Jury says black people can't call other black people the N-word

NEW YORK — The lawyer for a black woman whose hostile workplace claim against a black boss's N-word rant produced a $280,000 jury award says she hopes the case teaches society something.

http://www.oregonlive.com/today/ind...se.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

Thought police. I think the First Amendment protects my right to offend. It seems, however, that I am in the minority. The American people are now all too willing to give up their rights to protect their delicate sensibilities.

 

I hate that word, but you're right. Criminalizing words and thoughts leads to very dark places if history has anything to teach us.

 

There is a difference between criminalizing words and making it so that they can't be used in the work place where one person has power over another. You should be able to say it elsewhere, but not at work.

 

Actually that is not what the jury said. They said in this context use of the word constituted harassment. The story makes it very clear the word was used while telling the employee she was worthless, etc.

But don't let facts get in the way.

 

I believe employment is an optional condition for both parties. As a boss, I should be able to have the option to not have this person work for me. As an employee, I should be able to have the option to not work for someone.

There shouldn't need to be some kind of basic standard for the workplace. Employees select those workplaces that fit their personalities the best. Over time, the best environments will employ the best people and therefore put out the best products/services. The shit ones will wither and die.

My point is that none of this should fall under the purview of the courts, unless it becomes criminal. If I found one of my employees was harassing a subordinate, they would be fired on the spot. Bringing the courts in is just a ploy for compensation.

 

Cool. Thanks for the clarification. I didn't read the article.

As I mentioned above, something like this should never have gone to court.

 

I must spread some rep around. But great to see someone, on either side, read a response, digest the information and adjust their stance accordingly.

 

Fuck your stance!

 

OK, but take this a little deeper. The defense was it was OK for him to use the term because he is black and that is a word he uses when communicating with other black people. The jury, as the article title says, rejects argument that use of racial slur among blacks can be culturally acceptable.

I think the title is correct if examining not just the plaintiffs side but also the defense presented and the jury's verdict . .. especially because a portion of the award is punitive damages. But of course we are talking about a work environment. People can say whatever they want to on their private time.

 

Ha! Is this the new Mags? Or am I just catching up?

 

I'm tired of everyone agreeing with each other. This forum is filled with transgender men!

 

That gives me an idea. I'll start a thread that most can't agree with.

 

I know, totally man, I'm with you 110%! So sick of everyone agreeing. You and I are completely sympatico on this.

 

Bottom line is a worthless employee used the court system to bilk her boss out of $280,000.

 

That's not how it works in the real world. Some of the most valuable employees are also some of the biggest assholes. I've had amazingly skilled and talented coworkers who offended those around them on a daily basis. At work they are irreplaceable. Away from work we go separate ways. People of all types work best when allowed to be themselves.

 

...what about "*****"?!

^that was supposed to say n-i-g-g-a^

 

It is easier to fire someone than to motivate them. The courts are going to side with the one being called names as well.

 

She's a thief. Figures. What's next? A white boss can't yell "Honky!" at his white subordinates?

 

I think what is important here is that while it's not ok for anyone to call a black person a ******, it's still perfectly ok for black people to call white people crackers......whew