Diversity in Teams – Diversity Team Development Racism in the workplace 2

Jokes at the expense of others? Make a stand against them! Demonstrate clearly that derogatory jokes are inappropriate in the workplace! Draw attention to the fact that those being referred to are or could be present! Point out how they could feel that their dignity is being attacked! Inform others of how jokes made at the expense of people from various groups can result in the strengthening of stereotypes and clichés! Also advise that jokes at the expense of others can be a negative influence on the working atmosphere!

Jokes at the expense of others Jokes at the expense of others? Principle of Distancing-objection-self-reflection Clearly distance yourself: “What a stupid joke!” “Standards are falling here, perhaps we can get back to the original topic of discussion.” Express your objection: “Such jokes have no place here at work!” Encourage self-reflection: “What do you want to say to us with that joke?” Would you make such a joke about your own daughter / son / Turkish son-in- law?

Discriminatory word selection: Repel counter arguments Discriminatory word selection: Repel counter arguments! Encourage people to reflect on what they say! Examples: Nigger “It may be the case that this word was once not discriminatory. But now it is.” “What do you actually want to say when you label people with it?” Handicapped, queer “If you know such a person who told you that the word is fine to use, then this does not mean that all such people think the same.” “How would you like being continually referred to by such a label?”