Rac*sm is a widespread problem that can manifest in a variety of ways, not always through overt acts of discrimination. Rac*sm is often subtle and implicit, deeply ingrained in societal systems and structures. It is critical to recognise and address these more subtle forms of rac*sm in order to build a more inclusive and equitable society. When we think of rac*sm, we think of people yelling about it in the streets or people of colour being denied service in certain restaurants.
However, it is not always so clear, and you must pay close attention to understand what is going on. Microaggressions, biases, and systemic inequalities that are not immediately apparent can all contribute to the perpetuation of rac*sm. For example, calling someone the wrong name repeatedly because you don’t think their name is ‘exotic’ or ‘ethnic’ enough. Not only that, but making generalisations about an entire race and perpetuating stereotypes.
The following story is no different, so scroll down to see for yourself.
OP has talked to their co-workers multiple times, correcting them, but it still hasn’t stopped.
The only option left for OP is to do what one Twitter user suggested and start calling their white co-workers the wrong name as well.
OP isn’t sure whether this would be way too passive-aggressive and thus came to Reddit to ask for help.
People came in droves to state their own, but several people (mostly white) said that this is apparently not a race thing, which the OP doesn’t agree with.
OP has even tried mentioning Tina Belcher to their co-workers so that they would understand, but that trick hasn’t worked either.
OP also has no sort of accent, so that isn’t the problem either, as nobody has a hard time understanding them.
OP cleared up some misconceptions, and the people they work with aren’t idiots, and they do indeed correct them every single time.
There were also some rac*st people in the comments, but this is the internet, so that isn’t entirely unexpected.
While it would be more professional to discuss it with her coworkers, I understand she has done so several times and no one has listened to her. Not only that, but it would be hilarious if OP treated her coworkers the same way they treated her. After all, this isn’t the first time she’s been called the wrong name. To be fair, there are not many ways to spell Tina, so I am pretty certain that the coworkers are simply being rac*st.
It would be quite funny of OP to give their co-worker the taste of their own medicine.
What are your thoughts on this entire issue? Do you think the OP is making a big deal out of nothing? Do you think she should also call her coworkers by the wrong names? Have you ever encountered a similar situation? If so, what did you do? Let us know in the comments section below, and don’t forget to share this story with your friends so they can join in with their own thoughts.
