I’m not a confrontational person. In fact, I go out of my way to avoid confrontation. But sometimes it’s necessary, because if you stand back and say nothing, it’s as good as agreeing. As employees, we are all responsible for maintaining a positive and professional work environment; one that is free of racism and intolerant of hatred against others.

Recently, I was confronted with prejudice in the workplace and forced with the decision of either acting or ignoring the implications of a remark. I wasn't the recipient in the situation, but it disturbed me nonetheless. I live in a culturally diverse area, my workplace resembling a mini United Nations. We have virtually every racial group covered and I, in my naive way, always assumed everyone was accepting of the differences, and focused on the similarities.

My reality was shattered when an employee made a comment about moving her kids out of a school because they were in the racial minority. I wasn't sure what she meant so I asked for clarification.

"My oldest is starting to act like a little nigger, running around at all times of the night and getting into trouble at school."

I was shocked. I would never expect such a hateful comment from this woman. She was always the first to offer condolences to a grieving employee or remember a birthday or anniversary. Nothing in my previous encounters would have prepared me for this racist remark. After a moment of stunned silence, I told her I wouldn't blame others for the actions of her son. I also asked her not to use racial slurs in my presence or in the workplace again. I could feel the tension from the other staff in the room. They were shocked into silence and immobility, either by her words or my response; I’m not sure which.

She looked confused. "It's not a slur, just a fact. My neighborhood has gone to Hell in the past few years. I think we're one of the few white families left and it's time to move."

I wanted to end the conversation as it was making me very uncomfortable, but I felt the need to point out a couple facts. I told her that the color of a person's skin has no affect on their behavior. If her son is acting irresponsible and she's unhappy with his conduct, she should to take a close look at her son instead of shifting blame to others. I pointed out that it’s possible his misbehavior is related to how he's being raised or the kind of people he’s acquainting himself with, not the color of their skin.

She didn't like what I had to say. I don't care. I couldn't sit by and let someone spout off hateful remarks around me without saying something in return. The other employees were looking away, clearly hoping the exchange would end. Luckily I only see her a couple times a month so from this point forward I could keep our conversations strictly professional, but others will have to work more closely with her and I wonder if it will be uncomfortable for them to do so knowing how she feels. I mentioned this discussion with the Human Resources manager, but there was little they could do since the prejudice wasn’t directed at another employee. They did speak with her and ask her not to share these views on the premises.

After this encounter, I now wonder how many others I come across each day are bigots. I am looking at my co-workers with wonder and a little suspicion. Do others think this way? How can you work and live alongside such a racially and culturally diverse group of people every day and still be so small-minded? It is inconceivable to me that in this day and age people can still hang on to an idea that the color of someones skin makes them a lesser person.

My eyes have been opened to the narrow-mindedness around me, but how can the eyes and hearts of people harboring hatred and intolerance be opened? What can I do to make them see they are wrong in their words and actions? How can I help to ensure that every individual feels welcome and eradicate prejudice in the workplace?

I can’t change the thoughts of others, only they can do that, but I can plant a seed of doubt. By speaking out against bigotry and pointing out the flaws in their logic, perhaps they’ll dwell on it a bit and come to a different opinion. Only by exposing prejudice can we weed it out of our society. There will always be those unwilling to listen, but even if the person spouting the hatred doesn’t listen, perhaps someone standing nearby will hear the words and take them to heart. Prejudice cannot be combated with anger, but through education and understanding we can change the world.