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Author
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Topic: is this...........err
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writesomething
Knowflake Posts: 2762
From: meet me in montauk
Registered: May 2006
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posted June 07, 2008 03:55 AM
 
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Charlotte
Knowflake Posts: 1882
From: USA
Registered: Apr 2004
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posted June 07, 2008 04:26 AM
It could be terms for racial discrimination if she treats you any differently then she does the other employees.She really had no business asking you that either!
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AcousticGod
Knowflake Posts: 14672
From: Pleasanton, CA, USA
Registered: May 2005
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posted June 07, 2008 04:26 AM
Probably not. Discriminating against you because of it would be.If you go for a home loan someday, they'll inquire about your race and ethnicity. It's not to discriminate against you, but rather it's to log it for auditing purposes. The government wants to know that lenders are not lending on the basis of race, and as a result lenders try to collect that information to protect themselves from the appearance of racism. I'd try not to worry about it too much. If your boss is a racist then it doesn't matter if they asked you that question or not, they're going to approach you the same way. Chances are that he or she didn't mean anything by it though. You get to a certain age and you expect that you've heard most of the names of the world, so when you hear a new one it can be intriguing. IP: Logged |
PeaceAngel
Knowflake Posts: 9753
From: Australia
Registered: May 2008
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posted June 07, 2008 05:01 AM
it is in Australia sweetie - in the interview stages - for the very reasons you mentioned. but if they're going to discriminate it could be for any number of reasons. but go with your feelings - if it made you uncomfortable - there's a reason for that. ask yourself something though - do you really want to work for someone who makes you feel that way?IP: Logged |
future_uncertain
Knowflake Posts: 3193
From: ohio
Registered: Aug 2004
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posted June 07, 2008 06:06 PM
writesomething, I'm sorry you were made to feel uncomfortable at work.  I have to admit that I'm guilty of this very thing-- for pretty much the exact reason AG gave. I like learning where other people are from.I know I shouldn't ask, but I do anyway. I've had lots of great conversations and met lots of cool people as a result. For future reference, if such inquiries bother you, you could simply answer the questioner with, "Why would you like to know?"  IP: Logged |
Randall
Webmaster Posts: 27224
From: Columbus, GA USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted June 07, 2008 09:56 PM
Asking is okay. Answering is voluntary. You cannot be deprived of a benefit for not revealing. ------------------
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." Charles Schultz IP: Logged |
pixelpixie
Knowflake Posts: 5488
From: Ontario Canada
Registered: Jun 2005
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posted June 08, 2008 12:29 AM
I ask things innocently quite a lot. I mean NOTHING by it, other than getting to know someone and genuine healthy curiosity... sometimes it will occur to me afterwards it could make someone uncomfortable, and i try to guard against that.....
I'm sorry if she made you uncomfortable... I know I'd feel super bad if it wasn't my intention.. which, no doubt, it wasn't hers.
But if you feel awkward about it, be sure to keep an ear open.IP: Logged |
Motherkonfessor
Knowflake Posts: 1172
From:
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted June 10, 2008 01:07 AM
It sucks that it makes you uncomfortable.Is it possible your boss is just trying to establish a rapport with you, and get to know you? I work with people from all over the world, and I am fascinated by the differences in culture. If I ask questions, its because I would like my employees to feel that I am interested in their life, and that I am not just a "boss" or a corporate drone. Has your boss said anything racist/discriminatory? Make schedules based on a perceived ethnic/gender/age/nationality basis? Anything that violates federal law? Most employment situations of potential discrimination are based on the "reasonable person" argument. Also, it is the burden of the "victim" to establish that any such speech/action whatnot makes them uncomfortable. Should you say "I prefer not to discuss my ethnicity/religion/country of origin..." and still the questions persist, then you have a right to take legal action (should you choose.) This establishes your boundaries. Not trying to be all crazy legal here, but this is a HUGE deal in my workplace. Not that I am a lawyer, but I have to take hours of classes to understand what I have to do to maintain a workplace free of discrimination. I am taking your question very seriously, because just such an issue is taking place with some of my employees, although its not in the workplace. It could just be that your boss wants to get to know you. Or, your boss is a secret bigot.
Or, Mercury is RX and we are all nuts right now. MK IP: Logged |
Dulce Luna
Knowflake Posts: 4920
From: The Asylum
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted June 10, 2008 11:40 AM
People ask me that all the time and I just answer. Only like you I usually name the city I live in first.  But I guess I understand why you'd feel uncomfortable since its the workplace and all and it is a bit strange. So like the others said, you should probably take it as innocent curiosity for now but if she starts treating you differently from everyone else then its probably illegal. IP: Logged |
Lindaland
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