Have I been censored?

[freedom_to_read]

Greetings DUers,

So last week I put a bumper sticker up in my cubicle that read "LICK BUSH AND DICK IN 2004." It's a little ribald, I admit, but mostly I thought it was good for a small chuckle.

Well it lasted for a couple of days, but then I came to work and it had been taken down, and my supervisor left me a note saying that she had to take it down because people had complained to her that they found it offensive. The note, and bumper sticker, were attached to a copy of our office's sexual harassment policy. (Presumably making reference to cunnilingus is sexual harassment.)

It was inside my cube, but you could see it if you were walking down the hall.

At first, my feeling was, for the most part, ok whatever. I could see how someone might find it offensive, given the oral sex connotations. I sure wish people had the courage to just come up to me and say, "You know I think that's inappropriate," instead of sneaking around to my supervisor to complain. But that's how it is at this place, people are passive-aggressive.

But then another co-worker came by and told me that he thought it was outrageous that they made me take it down, and that they were trying to suppress my freedom of expression. I said, "Well, it's not the political sentiment, I'm sure," and he said, "Are you sure?"

You see, I work in a library (but my cube is "in the back," it's not in public view), where we (supposedly, I guess) take freedom of expression very seriously.

Now I don't know what I should do. I don't really want to make a stink, but it does kind of piss me off. Is it worth fussing, or should I just "not rock the boat"?

[TrogL]

1. You're in violation of sexual harassment policy

I'd have complained myself.

People shouldn't be having to look at that at the office and many feel uncomfortable talking about it or confronting people.

Take it down and keep it down.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

16. Does that for anything that makes peopel "feel uncomfortable"?

"Support Our Troops" Stickers?
"United We Stand" posters?
American flags?
UN flags?
Crucifixes?

How about the workers grow up?

[TrogL]

61. Straw man

You're changing the topic.

How about you grow up and respect other people's feelings.

[Trajan]

2. When you agree to be employed by a business concern ...

You agree to their workplace rules ....

They are the boss in their workplace ....

As long as a rule is fairly enforced: you really havent any justifiable complaint ...

[el_gato]

5. In other words you should have a slave mentality

don't expect to be treated like a human

Meanwhile, "management" can be as obnoxious and shitty
as they want to be. It is this type of slave mentality
that we have to destroy. As far as I am concerned the
relationship should be based on a contract of work done
for money paid without the individual giving up their
rights to free expression etc.

Your rights should be with you at all times and they
should not be put on hold during your working hours.

[rinsd]

21. I take you just don't work in an office then.....

With such a strong stance.

"I'll do what I want when I want to and whoever doesn't like can fuck themselves" is not how a workplace is built. It's also not how a society is built. It's how a 14 year old views the world.

[HuckleB]

46. Exactly.

[Trajan]

26. Wrong ...

Firstly: Humans ARE treated this way: they create rules, then either live with them, or dont ...

Secondly: This is a sexual harrassment issue, and is offensive on that basis: you appear to be attempting to justify continued sexual harrassment as a 'rights' issue, IE the 'right' of the harrasser to create a harrassing environment ...

Thirdly: even IF this were not a sexual harrassment issue, but one of a political statement being 'repressed', then one might have to look at the 'company policy' as a whole to qualify such a charge ... Does the company ban ALL political displays ? ... or just one viewpoint ? ... does it explicitly ban political advertising in its Rules and Regulations ? ... IF it does: then you have no right to complain .... You agree to be held by those rules when you sign an employment contract ...

I am all for free speech .... of course: but when you agree to be employed by an employer, you agree to the rules they set which do not violate your rights as an employee ... Political commentary is often explicity banned by companies, as it was by my former employer ...

This isnt about being a 'slave' anymore than not screaming 'fire' in a crowded theater is a violation of your first amendment rights ... It is not a violation of First Amendment rights for an employer to ban political commentary in the workplace, as long as it is fairly enforced across the board ...

We are ALL 'slaves' to the laws we mutually agree should be passed. ... SO goes civilization ...

[TexasBushwhacker]

3. I think it's inappropriate for the workplace n/t

[ibegurpard]

4. Put up a less "ribald" sticker

and see what happens.

[Journeyman]

6. Wise and prudent advice. . .

Put up something pro-Kerry, a simple Kerry-Edwards bumpersticker, and see what happens.

[Ithuilwen]

7. I second that. nt

[Lerkfish]

11. that was going to be my suggestion as well...

check whether you;re allowed to political comments or stickers, and if so, put up a simple pro-kerry or antiseptic anti-bush and see what happens.

I'd watch out for your co-worker, though, sounds as if he's trying to goad you into getting yourself in trouble.

[a kennedy]

56. Yeah, just put up another political sticker

and see what happens....if the first was a tad sexual, try another and see if it's political.

[Bunny]

8. You were out of line.

I'd have asked you to take it down also. It's not appropriate for work.

[freedom_to_read]

9. Thanks for the opinions/advice, everyone <eom>

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

10. Very chilling. In a library no less.

Tsk. Tsk. Shame, shame. Are there any adults besides you, where you work?

[Jack_DeLeon]

12. Non-Confrontation...

is now apparently the norm.

Not just in this case but many cases.

It used to be if someone had a problem with you or something you do did they would first come to you about it, but it seems that now at days people are all scared of confrontation. I guess everyone is scared that if they confront someone that they will go postal. :eyes:

[jukes]

13. no win situ

accept the "inevitability of no escape" & let it go. replace w/ a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker, or some such.

[Doctor_J]

14. censorship usually means government intrusion

your employer has the right, i think

[demnan]

15. I'm sorry

but I believe that was inappropriate for the office. I know how I felt about my Boss' girlie calendar years ago when bosses still put up such things.

[DubyaSux]

17. I think you are lucky...

...myself, I would have fired you.

It's a simple liability issue. I would not risk losing a lawsuit by being lenient because that leniency could be used against me later if someone files a sexual harassment lawsuit (which probably will happen regardless of whether the claim actually existed) now or later.

Common sense tells you that crosses the bounds of decency in the workplace and is simply disrespectful of others you work with.

Your freedom of speech rights were not abridged. The government took no action to silence you and that's your constitutional protection. However, your employer can impose rules that can silence certain behavior and language in the workplace and kick you to the curb if you violate them.

I'm not trying to be cold and I'm glad you still have your job. But that was a pretty stupid stunt in this day and age.

Aside from that, the bumper sticker did have a pretty funny message.

[RoyGBiv]

18. Sneaking Around...

This isn't really related to your larger concern, but I wanted to offer a comment.

In most cases, reporting behavior one finds offensive should be directed toward a supervisor, not the person or people allegedly committing the offense. This is one purpose of management.

Consider this hypothetical scenario: You are displaying a plain vanilla Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker. You've checked before putting it up, and the display of political advertisements in your personal work space does not violate company policy. You know you're in the right to put it up. Some freeper type comes along, decides he doesn't like your sticker, and challenges you to take it down. Assume you are 5'0", weigh 98 pounds dripping wet, don't know any self-defense techniques. Assume also the person challenging you is 6'6", built like brick, brags about his gun collection, and is generally assumed to spend his weekends scaring small children.

This is not a situation you would likely want handled without the benefit of management. If the freeper type goes to management, he'll be told he's in the wrong and to leave you alone about it. If he doesn't, management can take steps to make sure he does. If he challenges you first, your best option is to leave the situation before it can build, go to management and report what happened, then let them deal with it. In this case, your nose is completely clean.

This kind of policy is meant to prevent unfair intimidation and make sure everyone is treated equitably. If you're not management, handling it yourself is likely not in your job description, and you risk getting yourself in trouble for trying to do so even if you've done nothing wrong.

Not trying to sound like a hard-ass here, but I've seen situations like this degenerate into fist-fights at worst or more typically, a lot of people being reprimanded or losing their jobs who had initially had nothing to do with the situation. These kinds of disputes have a way of spreading throughout an office environment, everyone taking sides, and no actual work getting done.

OnEdit: I have the same bumper sticker you're talking about. I personally think it is hilarious, but I don't even put it on my truck because I know it would offend the nice old lady that lives upstairs who recently told me she's voting for Kerry, in part because he seems like such a nice, honest young man. (She's really old.)

[Causidicus]

19. No such thing as "freedom of expression" at work

When you are getting paid to working for someone else, the first amendment doesn't apply.

This is kinda like those who complained about losing "freedom of speech" when Whoopi and the Dixie Chicks decided to speak out. They have the freedom to say what ever they want (and did)- and others have the freedom to react to what they say however THEY want. When you get fired for saying something your employer didn't like, no rights are being violated. So speak out only if you can handle the consequences- but don't hide under the Bill of Rights to complain about persecution when it comes.

[jdj]

20. wow. Alot of people would be fired for putting up something like

that, because postings fall under sexual harassment law (although it is usually girlie posters they refer to) and most companies follow these laws to the letter if violations are reported because they want to avoid being sued at all costs.

It sounds like you may have issues with authority.

[dansolo]

22. Put a more innocuous sticker up in its place

There is a very simple way to test whether it was taken down for political reasons. Put up another anti-Bush/Cheney sticker that does not have any sexual connotations, and see what happens.

[Cleita]

25. My exact advice too.

Then wait and see. If you are asked to take that down, contact the ACLU. They can at least advise you of your legal rights in the workplace, which I know are very few.

[rinsd]

23. I would put up something different without the sexual innuendo...

Like a Kerry-Edwards Sticker or something like Re-Defeat Bush.

It was likely the sexual nature. That;s pretty over the top for any office setting.

[Killarney]

24. Put up a Kerry/Edwards bumpersticker instead.

If someone complains again, then you're free speech is being constrained. If no one complains, then it really was just the sexual overtones of the last sticker.

I wouldn't allow that sticker in a workplace, either. It could be offensive to some.

But you should be allowed to have a Kerry/Edwards sticker in your cube.

[freedom_to_read]

27. Well, thanks for the advice & the reprimands

Having read & reflected on the feedback, I think you are all right, it was a crude statement. (Not to mention not particularly high-brow.) Putting it up was a mistake.

Maybe I will put up a regular Kerry bumper sticker... but most likely I'll just leave it alone.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice, I remain suitably chastised.

--ftr

[Green Lantern]

62. Good move

.Sexual harassment is not how you see the issue, it is how it is perceived by your workmates. The issue of perception is what makes it harassment and the subject matter is where the issue of sex comes in.

Many contemporary organizations and institutions train members of management to handle situations looking for the least amount of backlash as a result.

While I agree it does have an interesting message, it did not belong in public view.

Thank you for changing your mind.

Go with the mild sticker suggestions.

[Bridget Burke]

28. No, your message was too rude.

It definitely crosses the sexual harassment line.

What's the company policy on political expression? If it's allowed, put up a less offensive message. If it isn't--& the rule is enforced fairly--accept the situation.

Whoever objected to the sign was correct in complaining to management. The co-worker you mentioned does not have your best interests at heart. Machiavellian thought--they complained & now want you to rock the boat--do they want your cubicle?

[Radio]

29. It was funny but tasteless in a grade school kind of way

It should have never been put up in a professional surrounding. Makes you look trashy.

[TexasSissy]

30. The sign was inappropriate for the work place. Your super was right.

Sorry. But risque signs are best left in one's personal life, not at the office. Replace it with just a regular anti-bush sign.

[skygazer]

31. I know in my workplace

We are asked not to wear pins or display stickers with any sort of political slogan. Though I'm extremely political, I agree with the policy - it's a place of work, not debate. We debate plenty on our off hours but we pretty much try to avoid it while working. I don't consider that censorship.

[Djinn]

57. Agree

I'm rabid when it comes to politics and most of the people I work with know my general views on stuff but I wouldn't like to see Latham or Howard stickers up around work (I'm in Australia) wouldn't give a stuff about sexual innuendo (I used to work with fans of the girlie calendar and it really didnt overly worry me) but I think people need to be a bit careful about discussing politics/religion at work.

I do have a couple of cartoons pined on the wall but you generally had to get up close to have a read and the walls in my office aren't in anyone's sight

[Happy Eddie]

32. Passive aggression

I wouldn't have confronted you about the bumper sticker.

Did you think that people who are uncomfortable with cunnilingus bumper stickers are going to talk to you directly about cunnilingus bumper stickers (and invite questions like "and just what is it that you find so offensive?")?

Did you think that nobody was going to get upset? (Do you know all your co-workers all that well? Apparently not; I think you don't know who complained.)

And not just to you, but to everybody reading this: do you think that "Lick Bush and Dick" bumper stickers help the ABB cause?

[freedom_to_read]

33. So I ended up apologizing...

Thanks to the gentle (and not so gentle) moral guidance from you DUers out there, I decided the best thing to do was apologize for the offensive sticker. Yes, I'm still a heel, but at least I (eventually) know when I'm wrong. Here's what I wrote:

Dear (my supervisor -- name deleted),

Can you please forward this message to the individuals who contacted you about my offensive bumper sticker? Also, please accept my apologies to you for making you have to deal with this.

Thanks, (me)

Dear colleagues,

Last week I put a bumper sticker up in my cube that bore a message that was inappropriate for the workplace. My intentions at the time were to provoke laughter rather than offense, but I will be the first to admit that my sense of humor is closer to South Park than to Gosford Park, and that often what I see as "wit," others see as third-grade bathroom humor. I have since become aware that certain members of the community found this bumper sticker deeply offensive, and further reflection on my part has lead me to agree that it was wrong to have put it in public view.

I apologize for the offense, and hope that you will be able to forgive my lack of sensitivity and judgement. I am also sorry for debasing the message of a cause to which I remain passionately attached, namely, the ousting of our current administration and the election of what I see as a more capable and compassionate one. While I still believe it is important for individuals to hold and express their political views in public forums, including the workplace, the manner in which I chose to express those views was both immature and inappropriate. For this, I am sorry.

I hope you will accept my apologies, and I invite you to contact me, either in person or by email, if you feel that such contact will help you to feel better about this situation.

Sincerely, (me)

[ScreamingMeemie]

34. The first part of that is great. The second part, is great to me, but

your workplace might have a problem with the political message. Many workplaces have a policy of no politics. But it was very well written. :hi:

[freedom_to_read]

36. maybe, i agree

but I wanted to apologize for what I feel I did wrong, not for what I believe. thanks for the response!

[ScreamingMeemie]

37. I think it's great that you apologized. Many would not.

Good luck, and I hope they are able to see how sincere you are. I could read it in the letter. :hi:

[Eloriel]

39. Boy, did you ever

redeem yourself with me!! That's a great letter (tho I agree with the one critique you got about the political message, and while I also agree with your explanation, you still could have phrased your letter more appropriately on that score). In any case, well done. I'm REALLY impressed.

[nini]

40. good job

you took the high road in the end.

[HuckleB]

48. Very well done.

You are wiser than you know.

Salud!

[progressivebydesign]

55. Beautiful note... very classy!! Well done!! N/T

[Longhorn]

58. Hey, you're quite a guy!

Well done! It's not easy to admit an error and apologize and I'm impressed that yours truly was an apology and not one of those psuedo apologies -- you know, the kind that actually blames the person who was offended. Yours is from the heart and if I had been the offended person -- which I would have been -- your apology would have endeared me to you.

Welcome to DU! :toast:

[mrdmk]

60. Very good apology

I would drop the following and replace with something else, "the ousting of our current administration and the election of what I see as a more capable and compassionate one." and replace with something along the lines "I do deeply feel people should be more involved in politics for their own good".

[Minstrel Boy]

35. I think they could have been handled better by speaking to you first, but

this doesn't sound like a political issue.

As has been suggested, put up a political message without the sexual innuendo, and see what happens.

[stilladeaniac]

38. Another option if you want to show your support...

Load your cube with political books.

For example:

"Lies and the lying liars who tell them"
"Rush Limbaugh is a big fat idiot"
"Price of Loyalty"
"Living History"

I got a whole shelf full!

[CaTeacher]

43. If sounds like a pretty funny sign--

but probably inappropriate for the workplace. When you are on the job, you have to act in a way that doesn't seek to offend people. Take it down, don't complain--stick to noncontroversial signs (but I admit I laughed over your sign) unless they are shown on your own personal property.

[rustydog]

41. In my state, if one person complains, the offensive behavior,

material, etc must stop/be removed immediately.
Your Bumper sticker IS funny, but it is a blatant referral to oral sex and can be deemed offensive.

Heads Up!
You should be aware that the posting of the sexual harassment policy is a message that you have been warned. you could be terminated if another offensive incident occurs.

[HuckleB]

42. This sort of bumper sticker is definitely out of bounds for the workplace.

Why not put up one that doesn't imply sexual innuendo? I'm sure that you are well aware of the history sexual harassment in the workplace in this country. Besides, why go down to the level of juvenile puns? Why not post something literary and intellectual. After all, you work at a library, no?

[Tight_rope]

44. Well...I must say...I could find that offensive...Even tho I agree!

[Padraig18]

45. Your workplace is not your home.

Your 'freedom of expression' is, essentially, whatever your employer decides it is...

[Catherine Vincent]

47. Yeah, your supervisor was correct. You should take it down.

But can we help it that they voted for a two guys that has names of our sexual organs? They should have thought of that.

[qwlauren35]

49. Entirely and COMPLETELY INappropriate.

I would have come to you personally and told you that it would not help our cause.

It is clearly sexual in nature and inappropriate in the workplace.

A simple ABB bumpersticker would have been far more appropriate. There are millions of bumperstickers that make the point without sexual connotations.

Your supervisor was right; you crossed a line. Nothing of that nature should ever be found in your workspace, and definitely not visible to anyone who visits your office.

BTW, had a course in workplace harrassment. Verbal sexual connotations are strictly verboten just as images are, and can get an employer sued.

[gpandas]

50. does your library use public (govt.) financing?eom

[HuckleB]

52. Yeah, I wondered about that, too.

There are usually very strict guidelines for government employees and political discussion or communication in the workplace.

[Swamp Rat]

51. Forget about the arguments 'for' and 'against' in this thread.

Be creative. If it I were in your situation, I would stick eyeballs all over my cubicle... many colors and shapes... hundreds of them. I don't think posting eyeballs could be construed as sexual harassment.

edit: Welcome to DU!

[progressivebydesign]

53. Sorry to say... it was not appropriate for a shared workspace.

If I worked in a car dealership, or insurance office, or store.. and another employee had a sticker like that... I'd complain. It's not the message, it's the sexual nature of the message. Fun for home, bad idea at the office.

[Deja Q]

54. Put up an anti-* slogan that isn't such vulgar innuendo

That one does cross the line in the workplace, IMHO.

(of course, it's just fine on cars. :-) )

[BlueCollar]

59. sexual innuendo

ain't allowed...LOL...

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

63. Honestly

as much as I agree with your sticker, it really could be backed up as violation of sexual harassment policy.

Put up a Kerry-Edwards sticker! THEN if they ask you to take it down, you KNOW it's not for any bogus reason!