is this considered a racial slur

[round 1]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ca


Well recently I was walking by a supervisor from which is african american and his name is bob.. Anyhow I called him uncle bob cause he reminded me of a long time family friend of which he was also african american n his name was bob as well.. Anyhow my company called me in and said they won't tolerate racial slurs.. Now I understand "uncle tom" is a racial slur but is "uncle bob" a racial slur

 

[DuckyH]

Not to me, but you could do an internet search to see if anything comes up.

 

[eerelations]

But even if you don't, be advised that your employer has done nothing illegal by reprimanding you for calling this man "Uncle Bob." You have no legal means of forcing your employer to take back the reprimand.

 

[pattytx]

If he perceived it as such, then it was.

Why would call anyone by anything but his name, especially a supervisor?

 

[Beth3]

I could see how "Uncle Bob" could be taken as a racial slur. You obviously didn't mean it that way but whoever overheard it at the very least thought you were close to crossing the line.

Fortunately, all that happened is that management talked to you about it. Just let it go and don't refer to your colleague that way again.

 

[Hot Topic]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ca


Well recently I was walking by a supervisor from which is african american and his name is bob.. Anyhow I called him uncle bob cause he reminded me of a long time family friend of which he was also african american n his name was bob as well.. Anyhow my company called me in and said they won't tolerate racial slurs.. Now I understand "uncle tom" is a racial slur but is "uncle bob" a racial slur

There's something wrong with you that you'd call a supervisor Uncle anything.
You should haul your ignorant backside into his office and apologize profusely instead of asking dumb questions on this forum.

 

[applecruncher]

It was a dumb thing for you to say. He is not your uncle; he's a supervisor at the place where you are employed.

 

[justalayman]

Anyhow I called him uncle bob cause he reminded me of a long time family friend of which he was also african american n his name was bob as well

You say nothing about referring to the family friend as "uncle" bob. As well, why would you call your supervisor uncle bob? Is there some familiarity with him that you consider him family? You don't even say it was your supervisor but "a" supervisor.


Unless you called the old family friend "uncle" bob AND you have a family level of closeness to this supervisor, I believe this was a reference to Uncle Tom and as such, wholly improper.

 

[Beth3]

I think a few of you are being pretty tough on the OP. Chances are he's already mentioned to the supervisor how much he reminds him of his uncle and the supervisor knew the context of the comment. No offense was remotely intended and perhaps even taken by the supervisor. It's just that a few of those who overheard didn't understand the context and thought it was meant to be offensive.

 

[Perky]

I really think this guy's a troll. First he's on here with a 'reverse discrimination' claim, then he's been on unemployment for 3 years, and last week he was waiting on a disability claim. Now he's working again, AND being accused of using a racial slur?? C'mon, really?

 

[justalayman]

I think a few of you are being pretty tough on the OP. Chances are he's already mentioned to the supervisor how much he reminds him of his uncle and the supervisor knew the context of the comment. No offense was remotely intended and perhaps even taken by the supervisor. It's just that a few of those who overheard didn't understand the context and thought it was meant to be offensive.

I have met people remind me a lot of my mother. Based on that, would it be ok to call them mom? Even if they were my boss? Even if I didn't really know the person?

Unless the supervisor knows the OP well AND his uncle Bob, it would be at the least disrespectful to call the sup uncle Bob but in reality, I can't see it as anything but an slyly hidden racial slur.


I agree with Perky that this is likely a troll probably doing homework.

 

[pattytx]

I agree with Perky that this is likely a troll probably doing homework.

Or something similar. Check the OP's posting hx.

 

[Beth3]

I really think this guy's a troll. First he's on here with a 'reverse discrimination' claim, then he's been on unemployment for 3 years, and last week he was waiting on a disability claim. Now he's working again, AND being accused of using a racial slur?? C'mon, really?

I wasn't aware of the other posts. That being the case, I expect you're right, Patty.

 

[Betty]

I agree also, probably a "troll" or something of that sort.