The N-Word and the Workplace
Every Black person has to decide whether or not—and how—they will incorporate the n-word into their life. Ignore it as much as possible? Embrace it as a term of endearment? Attack those that would dare utter the word? What to do? That’s a decision we each make in our personal lives.
But, I’ll tell you… I can’t stand to hear Black workers throwing around the n-word in the WORKPLACE. Why? It bothers me because there is no reason to utter that word on your job. Even if you say the n-word in private situations, there isn’t a single excuse for using it at work. Period! Only an absolutely ignorant and self-loathing Black person would toss around such a word in front of their White coworkers and members of management.
Unfortunately, nearly every time I’ve heard a Black person LOUDLY using the n-word in the workplace or referring to someone LOUDLY as their “ni**a,” the person was always under 30 years of age. And, every time the word was uttered it was clearly for show. It’s a very unfortunate way to try to get attention.
Yet, after a Black person says that word, you can just see how they are hoping to recieve a positive reaction from their coworkers. It’s almost as if flinging around the n-word makes them believe they will be seen as so-called keeping it real, being down-to-earth or being so-called “cool.”
When I’ve watched how Blacks respond to another Black person using the n-word, the reaction seems to be split between shock and eye-rolling at the person’s ignorance or maniacal laughing that the person was bold enough to say such a thing at work, especially in the presence of Whites—if that was the case.
When I’ve watched how Whites respond to a Black person using the n-word at work, the reaction has been split between seeing the person become visibly uncomfortable, changing the subject or pretending they didn’t hear the comment at all or maniacally laughing at the Black person making the comment. I state laughing “at” the Black person because a White person cannot laugh “with” a Black person, when the n-word is involved.
For those of us using the n-word at work, how do you think this behavior makes you appear to your White and other non-Black coworkers? Do you think it increases the level of respect they have for you and other members of your race? Do you think they will want to invite you to work on their projects because you uttered the word? Do you think you’ll be next in line for a promotion or pay raise? Do you care what others think about you flagrantly throwing around a word that is loaded with such historical venom as to be one of the most powerfully hurtful words in existence?
I MUST KNOW…what in God’s name do you think can be gained by using such an offensive word among your White coworkers? If someone is willing to admit to this behavior, please post a comment and let us all know why you choose to use the n-word at your place of employment?
Anyone with general thoughts on using the n-word at work, please post a comment.
But, I’ll tell you… I can’t stand to hear Black workers throwing around the n-word in the WORKPLACE. Why? It bothers me because there is no reason to utter that word on your job. Even if you say the n-word in private situations, there isn’t a single excuse for using it at work. Period! Only an absolutely ignorant and self-loathing Black person would toss around such a word in front of their White coworkers and members of management.
Unfortunately, nearly every time I’ve heard a Black person LOUDLY using the n-word in the workplace or referring to someone LOUDLY as their “ni**a,” the person was always under 30 years of age. And, every time the word was uttered it was clearly for show. It’s a very unfortunate way to try to get attention.
Yet, after a Black person says that word, you can just see how they are hoping to recieve a positive reaction from their coworkers. It’s almost as if flinging around the n-word makes them believe they will be seen as so-called keeping it real, being down-to-earth or being so-called “cool.”
When I’ve watched how Blacks respond to another Black person using the n-word, the reaction seems to be split between shock and eye-rolling at the person’s ignorance or maniacal laughing that the person was bold enough to say such a thing at work, especially in the presence of Whites—if that was the case.
When I’ve watched how Whites respond to a Black person using the n-word at work, the reaction has been split between seeing the person become visibly uncomfortable, changing the subject or pretending they didn’t hear the comment at all or maniacally laughing at the Black person making the comment. I state laughing “at” the Black person because a White person cannot laugh “with” a Black person, when the n-word is involved.
For those of us using the n-word at work, how do you think this behavior makes you appear to your White and other non-Black coworkers? Do you think it increases the level of respect they have for you and other members of your race? Do you think they will want to invite you to work on their projects because you uttered the word? Do you think you’ll be next in line for a promotion or pay raise? Do you care what others think about you flagrantly throwing around a word that is loaded with such historical venom as to be one of the most powerfully hurtful words in existence?
I MUST KNOW…what in God’s name do you think can be gained by using such an offensive word among your White coworkers? If someone is willing to admit to this behavior, please post a comment and let us all know why you choose to use the n-word at your place of employment?
Anyone with general thoughts on using the n-word at work, please post a comment.
Labels: racial ignorance, racist perceptions, stereotypes
posted by S. Mary Wills at 11:55 AM
8 Comments:
Before the Kramer Richards, Don Imus' incidents there was "Bury that Sucka" A Scandalous Love Affair With the N-word. Published, August 2005 much of today's turn of events relative to the n-word was foreseen. To learn more please go http://www.burythatsucka.com
I can only suggest we reframe and expand our thinking into a more positive mindset of what an "N" word is. I expressed this more fully in my post, "Basic Needs & the "N" Word at writerswhirlpool.blogspot.com.
For me, there is no reason to try and sex up the N word. And, for those who use this word at all and in a professional setting at that have lost their minds.
I have a supervisor at work that no matter who is present wants to continue using the n-word in conversation. I have approached this supervisor and told him I find it offensive that he uses the word. He replies"... what ndoes it matter if the white people don't say anything...!"
This supersvisor has a claim to fame as being overly aggressive in his management style and skills. The manangement team has refuses to address this overt racism by this black supervisor and seemingly condones his behaviors. Oh, did I forget to mention that he is black!
There still seems to attitudews out there among us that if the superior white folks say and do then we say "yessem boss" or "yessem massa".
Jim Crow is over and we must not allow ourselves to remain complacent in our attitudes towards anyone who threatens our cause to become free.
Or some whites are just trying to be fair and they chose the candidate who appears to speak out the most about the race. Ignorance and a lack of understanding on their part, but give them credit for at least trying. If you don't begin recognizing that they are trying and continue to be accusative I think you will remain stuck. You need to see the sincerity in people and forgive the lack of knowledge. Don't be accusative in your heart towards another person. Give them the benifit of the doubt.
Hi
I just came across to your blog and reading your post Workplace stress management is becoming a buzz word of sorts, as more companies seek ways to cope with workplace stressors. When a balance between work and family is missing, workplace stress is increased. Two-income families and single parent families are especially affected. Time-sensitive work can make greater demands than the worker can handle. Work schedules may change, creating stress in handling children. Harsh or bullying treatment at work can cycle into family stress, and back to workplace stress.For more information visit us at:-
accident at work.Thanks a lot for sharing this.
Managers and employers can reduce stress at work by providing stress management programs and training for workers and improvement in the working conditions.
Whatever issues are going on for people I do agree that access to good stress management information is what can help individuals self develop
Post a Comment
<< Home