Like Moths to the Flame, Faculty Flock to Use F-Word in IT Email
Okay, I actually had to write an email today to a group of faculty asking them to stop using obscenities in their mail. I’m not joking. Here’s an excerpt:
“While I too believe in free speech, I would appreciate it if people would not use obscenities in their communications with me or with the staff who work in Information Services. I just don’t think obscenities help foster a supportive work environment, at least not generally, and our staff is diverse enough that mail sent to a generic address like “HelpDesk” cannot be presumed to be read by a single population whose demographic is such that obscenities are acceptable. Mail sent to “HelpDesk” is read by full time staff, temporary consultants, and students: many people representing diverse ages, life experiences, and cultures. However, we all work hard to help people with technology to the best of everyone’s ability.”
p.s. fuck you
It’s all true, except the last bit. It would have been so awesome to have said that though. The faculty member did apologize. However, I will remember this incident always and will recall it at some opportune time…maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of her life…. Cue evil laughter, prop plane, and Humphrey Bogart. Wait, I think I’m Claude Rains. I want to be Ingrid! Dammit. Foiled again.
Jaeger said:
May 27, 08 at 5:33 pmWell, if they’re dropping the F word, let me share the P words.
Philosophy
Policy
Procedure
Practice
or back in reality, how it really works in IT:
Pride
Prejudice
Politics
Price
Performance.
essprit said:
May 27, 08 at 6:18 pmA guy on a memorable (and terminal) date told me a long time ago that folks from his neck of the woods (the lower east side) merely used the f-word to signal that a noun was coming. Perhaps you have a few transplanted new yorkers? 🙂
Seth Vidal said:
May 27, 08 at 7:15 pmIf you had actually said ‘ps: fuck you’ you would have been my fuckin’ hero.
I think the only time I’ve had that much fun at the expense of faculty was the time I sent this email: http://www.gnu.org/fun/jokes/physics.html
to the physics department mailing list on april 1st.
Seriously, you rock.
Sukey said:
May 28, 08 at 2:59 amIngrid Bergman vs. Claude Rains – the new measure of perception vs. reality.
For ex.
“I would have nailed that job interview if only they could of seen my Ingrid, instead I kept channeling Claude.
Laura said:
May 28, 08 at 3:57 amI have received my fair share of email laced with obscenities and I’ve had to listen to tales of being cussed out in offices and hallways (thankfully I have not experienced this myself). I understand frustration with technology and with IT staff, but it’s never an excuse for the behavior I have seen.
kc said:
May 28, 08 at 5:51 amWait…are we NOT supposed to use the f-word? Oops. I guess I need to stop sending out my daily digest e-mail to the department, “What I Hate about You Fuckers”.
admin said:
May 28, 08 at 1:49 pmThanks, all. Yesterday was pretty grim.
Jaeger, as ever, is the diplomat, while essprit offers a logical conclusion, though they don’t swear NEARLY enough for that to be the case.
Seth, you ARE my fuckin’ hero!
Sukey, I like your idea of making a meme out of my Ingrid vs. Claude reality.
KC, so glad my pain is now your gain–that’s the whole point of this blog! 🙂
Laura, I feel better (and kind of worse) knowing that others have faced similar workplace behavior–probably worse for others.
Mom said:
May 28, 08 at 4:53 pmHi Honey – I think it’s sweet that you don’t want people to use fuck.
admin said:
May 29, 08 at 8:47 amthanks, Mom! I guess I grew so tired of hearing it in the house when I was a kid… 🙂 NOT