i work for a small company, well its and overall huge company, but the Regional office consists of right now 10 people. im fairly ok w/ majority of the people but we have our own growns. well, the 'group' that i, i guess you can say i belong to, is of 3 people. again, all have atleast mutual respect for one another, or atleast thats what i thought.
It was the end of the day yesterday, and we were all just talking for a few minutes, and one dude decides to comment on my turban. ok, thats fine, i'd rather someone ask questions about it instead of just make assuptions about it. so anyways, he continues to say that, its just a peice of cloth, what the hell so important about that? i try to tell him what it means, somewhat out of shock, but he continues to take it as a joke. i left shortly, and this has been on my mind since.

here is the question, do i confront him? i sure as hell don't want to keep my mouth shut, i've been fuckin beatin up for this shit, made fun of for this shit, my dad has been stabbed, and this is the story for majority of sikh men who wear the turban.

what do i do?

 

Although it's insulting ... it's just a part of being a minority in a country fueled on stereotypes. I'd just let it go and cool off. Work is work, nothing more. No need to prove a point to someone who doesn't have the capacity to accept things beyond his predetermined bullshit.

If it happens again, correct him. Plainly state, "I'm serious, I'm not laughing".



Not to side track, but this is exactly the reason why you see groups of people (of the same race) cling together as friends. The understanding of a culture is a very strong bond.

 

fuck em'. if they insist on being ignorant, their loss.

 

well said. im in total agreeance

 

If it happens again, take the high road. Document everything. File a report with HR.

Last thing they want is some lawsuit due to an ignorant employee.

 

kick him in the throat h:

but i agree w/ drew and the dirtbag

 

You're a brave person asking this place for advice....

Unfortunately too few of us take the time to familiarize ourselves with other's customs. I've noticed the different shapes and sizes of turbans and other head gear but have never asked anyone outright the differences. If you tried to explain and he still remained an ass maybe you should seek advice of the HR people in your company. Making fun of the turban is a form of Religious/Ethnic harrassment.

 

Yea man just hold your ground, if they make a comment that offends you squash it right there and let them know that it bothers you and it's not something that you find amusing.

 

one more bit ...

There's a right and wrong way to handle incidences at work. You are a professional. You've been hired to do a job which requires quite a bit of skill.

When something disturbing happens, remember ... you are a professional. Mouthing off, loud arguments, fights, etc ... those are all low-class forms of resolving issues.

Conduct yourself in a proper manner, follow the system installed by HR, and move on.

 

I can let it go, its just what i think of whats happend in the past, just keeps fueling me to go on.

your right about the groups of people thing, the thing is, i just don't want to leave shit like that, It just sucks that it is that way.