The most ridiculous sort of discrimination

[i_wona]

Originally Posted by guccimamma

i can understand the microwave thing, not simply for asian food...but for anything "smelly" that can permeate an office. i had a coworker who loved fettucine alfredo lean cuisine...it smelled like barf when heated, the whole office would smell like barf. clients would notice when walking in...we all had to be mindful of our microwaving after that.

I agree and this sounds reasonable to me - the difference here is that there is a business-related reason (maintaining a professional image for clients), whereas banning Asians specifically from using the microwave is discriminatory.

What if an Asian wants to heat something "non smelly"? Are they still banned? What if a Caucasian/Hispanic/African person wants to heat their Asian lunch? Are they banned?

I think you should consult a lawyer, if you feel seriously enough about this. This probably isn't a case that needs to go to court, but a firm letter from a legal respresentative probably wouldn't go astray.

[Speedy]

Unreal. Now I think I have heard it all.

Yup, it's discrimination. And it's illegal.

[awong10]

Wow! This gets me mad! Your mom should definitely talk to someone about this.

[QueenOfDa702]

I'd understand a little more if he/she banned Asian food(even though I love the smell and think its delicious lol) even though that should not be tolerated, its more understandable. KWIM? Or am I contradicting myself? lol.

But to ban all Asians from using the microwave?!?! That is discrimination and absolutely cant be tolerated! Start with the BBB, file a complaint and ask them for advice, they MIGHT be able to point you in the right direction. If nothing is done I would go as high as writing a letter to the mayor, that might not get you far, but then again-you never know. Or you could even call out a news station, they would have a ball with that story!
If you want to try a safer route to begin with, write an anonymous letter to her boss(that way your Mom wont suffer any repercussions for complaining) stating the actions she has taken were belittling, racist and illegal and if she does not lift the ban you will go above her head.

[jackie100]

I'm asian myself and I still find that a lot of asian food smells. It would be discriminatory if the boss banned ALL Asians from using the microwave (even if they wanted to heat up American foods), but not if they just wanted to ban smelly foods (ALL smelly foods). I think it would be ok if they banned Asian foods though cause a lot of it does smell.

I'm Asian and I would never bring Asian food to work, I would probably bring those microwaveable American dinner things like SmartOnes etc. Would they have banned me from using the microwave too? If yes, then that would be discriminatory. Nothing wrong with banning smelly foods though, I don't want to smell any smelly foods either.

[Liberté]

It's ok to ban smelly food, but not food based on origion or use of microwave based on the persons origin. Not all asian food smells. Sushi???

[beautifulday32]

I would first consult an organization that advocates on behalf of people experiencing discrimination in the workplace. I applaud you for taking a stand (on behalf of your mom). It takes a courageous voice to create positive change.

[dearmissie]

I'm Asian and I never encountered this because I know some of the foods I ate do have a strong "smelly" oder and I just dont bring it because I try to be mindful and not make people sick from the smell. (some of my culture's food does smell EXTREAMLY strong. ie. durian, mud fish, shrimp paste) But if I did bring some of my stronger smelling dishes, I would beyond mad if someone made up that pathetic rule!

I agree with KIWI. That seems like a great idea to contact a laywer to have them write a letter. :] If anything, he should just remove the microwave to be fair? (even though that would suck!) But, some Asian foods smell great!! I mean come on, fried rice with bbq pork and garlic chicken.. YUM!!

[dearmissie]

Originally Posted by JAN!

That is ridiculous. I'd understand if the types of food that your mom and friends' put into the microwave caused allergic reactions or something of the reasonable sort, but wtf. I say tell your mom to coat their desks/work spaces with squid sauce.

AHAHAHAAA! squid sauce! (smells strong but soooo good!) Just reminded me when my Uncle found out his ex cheated on him, (he's a bit crazy, but at least he didn't burn her house down!) he went to her house and soaked everything in fish sauce! Clothes, furnature, carpet, you name it!! Man he's crazy. All her stuff smelled. Needless to say, they broke up, and she had to move and buy all new stuff. (crazy man!)

[dearmissie]

Originally Posted by i_wona

I agree and this sounds reasonable to me - the difference here is that there is a business-related reason (maintaining a professional image for clients), whereas banning Asians specifically from using the microwave is discriminatory. What if an Asian wants to heat something "non smelly"? Are they still banned? What if a Caucasian/Hispanic/African person wants to heat their Asian lunch? Are they banned? I think you should consult a lawyer, if you feel seriously enough about this. This probably isn't a case that needs to go to court, but a firm letter from a legal respresentative probably wouldn't go astray.

ITA! I think it'll be a great move if all the Americans heated up the "smelly Asian food". :] Maybe that will get through your bosses thick head!

[wordpast]

Very ridiculous.

Aren't food smells subjective?? There are foods that I love the smell of and and others hate. And vice versa.

If you are gonna share a cooking space with others of different ethnicities it's common sense that you may encounter things that are "smelly" to you. And if that happens TOO BAD. Your moms boss is an idiot. Do not let this slide. I agree with the others contact a lawyer, advocate groups, is there a district or regional manager. Surely they wouldn't want the press and law suit that could come from this.

[HubbaWubba]

Saying all Asians can't use the microwave is a bit much. But I do understand about the stinky foods not being allowed.

I used to work with a bodybuilder and we actually had a kitchen in the office. He would always make all sorts of proteins including fish and eggs. It was sooooooo disgusting. He had no concern to anyone else in the office. Finally they told him he couldn't cook there anymore. Don't get me started on when he had to use the shared bathroom.

[azia]

This is a clear case of workplace discrimination. I hope it gets reported to the right government channels because it seems there is a clear disregard for human rights here.

[TulsaMINI]

Not to make light of the situation, but I have a funny food at the office story...

At an office I used to work we had to ban a particular dish. One of the girls liked to make a rice, tuna and caesar dressing concoction. The first time she made it, I KID YOU NOT, I walked in from lunch and smelled something and instantly checked the bottom of my shoes for dog poop. Seriously. The next lady that walked in did the same thing!!! It was hilarious.

[Pursegrrl]

Oh God the office Microwave is always such a heated issue (no pun intended) LOL! Everything from smells (which are subjective) to keeping it clean.

I used to work in an office right near a breakroom and one time there was something so pungent (no idea what it was) that a co-worker of mine swung by my office and said "Oh man it smells like someone cooked a diaper!!!" LMAO!

BUT back on topic...banning any particular group of people from using a microwave is absolutely UNCALLED for. Get a lawyer to write up a letter. Should be minimal cost and a quick turnaround.