I made a racially insensitive remark at work

[lapislzi]

123. If you think that me losing my livelihood is a punishment that fits the crime

There is nothing I can say to dissuade you of that idea. Nothing.

I was told by a lawyer who specialized in these types of cases that people rarely get fired for a first offense. If she had reported me before because I said something inadvertently offensive, then we could talk about history--which, if I accept your argument, there is.

Except there isn't. A history, that is. I may be insensitive and ignorant, but I am never mean-spirited. Whether that "counts" or not, I don't know. Offense, as we know, is in the ear of the beholder. And, apparently I've been guilty for a long time.

But should I be unemployable because I did these wrong things? Am I incapable of redemption? Does the very fact that I am here on this board, answering virtually every charge, not speak to the fact that I am committed to changing my ways? Is that, too, worthless?

I've got my written warning. I've submitted my written apology. I will sign up for sensitivity training (which everyone there, quite frankly, could use). There's nothing more I can do (legally) in this situation except try to demonstrate by my behavior that I can do better. If you think that I do not deserve that chance, then I accept that as your judgment and opinion. But I don't agree.