Racist surgeon?

[tech22]

So I've been working at this hospital for over a year, in a rural part of the South, one that seems to be stuck in the 50s. The environment in this hospital isn't that bad as most of the docs, nurses, etc. are from other cities and some from other countries. However, there is this one surgeon who is the most racist person here I've ever met. He casually uses slurs to describe other races. He referred to an attending as "buckwheat" repeatedly. I overheard him one day taking to the CHIEF OF SURGERY and in the course of 2 minutes used slurs to describe blacks, hispanics, asians and jews and they both laughed. I can't believe people like this still exist. His behavior seemed to be just accepted here.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I work in a northern state, in a small town ER and some of the baby-boomer and gen-x staff say things like 'darkie' or 'I have an affinity for the confederate flag...'. so stupid and not funny in the least. I think I might work with a bunch of hicks who are proud to be idiots.

On the flip side, when I worked in a bigger city, there was this mixed race nurse who openly made fun of a dark-skinned cleaning lady... and bullied and mimicked white people in front of me.

Had an issue with Mexican-American CNA who accused me of being prejudiced because I asked her to do something pertaining to her job. Management never backed me up, she just laughed at her accusation, didn't address her insubordination, and things went on unchanged.

Stupidity is all around and it does get really annoying to say the least.

I agree with the others, though--- you can't reason with the unreasonable.

Managers often don't address pro blems because they are afraid of retaliation or they know their boss won't back them and fears lawsuits. How did your case end?

[dortizjr1]

I happen to work in an ED in a community hospital in eastern Pennsylvania. I'm not too far from Philadelphia and not too close. I've had very similar experiences to what OP relates. It's not just a southern thing.

[dortizjr1]

Also, there are racists in every race, every group, every part of America.

True

My Jewish friends tell me that they were taught by their parents to expect to be disliked, hated, violenced mentally and even physically with regard to Jews and Judaism. They were told to let it roll off and keep in mind the source of the ugliness. Not easy, but that's what they were taught.

.

More or less what my parents taught me, though I'm not Jewish.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I have lived in the deep south my entire life, and we are not as racist as some may think. I was born and raised in MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, of all places, and I honestly do not see any more racism in the south than anywhere else. Fortunately, George Wallace isn't governor anymore. We aren't anything like how we are portrayed in the movies, either. You will find people who are uneducated, racist bigots everywhere! This surgeon just hasn't learned we all have to live in this world; he isn't special.

[RadiantLynneBSN]

"My big question is what is the approximate age of this surgeon and chief of surgery. Yes, there still are people who act this way. Part of it has to do with age. During the time I have been alive, it has gone from ******, negro, colored up to now being African-American. Some people find it hard to adapt. Then you need to factor in where he has lived much of his life. I can still visit the south and hear some of the unacceptable words from people who have lived there their whole lives."

It's obvious a big difference from words used to identify a person based on race, and calling someone a derogatory slur such as 'buckwheat'. ATTENTION idiot: Buckwheat has NEVER been a identifying term for a race no more than calling you a B word is to identify your sex. Stop being patronizing with that stupid 'gaslight' technique. Most folks are not really idiots.

[RadiantLynneBSN]

" ...Hospital staff don't have to be "from other cities" in order for the atmosphere of a hospital to be inclusive and respectful of everyone...."

Nope. But it definitely helps if you have an environment where racial hatred is acceptable to bring more enlightened folk from other areas where it is not an acceptable practice as part of their world-view.

[RadiantLynneBSN]

..."None of this finger pointing does anyone any good."

Sure. What excellent finger pointing. Not being comfortable with a surgeon identifying a person of color as 'buckwheat'. So...if a surgeon identifies you as the a royal c*nt one day. I'll make a note that for you...to object to that is "fingerpointing" Noted!

[Kristiernbsn]

I agree with Roser and Commuter. No wiggle room for cultural interpretation with 'buckwheat', in my opinion.

I wonder if "Buckwheat" is aware of his nickname, and if he was to find out via a note from a nurse, or anonymous post on a nursing blog, would he take any action... Someone should probably tell him.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

Never understood why people get offended so easily. There are racial slurs for every race, including mine, but as long as I'm treated the same I could care less what terminology people use. Its just words, and if you do not have a chance at changing them I would just move on.

Of course its better not to use the words and I'm not endorsing them lol.

I suppose you'd be fine, then, with a medical professional calling you an a**h**e. After all, it's just a word.

[Allgood2016, LPN, LVN]

For a doctor to act like this I absolutely horrible. How old is this person? Does he not know the year or century?

By his using racial slurs he is committing a crime, in my book. A HATE crime. I wouldn't want to be around him; as I would speek up; and , give him an update on how he is showing his "true colors".

Most medical facilities have rules about this. Check into your hospital's policis regarding this. Then, Write Him Up. Let the Administrative people handle it. If that doesn't work, notify your local news media.

[tlyte777]

I have lived in the Deep South ALL my life and it is sad this type of behavior still exists in 2016. It's unacceptable that the surgeon is referring to any ethnic group as BUCKWHEAT, but whatever racial slurs he may choose to say, doesn't matter, it's what YOU answer to is what matters. Choose what battles to fight and which ones to ignore.

[oncnursemsn]

Wow- this is not a question, it's a concern. And yes, this degree of racism still exists in this country. Something I didn't realize unit I moved to FL for a short time. Absolutely not acceptable and not tolerable but if the culture of the organization supports the surgeon it's tough to confront and defy. Thoughts?