Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - 'Diversity Training' or Can You Teach an Old Bigot New Tricks?

BigBen · 05-16-2005, 12:22 PM

We have SHARP where I work

Sexual
Harassment
And
Racism
Prevention

We watched a video about X's and O's, and how the letters couldn't get along... it was funny, but in a sad way. The instructor asked "Did anyone see anything on the video?" and I replied,
"Well, other than the X's being all different fonts, not much..." and I stole the thunder away from the 'facilitator'. Not a great idea.

If you are an asshole and are harassing people at work, you probably won't get much benefit from the video. If you are on the edge, it may help. If you are totally clueless, then it may be informative.

It took us 2 DAYS of training, and at the end I was scared to talk to anyone for fear of upsetting someone. I said Fuck It soon after, and prefaced most of my funny stories and jokes with the phrase "If this might be offensive to anyone, please stop me and explain." and I meant it. No problems

I had a superior (in rank only, I assure you) that took offense to my "colourful and profane language" in several instances. My reply?

"I make no appologies. Sometimes, I have to use the terms 'fuck' and 'cocksucker' to convey my emotional state. The people privy to those conversations have no problems with my language. I am sorry if you were offended." I then gave orders to my colleagues to be quiet when this person was within earshot. Soon after, I was again pulled into the office, except this time I was talking to a Major.

"Ben, what is going on here? The Warrant says you are engaging in harassment."

"I have no fucking idea what you are talking about, sir..." (the warrant was in the room, and it was the first time I had opened my mouth within their presence in about 2 weeks)
"You have to tell the troops to keep talking when the Warrant is in the room." The major was asking by the tone of his voice, not telling.
"I'm sorry sir, but I would not want to offend anyone with questionable language."
"Oh, Fuck that Shit. Noone has problems with language, as long as it isn't sexist or racist. You can call me an asshole, just don't call me a French asshole!"

The warrant was pissed off. I had got my point across. You don't like my language? How about noone talking to you at all, you hypersensitive fucknut?

Everything was resolved quickly, quietly, and at the lowest level possible.

05-16-2005, 12:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
BigBen Comedian Location: Use the search button	We have SHARP where I work Sexual Harassment And Racism Prevention We watched a video about X's and O's, and how the letters couldn't get along... it was funny, but in a sad way. The instructor asked "Did anyone see anything on the video?" and I replied, "Well, other than the X's being all different fonts, not much..." and I stole the thunder away from the 'facilitator'. Not a great idea. If you are an asshole and are harassing people at work, you probably won't get much benefit from the video. If you are on the edge, it may help. If you are totally clueless, then it may be informative. It took us 2 DAYS of training, and at the end I was scared to talk to anyone for fear of upsetting someone. I said Fuck It soon after, and prefaced most of my funny stories and jokes with the phrase "If this might be offensive to anyone, please stop me and explain." and I meant it. No problems I had a superior (in rank only, I assure you) that took offense to my "colourful and profane language" in several instances. My reply? "I make no appologies. Sometimes, I have to use the terms 'fuck' and 'cocksucker' to convey my emotional state. The people privy to those conversations have no problems with my language. I am sorry if you were offended." I then gave orders to my colleagues to be quiet when this person was within earshot. Soon after, I was again pulled into the office, except this time I was talking to a Major. "Ben, what is going on here? The Warrant says you are engaging in harassment." "I have no fucking idea what you are talking about, sir..." (the warrant was in the room, and it was the first time I had opened my mouth within their presence in about 2 weeks) "You have to tell the troops to keep talking when the Warrant is in the room." The major was asking by the tone of his voice, not telling. "I'm sorry sir, but I would not want to offend anyone with questionable language." "Oh, Fuck that Shit. Noone has problems with language, as long as it isn't sexist or racist. You can call me an asshole, just don't call me a French asshole!" The warrant was pissed off. I had got my point across. You don't like my language? How about noone talking to you at all, you hypersensitive fucknut? Everything was resolved quickly, quietly, and at the lowest level possible. __________________ 3.141592654 Hey, if you are impressed with my memorizing pi to 10 digits, you should see the size of my penis.