Speaking Up vs Doing Your Job
Posted by crisfdez on 22 December, 2008
Perhaps it’s the holiday stress, but lately, I have been hearing a lot more comments of a prejudicial nature while on the clock. Now, as anyone who knows me personally can attest to, this kind of sentiment sends me over the edge, and I usually have a few choice words to say in protest. I simply believe that, in 2008 (almost 2009), we as a society should have moved beyond that kind of thing, and it just isn’t cute when a person shows off their ignorance like it’s something to be proud of.
However, when I am on the clock, I feel conflicted. Working in customer service, I am prevented from getting into political or otherwise heated conversations with customers. As part of the management team, there is increased pressure to stay neutral, which I have been doing. But I’ll be honest: It’s hard to muster up a neutral comment in response to something that boils my blood. As the sole person of color at my workplace, I don’t even have anybody else to commiserate with!
I’m curious to know what some of you have done when faced with a situation similar to this. Was it a good decision, in hindsight? What is the correct course of action?
I think it’s fitting to end today’s post with one of my favorite XKCD comics:
