[Kimmie1913]

Originally posted by Bamboozled
Kimmie, I agree with what you're saying. However, a line is drawn when co-workers take it to another level. There's nothing wrong with me sharing with someone that my boyfriend and I went to the Poconos for the weekend, but that's not enough for some people. They want to know about the sex that was had. That's just totally inappropriate. As a black woman, I'll admit that I'm probably even more careful about what I discuss at work. We're already seen as oversexed, promiscuous, obnoxious, unintelligent, loud mouths and I feel it is my duty to not further perpetuate that stereotype. I'm also not naive enough to think that once I do let my guard down, that there's not somebody just waiting to take advantage of that.

I also want to clarify something else. For me, this isn't a black or white issue. Nosey, harrassing black employees are just as annoying as nosey, harrassing white ones and I treat them all the same. I really do enjoy most of my co-workers and have no problem chatting with them about trivial things. I've been in the corporate world long enough to know how to play the game. It's when people get comfortable and step outside of what is acceptable in the corporate world that is a problem. And as I said before, once you let them know a little about you, they want to know EVERYTHING about you. I think if you're a generally quiet, cordial person, interests are sparked even more and people are just DYING to learn more about you.

I don't mind going out with my co-workers every once in a while and I attend all the parties/dinners/functions that we have. I'm just not going to be the one going out for a beer after work 3 times a week. If that makes me an angry black woman, than so be it.

I agree with what you are saying. There is a line to be crossed even when playing the "workplace friends or associates" game. Sex is out of line to me period. That may be the attorney- "you know I could sue you for this conversation" thing in me but whateva. To me those types of convos are something different from simply refusing to socialize in a work way with your co workers.