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Ok, I'm going to give you three scenarios about things that happened, and I want to know if you guys think these people were making racist comments and if they deserved to loose their job over it. All three people work at a correctional center (jail) if that makes a difference.
1. A guy is a guard of a mod (group of guys) who are in prison. They speak very "ghetto" most of the time. You know what kind of launguage I mean. The big phrase they say is (I dont know if this is ok to say so I'll desribe the word. the "n" word but with an "a" at the end instead of the "er") "_____ I put that on my 'hood." when they are swearing something. So, in an email to this guys wife he is telling her that that is their most used phrase, and writes it out. He isnt being degrating, just talking about how its crazy the stuff they say to each other. Emails are monitored (he knew this) and they decide he is using racially derogatory words and fires him. Is it justified?
2. ANOTHER guy is working with another mod of the "really bad guys" the ones that nobody wants to watch cause they are out of control most of the time. A new inmate comes in and the guard says to another guard "put him in there with the rest of the monkeys" (he is meaning they act like monkeys, but I'm sure you know how a lot of people say that monkey is a derogatory term for a black person) He didnt mean it in a racial way, but since a large amount of them WERE black, then he was fired for racially derogatory comments.
3. Next example. Lady this time. She is talking with some co-workers. Someone says that they need an interperature because the guys downstairs cleaning (inmates) dont speak english. She says Oh, you mean the "guacamolians" and everyone laughs. She DOESNT get fired.
The only reason I could see for the first 2 being fired but the last one wasn't would be because the first 2 work directly with the prisoners; a possible racial issue would be more sensitive because it could make racial tension even worse with prisoners. That said, I think the 3rd one is completely inexusable; that was a deliberate slam and she sould have been fired, no questions asked.
The first one shouldn't have been fired. The second one is a tough call because I can see how that would be taken the wrong way. Even if he meant it as in they act like monkeys saying something like that could incite trouble with the inmates. In the third situation she should have been fired!
All should have been fired, especially the second and third scenarios. The first may be questionable for some, but in any case, I do not think it is appropriate behavior for the work place, even if it wasn't racist.
The only reason I could see for the first 2 being fired but the last one wasn't would be because the first 2 work directly with the prisoners; a possible racial issue would be more sensitive because it could make racial tension even worse with prisoners. That said, I think the 3rd one is completely inexusable; that was a deliberate slam and she sould have been fired, no questions asked.[/b]
I can totally see that and also, if it's a zero tolerance zone - they have to enforce it.
The policy here us anything that CAN be interpreted as offensive.... YIKES...
but that last ##### should definitely be looking for a job...
I have to stop hanging out with you ladies... my blood pressure is rising...
The second scenario is the one is "sympathize" the most with. I tell my dog that he is being a little monkey To me, Monkey just means "kind of wild, jumping around, loud". I can see how it was an honest mistake (if it was, of course).
The third one was the worst.
I don't know how I feel about the first one. I guess I would have to see the e-mail to get a sense of his "tone"
If the 1st scenario went down exactly like that, then No. He shouldn't have been fired.
The 2nd scenario I'm on the fence about. That IS a derogatory word used for black people a lot and I've rarely seen anyone actually admit they were being racist when their called on it. So, since his words could have been taken either way I think his firing was justified.
For the record though I do call my baby a lil monkey all the time because he climbs and acts wild like a lil monkey.
The 3rd scenario was totally wrong and she should have been immediately fired.
All should have been fired, especially the second and third scenarios. The first may be questionable for some, but in any case, I do not think it is appropriate behavior for the work place, even if it wasn't racist.
The last two were racist. Period.
ETA: italics.[/b]
I'm just curious how the 2nd is racist? I mean he didnt MEAN it in the sense that it was a racial comment. Yes, it was rude, but he could have been speaking of a bunch of white guys and said the same thing. He was speaking of thier behavior, not thier race. They just said they were afraid it could be TAKEN as a racial comment.
The only reason I could see for the first 2 being fired but the last one wasn't would be because the first 2 work directly with the prisoners; a possible racial issue would be more sensitive because it could make racial tension even worse with prisoners. That said, I think the 3rd one is completely inexusable; that was a deliberate slam and she sould have been fired, no questions asked.[/b]
I can totally see that and also, if it's a zero tolerance zone - they have to enforce it.
The policy here us anything that CAN be interpreted as offensive.... YIKES...
but that last ##### should definitely be looking for a job...
I have to stop hanging out with you ladies... my blood pressure is rising...
[/b]
Yeah, that is thier excuse. ANYTHING that COULD cause conflict or interperated as a racial comment is not tollerated at all. The only thing is that in the FIRST one, other than the guy and his wife (and the person who looks through the emails) nobody else ever heard the comment.
Quote:
The second scenario is the one is "sympathize" the most with. I tell my dog that he is being a little monkey To me, Monkey just means "kind of wild, jumping around, loud". I can see how it was an honest mistake (if it was, of course).
The third one was the worst.
I don't know how I feel about the first one. I guess I would have to see the e-mail to get a sense of his "tone"[/b]
Yes, that is exactly what the guy was meaning when he said monkey.
And I wish I would have kept the email. (yes, the first one was my husband about a year ago) He honestly didnt mean to say anything in a derogatory sense, it was more along the lines of we were teasing each other about something and he said "Yo ______ I put that on my 'hood" lol Thats what all the guys say around here when nobody beleives them. I swear I hear it so much anymore. Its crazy some of the stuff they say in here. Its almost like a movie" They said that was innapropriate to be said to someone on the clock. He was like ok, but they decided they (to avoid conflict) to get rid of him. It was literally his dream job. I dont think I ever saw him so depressed in my whole life.
And I really REALLy think the only reason the lady wasnt fired is because she held some "rank" and so obviously power means you can say anything you want.
The second one, shouldn't have been fired, but maybe reprimanded as a reminder that he needs to be careful with the words he chooses to use. Even if he didn't mean it in a racist way, it can obviously be mistaken.
The third one, definately should have been fired.
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Thanks~*I:Makerinces*~ for my awesome siggy!!
Yes, that is exactly what the guy was meaning when he said monkey.[/b]
That's a tough one, because I *guess* it could have been an innocent slip...but given the sensitive situation, it is really both dehumanizing and can come across as racist. Whether he said monkey, aligator or wild turkey, I don't think its appropriate to refer to them as animals. He just happened to pick the one animal that is used as a racial slur.
I'm actually kind of appalled, period. Just because you're a correctionals officer, it doesn't make you somehow above the prisoners...
I think they should all be fired.[/b]
Well, I certainly don't consider myself EQUAL to prisoners in morals. I do believe I'm above a murderer, a rapist, a drug dealer, or an armed robber. But that's just me.
I think racial comments in any situation should not be tolerated and are despicable, whether you are prisoner or not, and my above comment in no way relates to the comments made in the OP's scenarios. I just happen to disagree with that particular sentiment.
<div class='quotemain'>I'm actually kind of appalled, period. Just because you're a correctionals officer, it doesn't make you somehow above the prisoners...
I think they should all be fired.[/b]
I agree.
[/b][/quote]
I'm honestly asking you guys, how did the first guy make it seem like he was above the prisoners? Please explain it to me.
[/b][/quote]
I seriously dont understand. can you guys elaborate?
<div class='quotemain'>I'm actually kind of appalled, period. Just because you're a correctionals officer, it doesn't make you somehow above the prisoners...I think they should all be fired.[/b]
I agree.[/b]
I'm honestly asking you guys, how did the first guy make it seem like he was above the prisoners? Please explain it to me.[/b][/quote]I seriously dont understand. can you guys elaborate?[/b][/quote]I don't think using words like the N word, period, is professional behavior. Even if it's in an email relaying your day to your wife. I don't know how to explain what you don't understand, because I don't understand what you don't understand. I can't imagine that if he was writing a much-used phrase it was just a "ho hum this is my day" email...I'd bet it was more along the lines of "Can you believe this stuff?". It's one thing to relay your day and use derogatory phrases in your own household, it's another to do it on a monitored computer IN the place where it's taking place.
I'm actually kind of appalled, period. Just because you're a correctionals officer, it doesn't make you somehow above the prisoners...I think they should all be fired.[/b]
Well, I certainly don't consider myself EQUAL to prisoners in morals. I do believe I'm above a murderer, a rapist, a drug dealer, or an armed robber. But that's just me.I think racial comments in any situation should not be tolerated and are despicable, whether you are prisoner or not, and my above comment in no way relates to the comments made in the OP's scenarios. I just happen to disagree with that particular sentiment.ETA clarification.[/b]
Well if you're not EQUAL then you're either more or less than lol
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To me, Monkey just means "kind of wild, jumping around, loud". I can see how it was an honest mistake (if it was, of course). 
rinces*~ for my awesome siggy!!
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