Is it now socially acceptable for white people to say the n word?

[Orrex]

18. Do you have an HR department?

I suspect that you are, in part, concerned about being labelled "that person" who complained about the environment (correct me if I'm wrong), and I can understand that anxiety. Years back I worked the overnight shift with a Christian who endlessly proselytized to me during our three shared shifts each week. I mentioned it in passing to the general manager who basically laughed and said "that's Rich."

That experience certainly doesn't rise to the level of harassment that women or minorities endure, but it made me uncomfortable for 3/5 of my working week, and the atmosphere was decidedly different for me after I voiced my concern.


Regardless, your concern is sensible and justified. If you don't feel comfortable approaching your direct manager about it, then it's your right to go above him, whether to HR (or the equivalent) or higher management. It's unfortunate that this may cause problems for him, but if he's helping to foster a hostile work environment, then it's not your job to accommodate him.