:
I would make an effort to consider the sensitivities of others....
Click to expand...
I would not.

earthworm said:
There simply is NO racism here.
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Correct.
earthworm said:
Maybe a lack of sensitivity
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Incorrect.

digsbe said:
Apoligizing to people like the Filipino guy in the example only empowers them and their immaturity.
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Correct.

Catz Part Deux said:
Yeah, I think that's pretty damn stupid. And based on MOD's history here with racially-based polls, I have a sneaking suspicion that he makes a LOT of generaliziations about his co-workers on the basis of his race, and thinks that because he's had cordial relationships with them in the past that they are going to overlook his racial comments.
Click to expand...
Thanks Catz... now you sound like "one of them" race baiters.
 
Catz Part Deux said:
so, was your implication that Filipinos are illiterate? Racism can be expressed through generalizing about someone on the basis of their perceived race or country of ethnic origin.



I would suggest that making generalizations about people on the basis of race or ethnicity isn't wise, particularly these days.

I would never do this professionally, though I do sometimes make fun of racial stereotypes, but only about my own race.

My kids are half filipino, and people have said some very stupid things to and about them. I've taught them some appropriate responses that range from sarcasm to a fist in the face.
Click to expand...

Catz Part Deux said:
....Just stop.

Would you generalize about white poeple like this? What are the tendencies of white guy culture? Let's see. White guys tend to be backward ass country ****s who watch a lot of NASCAR and have too much body hair, right?
Click to expand...

---->

Catz Part Deux said:
When did Americans turn into a bunch of ******s who can't handle it when other people speak their mind? OMG! Someone might be offended!
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Just sayin'... for someone who keeps telling people they need to lighten up, I was pretty disappointed that you'd suddenly turn around on this here.

1. The incident was obviously a joke. Anyone who took it as anything else should seriously lighten up.

2. MOD said nothing in the post you replied to that "generalized" anything about anyone, with the exception of pointing out that Filipinos "tend to run short", which may be objectively true. You saw things in there that didn't exist. He was describing his workmate, not a whole people.

3. Yes, people do have cultures. Filipinos have a culture as much as Americans do. Races don't have cultures, but then Filipino isn't an actual race to begin with so that's not even a valid comparison.

4. He said nothing about anyone being illiterate, the guy was just making a freaking joke. I thought that you of all people would be able to realize this.


Ugh. Seriously.
 
I think this reinforces the fact that, no matter how comfortable you feel with a minority, don't assume that you can make any reference to their ethnicity in your conversation. Treat it the same you would treat a fat person. Just be PC and don't mention where they came from if they have an accent.
 
I mentioned the shortness factor because of short man syndrome. The guy might be insecure about his height.
 
MyOwnDrum said:
I think this reinforces the fact that, no matter how comfortable you feel with a minority, don't assume that you can make any reference to their ethnicity in your conversation. Treat it the same you would treat a fat person. Just be PC and don't mention where they came from if they have an accent.
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Yeah, f*ck that. If someone wants to call me a money-grubbing Jew or a smelly lazy Spic and meant it as a joke, I'd laugh along with them because I'm not a hypersensitive melodramatic blowhard. If other people are, that's their problem, not mine.


MyOwnDrum said:
I mentioned the shortness factor because of short man syndrome. The guy might be insecure about his height.
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He certainly sounded insecure about something.
 
Dav said:
Yeah, f*ck that. If someone wants to call me a money-grubbing Jew or a smelly lazy Spic and meant it as a joke, I'd laugh along with them because I'm not a hypersensitive melodramatic blowhard. If other people are, that's their problem, not mine.




He certainly sounded insecure about something.
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He probably had other factors as well.

You aren't Geraldo Rivera btw... ;)
 
MyOwnDrum said:
LOL, the other person with illegible handwriting is a PhD, lol, no there was no implication that these people are illiterate. :rofl
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HA! Well, you have your answer right there. Everyone knows that Docs can't write for ****.

And if that hurts some doctor's wittle feelings, I don't give a ****. :2razz:
 
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MyOwnDrum said:
I think this reinforces the fact that, no matter how comfortable you feel with a minority, don't assume that you can make any reference to their ethnicity in your conversation. Treat it the same you would treat a fat person. Just be PC and don't mention where they came from if they have an accent.
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Pffttt... **** that ****. I make fun of my Irish co-worker all the time. We all do, and he gives it right back to us because he's not a wanker. :2razz:

If he was a wanker, then I just wouldn't talk to him at all. I deal with individuals, not races, or genders, or nationalities, or whatever.

I give people **** for being male, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, blonde, short, accents, nationality, sports they like, teams they like, the state they're from, their degrees, the foods they like, their habits, the college they went to, their hobbies, etc, etc. I expect the same in return. It's all part of having a good time with the people you're with. Some people, however, just aren't any fun.
 
rivrrat said:
HA! Well, you have your answer right there. Everyone knows that Docs can't write for ****.

And if that hurts some doctors wittle feelings, I don't give a ****. :2razz:
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So, Filipinos are smart? That's part of the Asian stereotype *gasp*

Honestly, I'm clueless regarding them. They are good workers, seem nice, appreciate being in the U.S., but some are insecure and don't mention about where they come from... Does that sum it up? :lol:

Incidentally, my oldest son is married to a woman who is half Filipino. She's fine. Another son is dating a Black woman, another son has a girlfriend who was born in Taiwan, so I guess we are a diverse family after all. :rofl
 
I voted "other"

because my answer is NO
plain and simple nothing else to say
 
I keep thinking you need to tease this guy for his handwriting until he stops being such a *****.
 
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