I posted this in the GD forum and maybe it belongs here because I

[Blue_Roses]

think many didn't understand what I was talking about. So I'm going to re-post what I wrote and see if it makes more sense.

Here's the original post:
What would you say if you were black and you heard one of your co-workers say, "well, I'm going to go home now and get the knot in my rope ready," while the guy laughs and says, "I'm just kidding." This happened at work the other day and my husband overheard this guy say this to a good friend of his who is black. My husband asked his friend how he felt about this and he said, "oh, I know he's just kidding." I told my husband that not only is this despicable, but it is against the law. These guys have been working together before my husband got there so I know they are friends, but I still think to "joke" like this is beyond the pale.
Like hell it's a joke. I am beyond pissed. :mad:

Edited for clarity:> Okay, this older white guy, always makes racist comments in the form of "time to go home and get my noose tigher," or "it's gonna be a cross-burning night tonight," or something to that matter. He says these comments in passing to my husband's friend who is black. He says these things as a "joke." The other day was the first time my husband had heard the rope comment and asked his friend about these comments. His friend, said, "oh, I know he's just kidding." This is an ongoing jab to this guy in the form of joking.

[mzteris]

1. I'd report it to HR

even if the "black friend" isn't offended (and how the hell can he NOT be??) it's creating a hostile work environment for others (i.e. your husband - even if he ISN'T black.)


A thought - maybe the "black friend" IS offended, but doesn't want to make waves or lose his job so he plays along.