How to Deal with a Racist Co-Worker

Got a workplace worry? E-mail cubiclecoach@marieclaire.com with your thorny career questions.

By Cubicle Coach

"Who is this so-called whiz kid kidding? With numbers like these, he'll be cleaning out his locker by the end of the week."

Blouse, $4850, skirt, $1140, Valentino; shoes, $595, Phi; ring, $4500, Suzanne Wilson Designs.

Steen Sundland

Dear CC: One of my coworkers makes racist jokes — and seems to think I won't be offended because we're in the same ethnic group. I don't want to be a scold, but how do I get this to stop?

Speak up. "You know, Ivan, just because we're both Bulgarian doesn't mean I think the one about the rabbi, the priest, the traveling Bulgarian lightbulb salesman, and the farmer's daughter is funny" is a good start. When you remind him that "jokes" like this go down about as smooth as cherry Kaopectate with the good folks in HR, he'll be thanking you for the job-saving heads-up.

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