h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

jokes can be considered harassment, even when that is not the intent. for example:

you are male, and another worker is female and blonde. you tell or e-mail othe workers blonde jokes, and the blonde worker could find this as joking about them, and consider the jokes insults to them. that may not have been the intention, but that is how the worker received the jokes.

so be careful what you say, and who you say things to, as something verysimple could cause someone else unnecessary stress.

To a large extent this depends on the personalities of those involved.

I'm the only woman in my department, in a company which by and large is male dominated. Yet I am perfectly happy for them to make cracks about women drivers, PMT, etc etc......as long as they are prepared for me to make cracks about them having their brains in their underwear, being useless, etc.

I have a good, solid, friendly relationship with the rest of the guys as we all relax and tell jokes to break up the days. It has to be said, though, that I had to make the "first move" to tell any rude jokes, and this broke the ice.

You have to promote an environment of equality as there is no way that sexism amongst male employees will be protected by the kind of male nudge nudge wink wink system that existed in the past.

Recently a female employee working as a receptionist was let go by her employer. A couple of men in the office exchanged emails that made derogatory comments along the lines that they would like the next receptionist to be blonde and have a large chest.

The receptionist took the company to court and got a sizable settlement.

Those who harrass in the workplace should take note.

We have one doctor at my hospital who is known for his dirty jokes. He takes up a bit of your time telling them too, when you would like him to be seeing his patients,so you can get on with patient care.
Last week, he came in as I was leaving off shift and he asked if he could tell me a joke....
I said okay Dr. but only if they are not dirty,crude and sexist.
He thought for a moment and told (ugh,several) jokes mocking physicians. We enjoyed those and he seemed willingly to take the heat.
Finally, we told him we have to punch out and left.

He still told his jokes but tempered them ,because we told him we wouldn't listen to 'dirty' jokes...Maybe it pays to state your mind?