Read the following statement from Barbara Jones, one of the employees at Sanders Supermarkets Store 17:

I work part-time at one of the Sanders Supermarkets Stores, and I work with people of different races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. Most of the associates and I get along very well with one another—except for a college freshman named Bryce Bean. Bean is very close-minded and dislikes anyone different from him. Even though he is relatively new to the organization—he started in August just before school started—he often makes degrading comments toward coworkers who aren’t like him.

Bean loves to make fun at the expense of others. Yesterday, his target was Charlie, one of the produce clerks. Charlie does look like he is pregnant, and his shirt is always sticking out in the back. In the break room, Bean grabbed Charlie’s right arm and in a loud voice said, “Do you know what this is for? It’s for pushing yourself away from the food table, you fatty.” Several people laughed, but most of us did not find it funny.

Last week, Bean’s target was Angie. Without warning, he pointed his finger at her and shouted, “U-G-L-Y. You ain’t got no alibi. You’re the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen. How can you stand to look at yourself in the mirror in the morning?” Again, several associates chortled. Angie didn’t respond to Bean’s baiting, but she stormed out of the break room.

The situation is no different when Bean is around an African American associate like me. He is known to have racial prejudices and will often spout comments like, “You wouldn’t have a job if it wasn’t for that affirmative-action crap,” and he is known to make racist jokes.

I know we’ll encounter difficult people in life, but Bean is like a boxer. He constantly jabs at vulnerable individuals, hoping to bring them down. I’m really frustrated by his lack of sensitivity. I’d complain to management, but I don’t think it would make a difference. I’m just a part-time employee, and I need this job. What should I do to make this work environment a bit more enjoyable? P-635