The Delaware Department Of Transportation’s Diversity Training Course Teaches Us Not To Ask Latinos If They Will Mow Your Lawn
1 May 2009, 4:51 PM. By Alex Alvarez
The Delaware Department of Transportation, or DelDOT, recently sent its employees a “Diversity Spotlight” newsletter that ostensibly aims to teach people how not to be racist. We’re not really sure advising people not to ask Latino co-workers ”Can you help me out with my landscaping?” is elevating the discussion on race relations.
However, beneath the attention-grabbing language and phrasing, the newsletter does offer some helpful tips. Check out the section on how to deal with Latinos (if you absolutely have to):
The last point is a good one although, you know. We do happen to know a few Mexican restaurant, despite not being Mexican ourself. And you can never hear “calling a Hispanic/Latino co-worker a spic is derogatory” too many times, no? Sometimes, people forget or think it’s a compliment. Boy, are they incorrect in their assumptions!
Other helpful tips include:
- Never refer to a co-worker as a “retard.”
This is an insult to people with mental disabilities.
- You must be the new IT person.
All Asians are not IT professionals.
- Never call a coworker a “fag” or “homo.”
This is derogatory, rude, and totally insensitive.
- The “N” Word.
You may have heard comedians or African Americans use the word “nigger” casually. It is never, ever acceptable to use this word in any context. You are asking for trouble; leave this one alone.
Well thank you for the, uh. Heads up. We’re glad we know successfully avoided a potentially awkward situation. Secretary Carolann Wicks, who approved and distributed the newsletter after it was written by a staffer, initially defended the publication, saying she intended for it to be attention-grabbing and that it was penned after many complaints of DelDOT employees using derogatory language and racial slurs. She has since apologized for the words and phrases used therein, saying: “I personally apologize if any of the words offended people, and I know that they have.”
It’s ok, Ms. Wicks. In fact, we have a few more tips for people working within a diverse office environment that you might want to include in the “Latino” section of your next newsletter:
- “Will you dance with me?”
Why would you assume that all Hispanic/Latino people can dance? And did you really think I didn’t notice that you’re wearing a wedding ring?
- “Could you recommend a good Mexican restaurant?”
Not all Spanish people are Mexican. And not all of us eat.
- “Could you translate this document into Spanish for me?”
Why would you assume that non-wetbacks/non-hot-footers speak Spanish? Some of us do not know how to read.
- “Do you like reggaeton?”
Yes.
DelDOT’s diversity coaching backfires [Delaware Online]
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The one I always get is, “Where did you learn to speak English so well?” My response is always, “Hookers have amazing vocabularies.”
I hear their oral skills really are superb.
jaja i get that too…or “how long have you been here?/I didn’t know you were spanish” im not as quick witted with responses though I just do a charlie brown “good grief…”
I get the “can you translate this in Spanish for me?” All. The. Time. I’m always temped to fuck with the translation but it’s for work so it wouldn’t be a good idea. Thats what I get for being the only spanish speaking person in my office.
I also always get “wow you speak Spanish so well, you must have been born in Mexico.”
Never call a coworker a fag or homo”
Except in a cell phone add.