Racial slurs in the workplace: understand them to avoid making this mistake.

Have you ever heard of racial slurs? Fortunately, diversity is a concept that is being increasingly adopted by companies, making the workplace a place that brings together diverse types of employees.

But while this is a good thing – since it ensures a greater plurality of ideas and points of view on various types of subjects – attention must be paid to some harmful behaviors that may eventually arise.

While bringing together employees of different races, beliefs, and experiences – both social and cultural – has proven to be extremely positive in the vast majority of companies, it is still necessary to pay attention to situations of prejudice and discrimination. And racial slurs are one of the main ones.

And it is about racial slurs in the workplace that we are going to talk about. Today's content will cover the following topics:

• What is racial slurs?
• What is the difference between racial slurs and racism?
• How to identify and act in cases of racial slurs and racism in the workplace.
• The role of management in cases of racial slurs.
• Conclusion
  

What is racial slurs?

Racial slurs, which are considered a crime against the victim's honor, consist of offending someone's dignity by using factors related to the victim's race or color. 

While racism has a broader scope, racial slurs are directed at a specific person, where, through verbal insults, the offender aims to belittle the victim.

This includes name-calling, tasteless "jokes," and racist insults.

Another important point is that, contrary to what most people think, racial slurs go beyond offenses involving skin color.

The crime of racial insult encompasses any and all offenses against someone's dignity based on elements such as race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, and even age.

What is the difference between racial slurs and racism?

Although they may seem similar, there are differences between the two cases, such as:

The targeting of the offense

While racism involves discrimination against an individual or an entire social group based on racial issues—such as Black people, for example—slurs are discrimination through words and/or actions directed at an individual based on their color or ethnicity.

The victim's statement

In cases of racial slurs, for a proper investigation of the facts surrounding the crime, it is necessary for the victim to come forward. In cases of racism, however, the investigation can proceed with or without the victim's statement. 

The seriousness of each one

Although both cases are serious situations, there is a difference between the two, which affects how society judges each one.

While racial slurs constitute a crime against an individual's honor, racism is far more serious, as it harms the integrity and seeks to inhibit the rights of an entire race.

How to identify and act in cases of racial slurs and racism in the workplace.

As previously stated, any and all behavior that offends someone based on their race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, or age can be classified as racially offensive conduct.

Even though these situations may seem unimportant, this is an issue that should always be taken seriously.

Even though there are still defenders of the practice, prejudiced "jokes" – whether based on race, sexuality, gender, or social class – should no longer have a place in the lives of employees, and even less so in the workplace.

Therefore, combating this type of behavior is one of the main actions to reduce the incidence of these types of crimes.

In cases where this occurs, the ideal course of action is to gather evidence – which can include photos, audio recordings, videos, screenshots of conversations, and witnesses – and then go to the police station to file a police report.

Another option that an employee facing this situation can take is, after gathering this evidence, to seek out the responsible managers and inform them of the entire situation.

If this leader has sound management skills, he will offer all the necessary support and assistance so that all appropriate measures are taken.

The role of management in cases of racial slurs.

First and foremost, the role of good management is to adopt practices to inhibit any and all such behavior.

Furthermore, management must create a safe atmosphere where employees feel comfortable resorting to this type of decision if necessary.

In cases and situations involving crimes such as racial slurs and/or racism, it is essential that managers adopt the correct stance to deal with the incident in the best possible way.

And, in addition to referring the case to the authorities, an internal investigation should be carried out.

After a proper investigation of the facts, if the crime of defamation, racism, or prejudice of any kind is indeed confirmed, it is the responsibility of the managers to support the victim(s), offering all necessary assistance during such a difficult time.

Furthermore, legal action should also be taken. After all, just like racism, racial slurs are also crimes. Therefore, the aggressor must be held accountable in court for their actions.

Actions that help prevent cases of racial abuse.

To safeguard the well-being and integrity of all employees, the company can take several steps to help curb this type of behavior. To do this, it is important to have:

– internal policies regarding employee conduct and behavior;
– the frequent provision of training on diversity and prejudice;
– a helpful and prepared HR department to handle these situations in the best possible way.

These are just some of the actions that the company should take to inhibit any type of prejudiced behavior in the workplace. In this way, everyone will work with greater safety and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Whether in personal or professional settings, the fight against all forms of discrimination or prejudice must be constant.

In this way, in addition to contributing to a more just society free from any type of oppression, this practice serves to educate future generations about the importance of combating such a harmful and damaging practice.

Did you enjoy this content? Then take the opportunity to read more. Recruitment controversies: 5 mistakes HR professionals make.

Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

October 30, 2021