WEBVTT 00:00:07.552 --> 00:00:12.165 We've probably all heard cultural references and expressions that seem commonplace. 00:00:12.409 --> 00:00:15.576 But the truth is their effects can be very harmful. 00:00:16.080 --> 00:00:20.056 And when we have to let a co-worker - maybe someone we've worked with for years - 00:00:20.067 --> 00:00:23.394 know that they said something that's causing a lot of friction - 00:00:23.405 --> 00:00:28.105 it can be a real challenge because it's easy to respond with anger or sarcasm. 00:00:28.492 --> 00:00:32.284 Avoiding such phrases or finding alternative ways to express a thought 00:00:32.295 --> 00:00:37.090 is really a sign of respect that builds trust and promotes an inclusive workplace. 00:00:37.220 --> 00:00:42.012 Misunderstandings caused by inappropriate expressions can create serious problems 00:00:42.022 --> 00:00:46.468 when they are not resolved and can even contribute to a hostile work environment 00:00:46.478 --> 00:00:48.903 should they become severe or pervasive. 00:00:48.990 --> 00:00:53.657 Many expressions of disrespect have histories that explain why they're offensive. 00:00:53.810 --> 00:00:56.535 Yet, everyone doesn't know what can be a trigger. 00:00:56.960 --> 00:01:01.404 When it does happen, it's important for everyone involved to take responsibility 00:01:01.414 --> 00:01:05.828 for addressing the situation and commit to maintaining the work relationship. 00:01:06.033 --> 00:01:08.120 Is this about being "politically correct?" 00:01:08.220 --> 00:01:09.148 No! 00:01:09.261 --> 00:01:14.396 It's about finding ways to treat everyone with dignity and respect in the workplace. 00:01:14.536 --> 00:01:16.830 Yea, it might take a few extra minutes, 00:01:16.840 --> 00:01:19.265 but if everybody ends up getting along better 00:01:19.275 --> 00:01:22.194 that means we can do a better job of getting the work done - 00:01:22.204 --> 00:01:24.030 and, that’s a good thing, right? 00:01:28.465 --> 00:01:31.023 Look, listen. I've got this guy we work with... 00:01:31.075 --> 00:01:33.822 Ah, he gives me a price, then I Jew him down on it, 00:01:34.743 --> 00:01:35.855 Yeah, 00:01:35.866 --> 00:01:37.624 no problem, I'll give him a call. 00:01:37.806 --> 00:01:41.024 Trust me his product... 00:01:41.035 --> 00:01:42.220 ...amazing. 00:01:43.792 --> 00:01:46.986 Oh yeah, I'll just... uh... talk to my co-worker and I'll get back to ya. 00:01:47.451 --> 00:01:48.822 All right bud. 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:50.384 Yeah, talk to you later. 00:01:50.876 --> 00:01:51.621 Hey David? 00:01:51.669 --> 00:01:52.259 Yeah? 00:01:52.359 --> 00:01:54.590 I just got off with The Hayes account... 00:01:54.860 --> 00:01:57.949 And they were telling me their vendor couldn't get the materials. 00:01:58.014 --> 00:02:00.905 So I was thinking about going with the guy across town. 00:02:00.993 --> 00:02:04.889 Reese? Yeah, yeah, he's got good stuff. 00:02:05.094 --> 00:02:08.080 He's a little pricey though, but... he delivers on time. 00:02:08.155 --> 00:02:10.436 Trust me. He'll talk to me. 00:02:10.966 --> 00:02:12.665 Yeah, I think I'll give him a call right now 00:02:12.676 --> 00:02:15.202 and see if I can Jew him down on the price a bit. 00:02:15.667 --> 00:02:16.712 You're gonna what? 00:02:17.060 --> 00:02:20.149 I'm... give him a call, we'll negotiate, and... I'll... 00:02:20.160 --> 00:02:21.348 Jew him down on the price. 00:02:21.409 --> 00:02:23.027 Yeah, Rich. 00:02:23.154 --> 00:02:24.421 I'm Jewish. 00:02:24.716 --> 00:02:28.145 Aren't you Catholic? Why don't you give him a call and Catholic him down a bit? 00:02:28.206 --> 00:02:31.322 Hey, hey, it's just an expression all right? 00:02:33.922 --> 00:02:37.884 Look, if it happened just once, it probably wouldn't bother me. 00:02:38.141 --> 00:02:40.788 I mean, it's not the first time I've ever heard that. 00:02:41.344 --> 00:02:44.371 But it's one thing coming from a stranger on the street 00:02:44.382 --> 00:02:47.176 and another thing coming from a guy you work with every day. 00:02:47.798 --> 00:02:50.028 Yeah, well, I don't like that expression… 00:02:50.480 --> 00:02:52.124 Forget about it, okay? 00:02:52.212 --> 00:02:55.184 Rich, I'd like you to stop using it. It's insulting. 00:02:56.121 --> 00:03:00.002 You know last time I checked it's a free country and I can say whatever I want. 00:03:08.228 --> 00:03:10.705 So look, I've got this guy we work with. 00:03:10.835 --> 00:03:14.090 Ah... he gives me a price and I Jew him down on it. 00:03:14.985 --> 00:03:16.985 Oh yeah, yeah, I'll give him a call. No problem. 00:03:17.162 --> 00:03:20.483 Trust me his product... 00:03:20.493 --> 00:03:21.356 good. 00:03:22.737 --> 00:03:26.047 Oh yeah, I'll talk to my co-worker and get back to ya. 00:03:26.355 --> 00:03:27.257 All right. 00:03:28.164 --> 00:03:30.721 Hey, Rich, hang on a minute. 00:03:30.939 --> 00:03:31.593 What? 00:03:31.849 --> 00:03:35.370 I don't know if you realize this, but that's very offensive. 00:03:36.056 --> 00:03:37.127 Uh, what is? 00:03:37.215 --> 00:03:38.495 Jew him down. 00:03:40.679 --> 00:03:41.984 Yeah, it's just an expression. 00:03:42.071 --> 00:03:43.950 I know. I used to say it, too. 00:03:44.076 --> 00:03:45.982 Well then, what's the problem? 00:03:46.161 --> 00:03:48.203 Well, I had a good friend 00:03:48.214 --> 00:03:50.909 that I offended and I didn't even realize. 00:03:51.739 --> 00:03:53.005 Thanks, Meredith. 00:03:53.588 --> 00:03:55.349 Come on guys, 00:03:55.827 --> 00:03:58.799 do we have to be so politically correct all the time? 00:03:59.022 --> 00:04:03.186 I mean, I've heard you both use the term Mexican standoff 00:04:03.197 --> 00:04:08.565 and I don't get all bent out of shape about it and I'm part Hispanic. 00:04:08.969 --> 00:04:13.052 Oh, next thing you know you'll be coming down on me for saying words, 00:04:13.063 --> 00:04:15.526 blackmail or whitewash. 00:04:15.744 --> 00:04:18.013 Rich, do you even know where the expression comes from? 00:04:18.100 --> 00:04:20.512 It is a stereotype against us, 00:04:20.523 --> 00:04:23.233 being ruthless about money, it goes back centuries 00:04:23.244 --> 00:04:26.425 and Jews were persecuted for years in Europe over it. 00:04:26.512 --> 00:04:28.352 And it doesn't even make sense. 00:04:28.700 --> 00:04:33.013 Are you trying to say that anyone who's trying to cut a good deal is Jewish? 00:04:33.517 --> 00:04:37.701 I'm not saying anything. It's just an expression. 00:04:37.906 --> 00:04:41.086 Come on guys. Do we really have to do this? 00:04:41.264 --> 00:04:45.448 Do we have to have some long, drawn-out discussion over something like this? Really? 00:04:46.135 --> 00:04:47.901 Yeah, I was ticked off. 00:04:48.054 --> 00:04:49.437 It's ridiculous. 00:04:49.707 --> 00:04:55.192 It's like you can't say anything anymore without the PC Police crawling all over you. 00:04:55.840 --> 00:04:58.786 I know, I know you think it's just a harmless expression and 00:04:58.797 --> 00:05:01.221 I know you didn't mean anything by it. But... 00:05:01.517 --> 00:05:05.232 that's exactly the kind of statement that perpetuates prejudice. 00:05:06.382 --> 00:05:08.517 Okay. Okay. I get it. 00:05:08.621 --> 00:05:11.423 What if I say "chew" him down? 00:05:13.994 --> 00:05:16.202 You know, Rich, I'm sure we can come up with 00:05:16.213 --> 00:05:20.875 another expression to describe negotiating without insulting an entire culture. 00:05:21.463 --> 00:05:23.078 It really bothered you? 00:05:24.009 --> 00:05:25.531 Yeah, it did. 00:05:26.525 --> 00:05:30.864 All right, all right. I'm in the wrong and I'm sorry. 00:05:30.875 --> 00:05:32.697 Thanks, I appreciate it. 00:05:33.363 --> 00:05:35.486 You know, we've all done things like this before 00:05:35.497 --> 00:05:39.854 and the important thing is to try to see each other's point of view and work it out. 00:05:40.041 --> 00:05:42.765 And it starts by telling each other when we hear something 00:05:42.776 --> 00:05:44.812 that doesn't sit quite right with us. 00:05:45.316 --> 00:05:47.734 Alright, I know I was kind of being a jerk. 00:05:47.807 --> 00:05:51.484 I'm sorry if I offended you and got your panties all up in a bunch. 00:05:51.660 --> 00:05:52.836 And listen... 00:05:52.857 --> 00:05:55.934 I want you both to feel like you can come talk to me 00:05:55.945 --> 00:05:59.211 if I say or do something that bothers you, alright? 00:05:59.314 --> 00:06:02.726 Well Rich, I don't want to start so early, but... 00:06:02.736 --> 00:06:04.992 "panties in a bunch," really? 00:06:05.439 --> 00:06:06.547 What's wrong with that?