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Food Stereotyping Decision Making

Sometimes employees in our department bring in home-cooked food so we can share more about our customs and cultures. One of my co-workers brought in a dish that was filled with spices and vegetables that I cannot stand. When I would not eat it, there were a few comments about my being prejudiced. Nothing could be further from the truth. What do I do?



The truth of the matter is that you are prejudiced...against this combination of spices and vegetables. After all, prejudice means that you prejudged a situation without sampling the facts. Of course, this has absolutely no relationship to harboring any prejudice toward the co-worker who brought in the food.

The fact that some of your co-workers are so quick to label you as prejudiced may be a source of some concern here. Although you clearly indicated that you harbor no such views, it might be helpful to step back and make sure that your rejection of the food is not part of a pattern of broader rejection of any individuals. It might also be worthwhile to look back at how you passed on these vegetables. There is a huge difference between taking a little and simply not eating it, as opposed to making a scene about how you hate such food.

Let your daily behavior continue to demonstrate your true attitude toward your fellow employees. At the same time, consider bringing in one of your home-cooked meals. The odds are that some of these individuals may find it to be a little hard to swallow.




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