AN UPDATE: Regarding the thread this morning about the use of the word "Negro" at work

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54. Let's not be hasty or overly harsh on the complainant

Unless I'm missing something, the complainant may not have had the full context, and in any event was concerned that the comments may have been inappropriate anyway.

To be clear, I agree giving the full context that there seems to be no problem, but that doesn't mean the complainant was wrong to question it. In the long run, employers want such matters brought up and resolved quickly, and liberal-minded people should want such matters resolved to ensure the work environment is not hostile to minorities and women.

If she didn't hear the full context, it's entirely reasonable for her to have a legitimate concern that the comments were creating a hostile work environment.


Having said that, I also won't dismiss the possibility you raise, that she has it in for the o.p., maybe even understood that there was nothing offensive yet took the opportunity to harass the o.p. I used to work on Wall Street so I know crap like that happens!