Hypothetically ... Very Hypothetically
Let's say there is a young Black man who has risen to the top of his law firm through hard work, interpersonal skills, and intellect. He is well liked and well respected. He is currently managing a team of 2 people. All white. Bobby and his team share many laughs, go to lunch together, and he recently supported an out of cycle promotion for both of them.
On one nondescript afternoon a lawyer from a competitive law firm that is providing legal services to the same client suggests that Bobby and his team's work is flawed. Bobby and his team are confident that the brief is accurate, well-researched, and any errors would not be the result of anyone but the other firm. This is a classic example of when it is easier to blame someone else than to admit to your own error. Plus the accuser has a reputation for being less than an intellectual heavyweight. His name is Steve, affectionately referred to by Bobby's team as "Dumb Steve".
Still, Bobby's teammate wonders aloud if they should still send the brief in light of the competitor's position. The brief was promised to the client that afternoon and without hesitation and quite nonchalantly Bobby says, "We are going to send the brief. I don't care what that CRACKER said."
First, Silence ....
Then, Raucous Laughter ...
Teammate # 1 says "Who did you go to lunch with. You must have forgotten where you were". Teammate # 2 says "That's a quarter" (A reference to the $0.25 jar when teammates are "fined" for language or other inappropriate workplace comments).
Mortified, Bobby apologizes profusely, pays his "fine" and the team continues their work for the day as they would any other nondescript afternoon.
As you read this hypothetical, very hypothetical post, were you offended? Did you laugh? Should Bobby be reported? Are those that are offended or suggest that Bobby be reported overly sensitive? Would it have been different if Bobby's teammate did something similar but used the N-word? Should it have been different? Is this just an example of too much Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock?
2 comments:
What was wrong with that term of endearment? Everyone loves crackers at the workplace!
As a white male I am absolutely offended .... no just kidding.
I think that people nowadays are too easily offended and are, in some way, looking for being offended. If I think that if it is ok to use the "C" word, it is ok to use the "N" word. Things have changed nowadays, I think that the racial barriers are there if you want them to be there; I don't think that the current generation of people is seeing any. This is what matters.
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