Is on the job harassment a rite of passage in government jobs?
Asked by renatamacht
I work in a government agency and it seems like alot ot the people I work with believe that they have the 'right' to say what they mean. I've always defined 'saying what I mean' as a way to insult or demean another person without taking any responsibility for it or being accountable for how it affects the other person. Alot of people think that 'political correctness' has an overwhelming influence on this type of thinking. I just always thought it was good manners. Should I start getting into the habit of asking potential employers if they have employees that know the difference between stating their view and insulting another person before accepting a job? It just seems like there are SO MANY PEOPLE who are so RUDE and it DOESN'T have anything to do with gender, ethnicity or religious affliation. I do however find alot of these people have self esteem issues. What do you think?

Best Answer:
Bureaucrats are a largely useless and insulting lot as a general rule of thumb. They cannot be fired unless they come into work one morning with their trousers around their ankles and even then they are subject to many revisions of their competency. Where else could the term "going Postal" have originated? Self esteem is something that one develops in the private sector,like it or not. Perhaps you should consider that you are in fact too good for them-wear this attitude to work and display it liberally. What else can one person do?

Even though those people are acting childish I would hold back on asking your employers those kinds of questions. Chances are they wont hire you after that. If you have all the time in the world to find a job then go for it and find some place you'll be happy. I think people in general act like morons, there are very few truely nice people out in todays world.
Answered by Shade75

That is a huge reason. That is the reason. Now that you've stated it, it all makes sense. I know many of these low self esteem-rude people. Mostly girls, although I can see how it defies gender/race/ethnicity. I think you're on to some thing. =)
Answered by Agent Hanson

A lot of American people do not like 1-Jews 2-Mexican 3-blacks 4-Arabs 5- Muslim 6-Iran 7- immigrant people 8-foreign people 9-illegal people 10- African people 11- refugee people and i can go on and on. take my advice do not let this effect your career, you can't do anthing about. all you can do is document any racist,or ugly treatment,or bad behavior.. and report it to HR DEPT. and belief me 99% nothing will be done about. this is the true america. just be smart ,fouce in caeer,your eduction, your goals, and your happines. life is too short to be sad or let this effect your feeling. my best wishes to you to have a life full of happines and love.
Answered by David S

This is not normal in a government workplace, at least not in Canada (I've been working with with multiple agencies within the government for a number of years)... if the person's supervisor knew what types of comments they were making, it would be grounds for dismissal... and if you felt like you were forced to leave the job because of this, it should be grounds for grievance with the union. That being said, I would not recommend bringing this up in a job interview. Maybe broach the subject when you are offered the position. Best of luck!
Answered by Pamela

On the job harassment is a right of passage for every JOB! If most of your coworkers are this ill mannered than theres a very good chance the managers know all about it and have chosen to ignore it. So short of sexual harassment, it's a waste of time reporting these people and if you ask new employers about this, you will not be hired, because they won't see you as a time player. I would not give these jerks any power over me, and I would act as if their opinions are meaningless, then work hard to get promoted and out of there as soon as you can.
Answered by Sara

well there are alot of people in govt jobs that should be fired but becuse of how they were hired its harder to get rid of them and alot of peple don't want to fire them even though you can and their are rights that are violated all the time but it takes alot of people to stand back and fight and thene it will happen i worked for govt 20 years and saw alot of what you are saying its sad but true take care.
Answered by Tsunami

If what they're saying isn't against policy or law just embarrass a couple of them when they make an ignorant statement. Kind of laugh it off though like it's not a serious thing.
Answered by Ted

Harassment is illegal on any job regardless of the employer.
Answered by David C

I'm a mechanical engineer with long hair. Because the way I look dumb people don't know I'm smart and they put me down in order to make them self feel smart. I think it's funny to watch dumb people act like their smarter then I am. You should not get offended by these people cuz they cant help it. That the only way dumb people can make themselves feel smart
Answered by dementwood

thats what we call, "work". No matter where you go there will ALWAYS be one person to piss you off.
Answered by armyguyonyahoo

yes
Answered by Spencer R

I think that you are right. This happens in all types of jobs. With all the publicity in the news about lawsuits and people going to jail, I figure nobody watches the news - or are just ignorant, or don't care or all of them. I am totally amazed what I hear people say in the workplace. I go to a VA facility regularly and have been doing it for six years. Getting to know the people and some things that have made the local paper, I am totally amazed there also. People seem to be rather rude, crude and very adolescent. You are right about the self esteem issues too. I would never bring this up in a job interview. I wouldn't even bring it up to an employer, I don't think it would help you get a job and it might get you labeled as a trouble maker. If you are ever forced to endure a lot of harassment, keep a diary with incidents, and details for an extended amount of time. Keep them hidden away from work. After 6 months start going through the chain of command if you can't stand it. If you are forced out - you will have a claim a laywer can use. (( sadly, I have been there )). Also note : lawsuits drain you emotionally and don't make you rich. GOOD LUCK TO YOU
Answered by Garacaius

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Answered by hello

If they are harassing you report there asses! No tolerance policy! They have no right!
Answered by Missy

I think its somthing you should get over ! No matter were you go or what you do every employer has employee's that have ther clicks and what not ! And they will talk and say what they want and most likely they are in with the big dawgs so they get away with it ! its life !
Answered by Irish man

There are definitely some rude jerks at work and there are some really weird people that bring it on themselves. I work with a guy that is rude and condescending. I work with another that screws up a lot, never will accept constructive criticism, and lies. When those two get together, it is hard to take a side to quell the conflict. Then you have the type that are offended by every little thing.
Answered by Galen B

If you ask this to a potential employer, that makes it look like YOU are the one with the issue, and YOU might cause problems in the workplace. In other words, bye-bye job offer. It sounds like these are some side comments that are made in casual coinversation in the workplace, rather than work-related conversation. Just keep it professional and don't get personal with coworkers where they get the oppportunity to be rude.
Answered by Julia

By chance does the agency you work for have a lot of prior military people that work there? This kind of attitude and behavior can usually be found in agencies that have a high percentage of prior military working there. This is because while in the military that is how a lot of individuals in a small position of power treat the people working for them which makes you have to be defensive most of the time. The individuals that get out of the military but still keep this attitude can usually be adjusted or dealt with in the same manner they treat people. Being rude or having a quick witted comment in an effort to exchange banter usually sets them back a little, and they wont get on your case. Just a thought hopefully it helps
Answered by David R

On the job harassment is certainly not acceptable in any job, and should be taken up with your manager (or your manager's manager if your manager is the perpetrator) as soon as possible. Keep a private, written record of instances of any abuse in the workplace. I would also recommend joining a union, in case you need their help one day. It can be unpleasant, but bullying and harassment need to be dealth with head on. Good luck.
Answered by Mark

I worked for the US Federal Government for 12 years. For the most part I would say that people usually refrain from making non-PC comments about race, religion or politics. I had co-workers who brought up religion, and I tried to avoid it by making generic comments. I would recommend you politely ask the person who makes "bad comments" and ask them to stop. If they don't, then you have the option of reporting them for using really bad language like a racial slur. I would NEVER mention this in a job interview, that would be the kiss of death.
Answered by rocktexas1