racist comment

AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN · Mar 24, 2008

This is such a hot button issue right now, but that does not make it right. I take a lot, and a mean LOT of flack for my stand on this. I am Caucasian, I speak Spanish, and I translate for those who can not speak English. According to some, I am aiding and abetting the "enemy". Yes, I believe that there is a right way and a wrong way to enter this country, yes, I think that one should have to learn the language to qualify for citizenship, and yes, I believe that if one wants the benefits of living in America, they should have to pay taxes and do everything else that every other citizen does. Closing the border has nothing to do with it. Enforcing policy does.

I am so sorry this happened to you. My response to that would be "You are entitled to your opinion. I am entitled to mine. I will not force you to listen to me, and I ask that you do the same." If that does not work, tell them that you will be back when they can converse in a civil manner. Hugs to you.

HealingHands327 · Mar 24, 2008

It's not really a racist comment. It's more a combination of stereotypes, and misinformation. These people who bring up these topics are probably seeking out an answer to their frustration, and maybe they figure that since you are Hispanic in ethnicity, you can help them with this. So instead of getting mad, and playing the racial card, why not take the opportunity to help them see what it's like to be someone trying to cross the border, and why they would even try. I too was frustrated with the border / green card situation, until a good hispanic friend took the time to help me see the situation from the Mexican point of view. Help inform them about the situation, and the cause, this will not only help them, but will also help you build rapport and make you a better nurse....

maryloufu · Mar 24, 2008

I had a patient who had open heart surgery- he only spoke and wrote Spanish. We had no education videos, no booklets in Spanish. A family member assisted me- but I was uncomfortable with that. It is so frustrating to have a language barrier. At the point that we were having this problem one of the employees on the hall said- he has been here for 20 years, he should have learned English. But if we are going to should have then all of my patients should never smoke, eat fatty foods and get plenty of exercise. This guy counted on me to educate him about his surgery and what to expect going home- those comments were not helpful. I muddled through- and now we have some videos ordered in Spanish.

And the next weekend I had a cath patient who was deaf. (When telling him not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk I found out the sign for milk was kind of a pantomime of milking a cow- neat).

As for me- I am just going to try to treat all of my patients the same- (of course the ones who give me chocolate are treated preferentially)

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Mar 24, 2008

I am sorry that you had that experience. My husband is Hispanic and I know he has experienced the same sort of thing. He's very sensitive about it.

The best thing I've found you can do is be the best person YOU can be. Be professional, and even NICE to that person. You may not win them over but you may make them think. Some may even realize that their judgements were wrong. I know it is hard because it is so easy and so normal to be angry/hurt/shocked. It may seem like the 'weak' thing to do, but it takes a lot of courage in actuality.

Many people have told me that they felt a certain way about 'Hispanics' or 'immigrants' or pick-your-word until they met my husband and saw what a great human being he is, not just a 'great Hispanic'. They changed their minds and realized that things are not always as cut and dry as they seem.

Peace to you.

TazziRN, RN · Mar 24, 2008

Just a simple "I'm sorry you feel that way" and not another word. After that be polite and civil, and nothing more.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · Mar 24, 2008

What a drag for you. I don't know what the answer is, it's hard to handle situations like that where people put you on the spot. People are so insensitive! :madface:

I get a lot of negative talk at work by co-workers about my religion, it really gets old and I'm sick of it. Why can't people keep their opinions to themselves!!! :madface: You aren't responsible to answer for every illegal immigrant that enters the country!!! Grrrrr!

flightnurse2b, LPN · Mar 24, 2008

i agree with tazzi. a simple "i'm sorry you feel that way" would be my answer. if they press the issue, i would just say i preferred not to talk about politics at work. people are so very ignorant sometimes.

vamedic4, EMT-P · Mar 24, 2008

I'm so very sorry this happened to you. Sadly, these issues are more and more common. Regardless, there's no excuse for this type of behaviour. Tolerance goes a long way.

How to handle it? I used to get some of that in the field...drunk biggots come in every size, shape and color. I just say "I'm sorry you feel that way." And I continue the work of caring for the patient. It sucks that people are so insensitive to the variety of people we have in this country.

Fiona59 · Mar 24, 2008

Our problem is similar. We have a large Arabic population in my city. The male patients treat the female nurses as their personal servants. One slapped a nurse who was attempting to assist him. They dismiss female staff with a wave of their hand and a "not now" or issue commands such as "I'll have my shower now" "make my bed". They don't care if we have four other patients to care for.

We keep being told to be accepting of cultural differences. I don't see this as a cultural difference I see it as a blatant form of sexism. The patients in question range from their early 20s to late 60s. They have been raised and educated in this country. So they have been exposed to female educators, lawyers, police officers.

1TachyRN, RN · Mar 24, 2008

Consider the source and whether or not you really value that person's opinion before you allow yourself to be hurt by something they say.

MrsCaseyRN · Mar 24, 2008

A month or so ago, I was in the work break room and some woman was in our break room talking to the Hispanic girls from housekeeping. She was saying that all the illegals should "get out" and that her parnets did it the right way. (This women was like 80 yrs old so "her parents" was a VERY long time ago) The girl from housekeeping was telling her that she has family that's here illegally and they want to be here legally but the list is so long that it could take many years. The old lady said then they should wait in Mexico. At that point I stepped in b/c I felt bad for this Hispanic girl and I have a personal interest in this b/c of fmy family, and explained to the old lady that the living conditions in Mexico are so substandard that many of their people can't wait, and that we are fortunate enough to be born here, but its all a roll of the dice and it could had been us born in the horrifically poor, dangerous area of Mexico, and we would want to get to the USA as soon as possible too. The old lady says she really doesn't care what the reasons are, and at this point I say,"you're not in scrubs, who are you?" And she replies "I'm with the church." (They visit and make pt rounds.) I was just like, "oh, that's just wonderful!":icon_roll

Anyway, you don't want to offend pts, but these stereo types and hateful comments are just as much racist as if they were about any other race. Because they are offensive and come from ignorance, you can politely tell them you don't agree (Assuming you don't) and that you will not be discussing this any further. I once told a pt who was trying to solicite my opinion from me that as long as I'm wearing this name tag and uniform, my opinion is not up for discussion, but that I still have one and I still can be offended while wearing this name tag and uniform.

czyja, MSN, RN · Mar 24, 2008

When I get hit with these types of comments and questions I do not know what to answer.

Ouch! I am sorry you have to deal with such nastiness. How awful, but even bigoted fools deserve care.

I have found it useful to do thank the person for sharing their feelings couples with my grandmother's social weapon of choice - "the weak smile."

It works like this:

1. Look the person in the eyes and say "Thank you for sharing your feelings on this matter."

2. Smile very broadly, then hold your mouth in the smile position while relaxing your eyes, keep your mouth in smile mode for a moment - as if you had forgotten that you are smiling.

Properly applied the weak smile is a powerful weapon - it leaves the recipient dumbfounded.:bugeyes:Practice in front of a mirror for maximum effect.