Friday, May 15, 2009

Delaware is here to help.


Recently the Delaware Dept. of Transportation decided enough was enough. In this modern-day world where the internet and 800 channels streams us endless information, they found a way to supersede all of it in just one PDF document.

See, we live in trying times. Our dollar is soon to fail, our country seems lost, and worst of all, we treat each other like poopy.

So why not take a second and read some quick tips on how to be more racially diverse and sensitive in this hard world we live in?

Delaware Department of Transportation: "Diversity Spotlight."

Here are some highlights, with our own insight italicized.

When talking to GLBT:

"Never call a coworker a “fag” or “homo.” This is derogatory, rude, and totally insensitive.

I was totally gonna call Merton a Fag-homo in our meeting this week. Glad I didn't, I woulda been DOUBLE insensitive!


When talking to African Americans:

Avoid asking "Should we order fried chicken or watermelon for you?"This is stereotyping and shows ignorance.

This is important to remember. John Marshall has informed us they also like Grape Drink. Don't forget to offer a drink. It'd be rude not to.

When talking to Asian Americans:

Avoid asking "You must be the new IT person." All Asians are not IT professionals.

They also own Chinese buffets and nail salons.


When talking to Older people:

Avoid saying "You know Wal Mart is hiring." This is not funny. An older employee has experience you could benefit from.

I suggest just kindly asking them to die already.


When talking to White People:


Avoid saying "I don’t trust white people; they are all racists." This is stereotyping and totally insensitive. Get to know the person or discuss why the actions may have offended you. Don’t generalize.

But seriously. Those fucking crackers be crazy.

When talking to a Disabled person:

Avoid saying "You don’t need to date; your life will be better without a woman/man causing you trouble." Being disabled does not mean the person is socially challenged.

The disabled have just as much of a right to being miserable as you do.

When talking to a Hispanic/Latino person:

Avoid saying "Can you recommend a good Mexican Restaurant?" This is stereotyping and shows ignorance. All Hispanics/Latinos are not Mexicans.

Besides, they're just going to recommend the Restaurant they work at.



So you see. It can be a minefield out there. Try to use your best judgment.

3 comments:

blaine_fridley said...

"Avoid saying "You don’t need to date; your life will be better without a woman/man causing you trouble." Being disabled does not mean the person is socially challenged."

hahaha
i love how they get so specific. thanks for sharing, reno. i will shrink it down, laminate it and adhere it to a wristband a la NFL quarterbacks for constant reference.

yh said...

That is a shocking document. I for one am stunned to learn Delaware is large enough to have a Department of Transportation. Given its size, I would have assumed people just walked.

Askov Finlayson said...

I'm surprised they didn't have any Fat People references in there. Like:

"Don't ask your overweight coworker for tips on how to make a model if Stonehenge from French Toast Stix and Bacon. Just because a person is a few pounds overweight doesn't mean they do ridiculous things with food."

Apparently it's ok to be insensitive to fat people in Delaware.