Yesterday I had two nurses make anti-Mexican statements. The first was a new nurse who moved from Montana and made these statements in the medroom. She's having trouble adjusting to the hospital, which does have a considerable Mexican population, but I haven't noticed the Mexicans being particularly difficult patients, they seem to come in all stripes. I made some soothing comments and changed the subject.
The second statement was made during report, I was telling the story of a patient who was a real psychosocial disaster, very difficult, a total drain on society type, we had to move her roomate the woman was so loud, obnoxious and off the wall. She had a Spanish last name so the nurse I reported to made a derogatory remark. I told him that I didn't think this woman was Mexican but was married to one, thus nipping that one in the bud. He made this comment at the nurses station within earshot of everyone!
Meanwhile, we have Hispanic coworkers galore, most of whom are awesome people! I suppose a few Hispanic workers might also resent non-Hispanics, but I find the whole thing appalling. It always blindsides me! I need to practice a witty comeback, like the fact that my husband's half sisters are half Mexican (true).
A couple of us were discussing welfare yesterday and it was mentioned that it is usually blacks and mexicans. I then informed them that I have a sister and sister in law that are what I consider "poor white trash." They didn't really have much more to say.
I think you have to speak up and confront behavior of this type. Silence is tantamount to acceptance. It certainly may not be the situation in this case, but sometimes people are not even aware that they are using inappropriate words -- that are hurtful and offensive to others. In any case - if you speak up and confront the offender, he/she may not change behaviors, but will probably be less likely to do it around you in the future.
Case in point: an educated colleague who used the term "Jew someone down" in a conversation with a dear Jewish friend of mine. After being called on it, the speaker said he had never even thought of the origin of the phrase or that it was prejudicial.
A nurse/friend of mine is married to a delightful, wonderful, also superbly good looking guy who is half puerto rican and half black. He is 6 ft tall and she is 4/10. We have a lot of fun together at work sometimes because we work at the knife and gun club and sometimes african american patients will pull the race card on her and tell her she is being mean to them because she "hates" black people.
It is always so much fun when she turns her badge around and shows them her picture of him and their baby.
She does that sometimes too when white people are talking trash about black people. It is so funny to see the looks on their faces.
Some people don't realize what they are missing by being so bigoted.
i used to argue. i work with some of the most racist, homophobic, judgemental people i have ever met in my life. i even told them once that i didn't realize people like them even existed.
they push and prod and try and get me to pull the trigger so they can say that i started it. you're only going to get upset. you cannot change people with hatred in their hearts.
i get a little red in the face, take a deep breath, and walk away. i just ignore them.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
This entire thread reaffirms to me that many of our colleagues are certainly NOT giving nonjudgmental care to their patients. I suppose old habits die hard.
i used to argue. i work with some of the most racist, homophobic, judgemental people i have ever met in my life. i even told them once that i didn't realize people like them even existed.
they push and prod and try and get me to pull the trigger so they can say that i started it. you're only going to get upset. you cannot change people with hatred in their hearts.
i get a little red in the face, take a deep breath, and walk away. i just ignore them.
Do you work in the deep south? (of the US?) Because that sounds EXACTLY like where I live and about 200 miles in any direction.
You cant change people. If you think its a slip up mention it if you want to, but all that I end up doing is getting mad. Yesterday someone proceeded to tell us how the bible means you should stay with your own kind and therefor interratial dating is not only personally digusting to her, but against God. A classmate said at another table something about dating all kinds, black, white, australian, even women, and at that point the homophobe/racial commentary girl stormed out of the room. (I thought it was amusing that just 20 minutes earlier she was defending dating and planning to marry her 3rd cousin considering her judgement of others... but what do I know. Maybe I'm just being prejudiced against cousin marriages )
My dh is Hispanic so I have a Hispanic last name....and when I hear some of that crap, I do what ktwlpn suggested and say, "Well, you know, my last name is Martinez (it's not really, just an example) and my husband is not what you describe." Watching the backpedaling sometimes is incredible.
i cant stand people like that! dear lord dont take my advice because my big mouth CONSTANTLY gets me in trouble when i say stuff like "are you ******* kidding me, you meanoldsoandso???"
i cant help myself! thats why im always in trouble, lol.
)
leslie :-D
11,191 Posts
the fun begins when they inevitably put their foot in their mouth and catch some grief.
leslie:)