Court: Non-Jewish man can sue over anti-Semitic slurs

A non-Jewish man can sue his former employers over anti-Semitic remarks made to him by his supervisors, an appeals court judge has decided.

Myron Cowher, 49, of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., says he was subjected to “the continual utterance of explicit slurs about Jews” for more than a year at Carson & Roberts Site Construction & Engineering until he left in May 2008, according to a New Jersey appeals court ruling.


The ruling -- which overturned a previous court decision that Cowher could not sue because he was not Jewish -- detailed some of the alleged abuse, which included, “If you were a German, we would burn you in the oven,” “Only a Jew would argue over his hours,” and “I have friends in high places, not in f****** temple.”

Cowher produced DVDs of video recordings of the two alleged abusers, Jay Unangst and Nick Gingerelli, making those and other remarks.

In a deposition given after the DVDs emerged, Unangst admitted they “contained an accurate depiction of what occurred.” He also admitted using “the Hebrew folk song Hava Nagila as the ring tone for calls on his cell phone from the plaintiff,” according to the ruling.

'Emotional toll'
Unangst and Gingerelli denied they thought Cowher was Jewish, saying they had “traced the origin of their comments to the fact that plaintiff and his wife took a cut on the proceeds of a Super Bowl pool that they were running, thereby conforming to the stereotype of Jews as avaricious.”

Robert Scirocco, attorney for Cowher, told msnbc.com that his client said he had undergone “this barrage of verbal attacks on a regular basis.”

“It certainly had an emotional toll on him, knowing he would be going in on a daily basis and facing this barrage of anti-Semitic insults,” he said.

Screenwriter accuses Mel Gibson of 'hating Jews'

Cowher stayed at the firm “because he needed the work,” Scirocco said, adding that Cowher left in May 2008 because of a work-related injury. Cowher now works as a trucker for another firm.

Attorney Frederick Polak, who represents Carson & Roberts and the others, told msnbc.com that his clients had not yet decided whether to appeal the decision to the state's supreme court. If there is no appeal, the civil trial will go ahead.

Company pulls billboard blasted as anti-Semitic

Polak sent msnbc.com a “counter-statement of facts” that was presented to the court on behalf of the defendants.

The statement said employees -- all men -- used to gather in the office where Gingerelli and Unangst had desks and engage in “joking, locker room banter.”

Defense: Cowher made anti-Semitic remarks
It said that Cowher would walk into the office, “pass gas and walk out, intending this action as a joke.”

“Plaintiff engaged in joking, bantering comments with defendants Gingerelli and Unangst (who is obese), including respectively directing slurs at them about Italians and obese people,” the statement said.

“In particular, Plaintiff specifically directed epithets relating to people of Italian heritage at Gingerelli,” it added. Gingerelli was “not offended” as he understood these remarks were part of this atmosphere of “friendly banter” and “childish behavior.”

“Neither Gingerelli nor Unangst believed that Plaintiff was Jewish. Other employees also knew that Plaintiff was not Jewish,” the statement said.

“Plaintiff’s incredible assertion that his co-workers actually thought he was Jewish and that he was emotionally distressed by their comments is nothing but an attempt to create a fact issue where there is none,” it added.

The statement said Cowher’s claim was “all the more disingenuous given that he too made anti-Semitic remarks at the office,” and had also “targeted blacks,” referring to an African-American employee with a well-known derogatory epithet.

The appeal judge's decision was previously reported by The Star-Ledger newspaper in New Jersey.

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Absolutely not! People are way too 'sue crazy' these days!!! This is as ridiculous as the shyster attorney who sends his minions around to businesses to look for miniscule ADA 'violations' and then sues the businesses - Someone needs to do something about stupid lawsuits like this.

  • 16 votes
#1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:41 PM EDT

He should have just gone postal on them, problem solved.

  • 2 votes
#1.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:29 PM EDT

Racial insults have NO place at work!

I hope he gets paid big! That is the only way this behavior goes away.

  • 28 votes
#1.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:49 PM EDT
Comment author avatarPhantomBeastExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

This is NOTHING MORE than the Zionist Police State setting up a Bounty system on people who "Speak out of their place" and further damaging our 1st Ammendment rights to freedom of speech. They have raped our economy via "wall street", put America in unending wars which have almost ruined our country, Let alone NO American UniversalHealthCareSystem while WE PAY For israel'sHealthCare System so that their "insurance brokers" can keep hauling in the money" and NOW they install a bounty system for anyone who "speaks out of place" or says what they don't want the rest of us to hear, or the truth of what's Really going on. This tiny race is controlling the world AND look what a mess it is, Just to stuff their coffers. Isn't this what happened when Moses was atop the mountain talking with God and the "children of israel' threw God away to worship The Golden Calf?....and NOW a zionist police state installed speech BOUNTY SYSTEM..What's next?? An installed "Judge Dread" for "instant street justice" just like the movie with stallone where the offender is tried and penalized right there on the street??? I can see it now: Mr.Jones!! YOU stand accused of stating that the paint on the temples is dirty!! You ARE GUILTY OF BLASPHEME!!! You are sentenced to 10 years in a stifling hot bagel baking basement in NYC with NO hope of parole!!!!......"no chopped liver either"......

  • 2 votes
#1.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:53 PM EDT

Sophmoric and inappropriate, yes. Worthy of a big payout, no.

  • 16 votes
#1.4 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:56 PM EDT

Zionist Police State, Phantom? Would they get called in for consultations when someone's office mates keep calling him the n word? Even without the ZPS, it is illegal to create a hostile work environment.

  • 11 votes
#1.5 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:59 PM EDT

Jewish? Maybe not. Whiney cry baby? Definitely.

"He hurt my feelings. I'm gonna sue". Grow the hell up. Grow a thicker skin, or go work somewhere else, douche bag.

  • 21 votes
#1.6 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:09 PM EDT

Sandy: Is That a law, state or/and federal, about "to create a hostile work environment"?

If so, what code or chapter please. YES, There MUST be a reasonably pleasant work environment so that workers/people are not driven insane and resorting to random acts of violence in America. Being pro worker it is without a doubt the onus on management to conduct a pleasant workplace.

    #1.7 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:10 PM EDT

    i hope polack wins...

    • 2 votes
    #1.8 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:17 PM EDT

    Phantom's just an idiot, folks, no need to read his comments.

    • 4 votes
    #1.9 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:30 PM EDT

    What a joke and this guy is not even Jewish?? Maybe I should put a claim in for all the Blacks calling me Dog and the N word when I get a litlle behind on production? It's constant everyday and I can't take being called a F'in N all day long!! Please make them stop now!! Homie the Whitie needs a lawyer...........

    • 15 votes
    #1.10 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:39 PM EDT

    No, someone needs to do something about racial and ethnic slurs in the work place. I hope this guy sticks it to the complany in a big way. I also hope the two people involved lose their jobs. This is the only way to stop that BS.

    • 6 votes
    #1.11 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:28 PM EDT

    What is not present in this article is whether or not the company leadership knew about the actions. If they did and did nothing, there may be grounds for suit. If not, it would seem you can sue the employer for actions they have no knowledge about because you are unhappy.

      #1.12 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:34 PM EDT

      Dear:

      AKRandy they never go away. Once you've been subjected to them badly enough they stay in your mind you just hope you have the character to deal with it.

      • 2 votes
      #1.13 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:47 PM EDT
      Comment author avatarPhantomBeastExpand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

      This is NOTHING MORE than the Zionist Police State setting up a Bounty system on people who "Speak out of their place" and further damaging our 1st Ammendment rights to freedom of speech. They have raped our economy via "wall street", put America in unending wars which have almost ruined our country, Let alone NO American UniversalHealthCareSystem while WE PAY For israel'sHealthCare System so that their "insurance brokers" can keep hauling in the money" and NOW they install a bounty system for anyone who "speaks out of place" or says what they don't want the rest of us to hear, or the truth of what's Really going on. This tiny race is controlling the world AND look what a mess it is, Just to stuff their coffers. Isn't this what happened when Moses was atop the mountain talking with God and the "children of israel' threw God away to worship The Golden Calf?....and NOW a zionist police state installed speech BOUNTY SYSTEM..What's next?? An installed "Judge Dread" for "instant street justice" just like the movie with stallone where the offender is tried and penalized right there on the street??? I can see it now: Mr.Jones!! YOU stand accused of stating that the paint on the temples is dirty!! You ARE GUILTY OF BLASPHEME!!! You are sentenced to 10 years in a stifling hot bagel baking basement in NYC with NO hope of parole!!!!......"no chopped liver either"......

        #1.14 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:11 PM EDT

        Whether we agree with this lawsuit or not, or whether everyone was joking, are there still idiots who don't know that you don't do these things at work, even if it is funny? Not only, that, it is completely unprofessional at the very least. How about be an adult at work? It's hard, but try.

        • 7 votes
        #1.15 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:13 PM EDT

        Because everyone at work should be a robot without the ability to interact with their co-workers...

        In the words of Sergeant Hulka, "lighten up, Francis".

        • 2 votes
        #1.16 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:29 PM EDT

        "Shyster"? Nice to see you're sympathizing with the anti-Semites, CalMom

        • 5 votes
        #1.17 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:58 PM EDT

        @Brian P. Evans

        You beat me to it.

        • 3 votes
        #1.18 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:28 PM EDT

        I think we are too sue happy in the US today. That being said, no one should be comfortable with any racial/ethnic slur, whether they belong to that group or not. Maybe another solution?

        • 2 votes
        #1.19 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:22 PM EDT

        Lola3:

        Calling something "sophomoric" seems to say that this is okay in highschools, but not at work....it's not....it's never been! If your kids are doing this in high school they're gonna grow up to be these jerks, WHY is that okay? Kids will be kids? Yeah: they will.....for the rest of their lives if they're not disciplined in the beginning! they'll be the bullies and everyone else will either suffer, or kick their azzes and end up in jail or court themselves and I'D RATHER THEY GET SUED than get a pass and another pass and another or end up getting their victims into legal trouble. Hope he wins!

        • 1 vote
        #1.20 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:07 PM EDT

        Screw the defendants - what kind of idiots in 2012 don't know that racist jokes have no place in the workplace?

        The kinds of idiots who deserve to get sued and get hit with big jury verdicts for creating a hostile workplace, that's who.

        I mean, really - even in the realm of racial humor, a joke about the Holocaust that involves Jews and ovens is just so effing vicious it takes a truly horrible human being to utter it in any context, let alone the workplace.

        And it takes horrible human beings to defend jokes that vicious - we're not talking some light racial ribbing and questionable humor ala copper wire getting invented when two Jews found the same penny. A joke about something that involved the murder of millions isn't much of a joke - there's no "lighten up" about something at that level.

        • 4 votes
        #1.21 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:15 PM EDT

        you're right, they should get sued. As soon as you find someone who did not join in the ethnic insult behavior, they can sue all these guys, including Cowher.

        • 2 votes
        #1.22 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:00 PM EDT

        This is NOTHING MORE than the Zionist Police State setting up a Bounty system on people who "Speak out of their place" and further damaging our 1st Ammendment rights to freedom of speech. They have raped our economy via "wall street", put America in unending wars which have almost ruined our country, Let alone NO American UniversalHealthCareSystem while WE PAY For israel'sHealthCare System so that their "insurance brokers" can keep hauling in the money" and NOW they install a bounty system for anyone who "speaks out of place" or says what they don't want the rest of us to hear, or the truth of what's Really going on. This tiny race is controlling the world AND look what a mess it is, Just to stuff their coffers. Isn't this what happened when Moses was atop the mountain talking with God and the "children of israel' threw God away to worship The Golden Calf?....and NOW a zionist police state installed speech BOUNTY SYSTEM..What's next?? An installed "Judge Dread" for "instant street justice" just like the movie with stallone where the offender is tried and penalized right there on the street??? I can see it now: Mr.Jones!! YOU stand accused of stating that the paint on the temples is dirty!! You ARE GUILTY OF BLASPHEME!!! You are sentenced to 10 years in a stifling hot bagel baking basement in NYC with NO hope of parole!!!!......"no chopped liver either"......

        • 1 vote
        #1.23 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 10:28 PM EDT

        You forgot the /sarc/ tag, Phantom.

          #1.24 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 10:43 PM EDT

          Does it includes all Palestinians?

          you see... when it comes to Israel... we have to recognize the Holocaust and we whom ever... Muslim, Christian etc.. have to make sure that this doesnt happen again to them.. but Israel is making the Palestinians people go through the same Holocaust they went through before!!!!!!!!!

          I am against any Brutality and aggression and violent Gov. who uses Terror to terrorize lifes like the Israeli army....

          I know Palestinians are not easy to deal with but with Israel power.. it can do lots of harm to them and it's not going to stop... because US pretends to be blind when it comes to the crimes that Israel commits against their neighboring people the Palestinian people....

          • 3 votes
          #1.25 - Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:09 AM EDT

          While I have to agree that the humor was inappropriate, I can't see a good reason for a lawsuit. The article never mentions that the defendant made any kind of report to the management about the "constant abuse". While a DVD was made, it doesn't show whether or not the defendant himself made jokes of that nature as is claimed by the others. This seems like a frivolous lawsuit, that should and probably will be trashed, as it seems to be just a ploy to get a payday. To me, the best solution to this case is to reprimand ANY of the employees that acted inappropriately. This includes the defendant.

          To allow this lawsuit in this case, to go foreword, is sending us toward a very scary future where anyone can be sued for a stupid joke. What will stop a black man from suing another black man for calling him the N word too many times. Should I be able to sue if a black man calls me a honky, or whitey too often. This is the beginning of the opening of another Pandora's Box. Soon we will have microphones and cameras everywhere we go to police our speech, writing us tickets on the spot. Who knows, maybe we will soon be arrested for what we "might" do, before we do it. Where does it stop? I can guarantee you that everyone can find fault with what anyone says.

          • 2 votes
          #1.26 - Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:36 AM EDT

          Because everyone at work should be a robot without the ability to interact with their co-workers... In the words of Sergeant Hulka, "lighten up, Francis".

          You know, it IS possible to interact with co-workers without using racist language. One doesn't have to be Jewish to be offended by slurs against Jews. There is no reason for racist language in a workplace. Period.

            #1.27 - Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:08 PM EDT

            Oh good grief GBaby. Of course it's not okay. But it's also not worthy of a lawsuit. Americans are too litigious. Enough already. I hear and read anti-semitic, racist and sexist remarks all the damn time. Do I sue? No. I consider the source and move on. These guys are all idiots and badly behaved. It's not illegal.
            Should they grow up? It would be nice, but I'm not their mother. I am the mother of three and they are being raised to consider a persons character, not skin color, religion (or lack of) nor gender.
            Calm down.

              #1.28 - Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:17 PM EDT
              Reply

              Seems like more and more people these days don't know how to conduct themselves in a professional setting. It's bad enough to say these things in your private life, but whatever you put out in public is going to come back and bite you on the rear, pretty much guaranteed.

              Terrible way to run a business and a terrible way to conduct oneself personally.

              • 38 votes
              Reply#2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:46 PM EDT

              Right on, phalaeo.

              I guess some people just never were taught how to conduct themselves in public.

              • 1 vote
              #2.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 10:45 PM EDT
              Reply

              People are way too sue crazy nowadays. This person wasn't 'slurred' - what ever happened to just saying, "You know, that's pretty offensive" and walking away?

              • 13 votes
              Reply#3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:49 PM EDT

              What do you think of professionalism in a work place setting especially when you consider these are supposed to be adults? What do you think they say at home in front of their children/grandchildren, what are they supposed to be teaching them?

              • 9 votes
              #3.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:07 PM EDT

              If anyone told me they would burn me in an oven you can bet I'd sue.

              • 21 votes
              #3.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:12 PM EDT

              I have to agree, pretty whimpy of the guy to sue over this, even more so considering he is not even jewish in the first place. Probably looking for a quick buck. I for one hope he loses and has to pay court costs for the other guy.

              • 7 votes
              #3.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:19 PM EDT

              You can't sue for one bad joke or one bad day. But if the offensive stuff is recurring and creates a hositle environment, that's a case. From the description, this wasn't one incident. This happened regularly over a long time. He had time to get videotapes. Whether he was Jewish or not, the slurs were aimed at him. Up to a jury now.

              • 15 votes
              #3.4 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:21 PM EDT

              @fatibel, you call this a "joke"?

              • 1 vote
              #3.5 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:54 PM EDT

              Okay. We have a man of Italian lineage and another man of German lineage whose last name literally means "no stress" dishing up a pile of stuff.

              When will we realize our differences are nil compared to our common hopes?

                #3.6 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:08 PM EDT

                Tree. I'm gonna burn you in an oven...

                • 7 votes
                #3.7 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:11 PM EDT

                hoy vey shmeer.....harva, I'm heavin' harva...... c'mon!!!! you know the song......EVERYBODY

                  #3.8 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:02 PM EDT

                  fatibel, if you are as guilty as those whom you are suing, do you still have a right? If I were the others, I would file counter-suit against this individual.

                  • 1 vote
                  #3.9 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:43 PM EDT
                  Reply

                  Lawyers, enough of your bullsh-t suits! What the hell's the matter with you? Why don't you make an HONEST LIVING instead of this sh-t! THIS IS AMERICA, the land of the FREE, which has and WILL continue to be FREE & THAT INCLUDES FREEDOM OF SPEECH! Wake up @!$%#s! You're talking like our corrupt Republican corporate political puppets! ANYTHING FOR A BUCK!!

                  • 2 votes
                  Reply#4 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:49 PM EDT

                  Freedom of speech does not include making a hostile work enviroment. There are a lot of facts missing regarding this case, but if the guy informed the others that their comments were upsetting and inappropriate, and they continued anyway, then you have a solid law suit.

                  If you don't want to be sued, act like an adult, not a snot nosed child. He is free to say whatever bigoted things he wants, but not at work.

                  • 15 votes
                  #4.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:35 PM EDT

                  Read the article, this guy joined in the fun and it doesn't appear that he ever said it was offensive. The context is everything and the context in this case was friendly joking in which this guy participated. It wasn't a joke anymore when him and some sleazy lawyer decided they could wrangle some money out of it.

                  • 4 votes
                  #4.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:47 PM EDT

                  Exactly. Sounds like the guy had plenty of his own fun giving @!$%# to the Wop and the Fatso.

                  • 2 votes
                  #4.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:07 PM EDT

                  Read the article, this guy joined in the fun and it doesn't appear that he ever said it was offensive

                  I did read the article. The defense says he did these things but has offered no proof. It was never corroborated in deposition, not brought up be other witnesses. As such, I take it with a grain of salt, not as facts.

                  The defendant's comments in comparison are facts by virtue of a recoding and admission in deposition. I stand by the fact that this article is missing many facts of the case (as per usual).

                  • 4 votes
                  #4.4 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:08 PM EDT

                  TR, I was with you until you threw in the crap about republicans. Now I just think you're a douche

                  • 4 votes
                  #4.5 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:14 PM EDT

                  EngEsq, did you see the court documents? This article is lacking the information you state is not existing so I'm wondering if you have more information than what was presented in this article?

                    #4.6 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:47 PM EDT

                    TR, it might do you some good to actually read the constitution. You might be surprised to know that it only applies to government. You have no special right to be an abusive ass and somehow get to avoid the consequences of your words or actions from other people no matter how "Free" you think you are to say or do it. Please educate yourself about how our legal system works starting with the constitution before posting a lot of arrogant, self-righteous nonsense.

                      #4.7 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:10 PM EDT

                      If I was christian I'd say AAAAAA-MEN about the freedom of speech and the Republican comment, but where does it stop with the "childish banter" as these bullies call it? Should the guy get a fully automatic weapon and go crazy or should he calmly say he "doesn't appreciate that type of humor" so they can either oust the guy from the company or pile it on twice as thick? You people are already judging him for "going with the crowd" and defending himself with similar humor for as long as he did.....what's he supposed to do? Ever heard the expression "Your freedom ends where my nose begins" ? GOOD FOR HIM. Hope he wins.

                      • 1 vote
                      #4.8 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:02 PM EDT

                      If you arent a white male its clear that you are under attack. If you love those who fall outside of this white male category you are under attack dont be fooled by black and white.

                      Remember when all blacks and minorities got their right to vote, white women did too.

                      I hope this guy wins so we can start suiting for those who use @!$%#!

                        #4.9 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:32 PM EDT

                        Racial comments need to go and certainly rarely bestowed at work, but the defense is interesting--"we all did this"...surprise! But I will say if you have ever been perpetually put down or constantly HARASSED by a racist OR SEXIST...humiliated or negated and your life has been made more difficult because the role this moron has...unfortunately THE victim of a racist...(read some of the posts)...CANNOT EASILY CHANGE YOUR JOB and what is so frustrating is IT so prevalent now (and minorities can be racist too!)...

                          #4.10 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:29 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          WTF is going on here? MAN UP Dude!

                          Get disrespected ONE Time at work and handle it appropriately, and you'll never get punk'd at work again.

                          It's got to be direct and to the point.

                          Man up I tell you! MAN THE F UP !!!

                          • 3 votes
                          Reply#5 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:50 PM EDT

                          Or he can stick with farting in their faces

                          • 9 votes
                          #5.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:04 PM EDT

                          I agree with you 100% Dos Locos...bullies sense and thrive on weakness...man the F up and stand up for yourself.

                          • 4 votes
                          #5.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:17 PM EDT

                          Ummm...excuse me Dos Locos...

                          "Man up" is a sexist and highly offensive term. It's funny how the people on the wrong side of every issue go over the top to prove that they're on the wrong side of the issue.

                          Truly amazing....

                          • 1 vote
                          #5.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:50 PM EDT

                          Dos Locos:

                          Right: "man up" and end up in jail and losing your job anyway....? Nope! These guys created this workplace and they can take everything that comes with what they made, they can "MAN UP and TAKE THEIR LUMPS" if their racism gets 'em in hot water professionally! They knew or should have known that it ain't legal, not to mention immoral and stupid, to walk around in a professional situation spouting racism. That's the bottom line: they built this oven, they can cook in it!

                          • 1 vote
                          #5.4 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:10 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          This is good news for me, having a Jewish "sounding" last name - and supposedly am Jewish "looking". Everybody including Jews always thinks I am Yiddish. I can sue for this now? Cha-ching... WINNING!

                          • 3 votes
                          Reply#6 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:53 PM EDT

                          No, that would just prove you're a Jew. Oh, the irony.

                          KIDDING! DON'T SUE ME!!

                          • 6 votes
                          #6.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:11 PM EDT

                          Hmm, Catch 22... I better consult my ambiguously Jewish Lawyer...

                          • 1 vote
                          #6.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:32 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          I guess you better make sure you're not dealing with a cry baby when engaging in light banter. These are the PC days.

                          • 3 votes
                          Reply#7 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:58 PM EDT

                          "If you were a German, we would burn you in the oven"

                          Wow. I must have a wrong definition of " light banter".

                          • 20 votes
                          #7.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:03 PM EDT

                          I'm Jewish....the comments I hear are not "light banter."

                          iF THIS guy can sue, then I have a hell of a case

                          • 2 votes
                          #7.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:51 PM EDT

                          I must not be much of a banterer....I thought Germans were the ones who DID the burning.

                          • 2 votes
                          #7.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:13 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          Anti-Semitic remarks aside. It sounds like this man was being bullied in his workplace and that is completely unacceptable. His suit shouldn't be about "anti-Semitic remarks", but about behaviour in the workplace that was directed towards him, that made the working environment extremely uncomfortable and negative for him.

                          • 16 votes
                          Reply#8 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:00 PM EDT

                          I would agree, but if he was participating in the "banter" as the company is saying, then he wasn't being bullied any more than the Italian guy he was "bullying".

                          • 2 votes
                          #8.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:10 PM EDT

                          Except that some of it was directed at him and was threatening. "burn you in an oven"!

                          • 4 votes
                          #8.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:22 PM EDT

                          When you think about it, our inability to handle the "bullying problem" in public schools is EXACTLY why we have asses like these guys acting so wretchedly inappropriot in their workplaces later in life... If it's acceptable to say things like this to people your whole adolescence, why would they think it's not going to be acceptable when they're out of school and on the job?

                          • 3 votes
                          #8.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:53 PM EDT

                          Msfruhauf:

                          Thank you. Finally someone makes this obvious connection! If all of the people who say "man up" and other stupid comments like it had a kid in school who was being bullied and killed themselves, they would be suing and shooting and beating anyone they could attribute the TINIEST bit of blame to including the school that let it happen and they wouldn't think twice about smacking someone who told their kid to "grow a thicker skin" or "grow a pair" or "deal with it just once in an 'appropriate' way and it'll stop", all comments made by bullies most likely. This happens when people put up with this BS from their children who then grow up to be these jackazzes.

                          • 3 votes
                          #8.4 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:22 PM EDT

                          Except that some of it was directed at him and was threatening. "burn you in an oven"!

                          I wouldn't call that a legitimate threat. Like the guy was actually going to burn him in an oven?

                          • 1 vote
                          #8.5 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 11:11 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          Everybody I meet thinks i'm a jew! So what,it saves me money at lunch time!

                          • 4 votes
                          Reply#9 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:04 PM EDT

                          Is that supposed to be funny?

                            #9.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:53 PM EDT
                            Reply

                            Not a good workplace.

                            • 6 votes
                            Reply#10 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:05 PM EDT

                            You can offended by the remarks and not be of the group that the remarks denigrate. Pretty sad if only they can object to the remarks. There are things that should be offensive to all other wise we allow people to divide us by using this behavior to divide us.

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#11 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:06 PM EDT

                            I would say this is absurd but bosses do not have the right to be abusive towards their employees.

                            • 4 votes
                            Reply#12 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:07 PM EDT

                            That needs to get a life and the court needs to be held accountable for making the court system more of mess than it already is with all these stupid, ignorant, lawsuits. I could see it if the guy was a Jew, but get real!

                            I don't give a rats butt how many slurs or examples of Jewish culture they threw at him. Why didn't he just stand up like a man and tell those a-holes to knock it off?

                            It is so much more profitable to find a lawyer and sue for something that real, does not affect his race, or culture.

                            That a-hole "endured" it just long enough to bitch like a spoiled little boy.

                            The court should be ashamed of itself for even hearing this case!

                            • 1 vote
                            Reply#13 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:08 PM EDT

                            Wow, you have so much more information than article has. Are you psychic or did you just make a lot of assumptions based on your own biases and then lash out in ignorance of the situation?

                            • 2 votes
                            #13.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:14 PM EDT
                            Reply

                            While absolutely disgusting, the man should not be suing..he needs to move on with his life and be at peace.

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#14 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:09 PM EDT

                            ...and let the jerks be jerks and find a real Jew to shower with their hatred?

                            • 8 votes
                            #14.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:14 PM EDT
                            Reply

                            All of them sound like a bunch of immature losers who are unable to act in a professional manner at work.

                            • 6 votes
                            Reply#15 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:10 PM EDT

                            Does this also apply to other sterotypes

                            lazy M------

                            drunk I----

                            shuffling N------

                            greasy I----------

                            cheap J------

                            mafia I--------

                            What if I call my boss a bastard, then he says his mother and father were married when he was born, I better watch out

                            My co worker is a bitch, if she does not get down on all fours could she sue me

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#16 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:15 PM EDT

                            You left out : god damned superstitious C---

                            Thats "christian" for those of you who don't recognize yourselves. How'd you like to hear THAT multiple times every day for a year?

                            • 3 votes
                            #16.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:22 PM EDT

                            Not good metaphor at all little one!!

                              #16.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:59 PM EDT

                              Of course it is, needledick, you just don't want to hear it.

                              • 2 votes
                              #16.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:22 PM EDT

                              Well. Ron2402090, If She is a Hotty, You Are OUT buddy. Treat the Ladies the way they wish to be treated. And NO if you are not getting any, You CANNOT sue Sue. Got that one Sandy????????????

                                #16.4 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:39 PM EDT

                                Beast

                                If any women gets to know the beast in me, I would have her screaming on all fours asking for more.

                                  #16.5 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:06 PM EDT

                                  How exactly are ANY of these okay for a work environment anyway?

                                  • 2 votes
                                  #16.6 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:16 PM EDT

                                  jc

                                  Since when cannot you not talk at work. The first amendment of the constitution gives the right for free speech. Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never harm you.

                                  Do you get together at work and give group hugs all the time. Do not tell me you have never thought about someone and used the above expressions. Is it ok to say someone is an a$$hole at work. Get a life.

                                    #16.7 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 6:56 PM EDT

                                    Ron

                                    You call a woman or a gay man a bitch, yes you'd end up fired or in court....what are you, a dumbass? What part of racial and sexual discrimination don't you get? If you have to call someone a name (like a baby) at least call her a jerk or a jackazz which has no sexual connotation....that way you're just a frickin' baby instead of a frickin baby w/o a job and in civil court, got it?

                                    • 2 votes
                                    #16.8 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:31 PM EDT

                                    Gbaby

                                    you are such a a hole sob etc I can say whatever I want to anybody. I own my own company with 25 employees if they do not like me f them and let them quit. I also love porn movies.

                                      #16.9 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:06 PM EDT

                                      Spoken like a true white elitist..lol I like that..White boys hate all non white boys..Wake up people!!

                                        #16.10 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:26 PM EDT

                                        klone-

                                        You left out : god damned superstitious C---

                                        Thats "christian" for those of you who don't recognize yourselves. How'd you like to hear THAT multiple times every day for a year?

                                        Your right. I wouldn't like it. I would grow a pair and tell you off, then quit. Theirs no way in hell I would sue you for it. And if a gay man sues you for calling him a bitch, then all he's doing is proving he is a bitch.

                                        • 1 vote
                                        #16.11 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:43 PM EDT
                                        Reply

                                        I "smell" a counter-suit coming for fouling the air.

                                          Reply#17 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:17 PM EDT

                                          Truly unbelievable! It's bad enogh that the jews are suing everybody for the most ridiculous reasons, now even a non-jew can sue as well. This dude is a frkn pu$$y! Instead of going to court, go to Dr.Phil or run back to your momma and wipe your tears in her skirt you cry baby!

                                          • 2 votes
                                          Reply#18 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:19 PM EDT

                                          Gabby

                                          Watch out they are going to get a Jewish attorney to sue you. You know the Jewish Attorney, Doctors, Accountants, Engineers, etc are the smartest. If not they will get one from either China or Japan.

                                            #18.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:54 PM EDT

                                            Gabe 0304 is in a Pickle, and Not a kosher one either!!! Look Gabe, Here is the deal: They want what they are aiming for: Each of them to have 2600 slaves as WE ALL work to keep this world of Total Luxurious Existance the way they want it; So ALL that is going on in the world is their stratagy in the works. BUT It will BackFire, as the entire World Will Unite to Put this evil and EgoManiacal race "In It's Place" We May Live to see it. To Boot I am TOTALLY AntiIslamic, as the way those maniacs treat Women IS BOTH Sick and Evil, Let alone Human rights.......

                                              #18.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:48 PM EDT

                                              gabe, you are kidding, right?

                                              "The JEWS are suing everybody for the most ridiculous reasons"

                                              What kind of comment is that? What Jews? what reasons? JESUS was a JEW, you know?

                                                #18.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:58 PM EDT
                                                Reply

                                                Non-Jewish man can sue over anti-Semitic slurs

                                                No, it should say: "Anybody Can Sue Anybody, Over Anything"!!!

                                                • 2 votes
                                                Reply#19 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:21 PM EDT

                                                if he was skimming money out of the football pool,he deserved to be chastised..greedy little basturd !!

                                                • 2 votes
                                                Reply#20 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:27 PM EDT

                                                Agreed, it also makes it gambling and illegal in PA when the "house" (AKA non-jew) keeps a portion of the winning pot. Hopefully law enforcement are taking note of this "victims" statements. Maybe he was an American Indian and the football pool was his private casino, in that case I'm sure there are plenty more lawsuits for him to file.

                                                  #20.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:09 PM EDT
                                                  Reply

                                                  As soon as I saw the headline I knew there had to be a dago involved. What the hell does that mean anyway?

                                                    Reply#21 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:34 PM EDT

                                                    Utterly ridiculous, this cry baby needs to get life then shut the F UP!

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    Reply#22 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:35 PM EDT

                                                    Why? Shouldn't the children saying stupid and immature sh!t shut up instead?! Why are you defending as$holes.

                                                    • 5 votes
                                                    #22.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:39 PM EDT

                                                    Why are you defending as$holes.

                                                    Because he is one.

                                                    • 1 vote
                                                    #22.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:46 PM EDT

                                                    Why are you defending as$holes.

                                                    Why are you defending overly sensitive, cry babies who belong in the third grade. A real man would either brush those comments off, tell his employers he didn't like the comments being said, or quit. Not run crying to Uncle Sam, and tattle tale.

                                                      #22.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:40 PM EDT
                                                      Reply

                                                      i wonder if i wore my kippa all of the time would i hear more or less jewish jokes ?

                                                        Reply#23 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:38 PM EDT

                                                        mercanary:

                                                        You have to ask it to a muslim woman in burkha

                                                          #23.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:57 PM EDT
                                                          Reply

                                                          I want threatened by a supervisor in a back room, I told HR about it and said I will record him doing it to prove it, and they said they would throw me in jail cause its illegal to tape record in Tennessee. I wanted to kick his arse, but he is also a firefighter and it would be my word against his, and he knew some of the police

                                                            Reply#24 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:39 PM EDT
                                                            Comment author avatarVET 87-94Expand Comment Comment collapsed by the community

                                                            Hmm... jews causing trouble without even being there, we should have let Adolf finish.....

                                                              Reply#25 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:46 PM EDT

                                                              I'm a Veteran AND I am a Jew....I'll be sure to rip off a goy to make up for your comment.

                                                              • 1 vote
                                                              #25.1 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:53 PM EDT

                                                              Deep down only jews like other jews, the rest of us could do without you. Notice the phrase "rip off" is in your comment, that is what jews do to the world economy.

                                                                #25.2 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:04 PM EDT

                                                                Maybe Jews wouldn't prey on your lesser mind if you would just leave us alone.

                                                                Out of all of America's Nobel prize wins, 33% were credited to Jews, although we only make up 2% of the population.

                                                                Since you can do without Jews, please catch polio, give up your remote, stop wearing Levis, don't go on Facebook , YouTube nor Google.

                                                                • 1 vote
                                                                #25.3 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:14 PM EDT

                                                                Vet, speak for yourself and your neo-natzi ilk. I'm an atheist and have less issues with Jews than most religions. People who hate other people merely because of who they are/what group they belong to are the most pathetic pieces of crap in existence.

                                                                • 4 votes
                                                                #25.4 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 2:14 PM EDT

                                                                Yeah, at least the jews only fight to keep themselves from being killed or defamed and then killed, whereas the rest of you make up any reason your feeble little minds can justify.....Christians: Witches!? REALLY!? Muslims: People who draw images of one of the figures in your myth? REALLY!?

                                                                Yay jews! They live and let live! They have common sense, y'all could learn something from 'em!

                                                                  #25.5 - Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:49 PM EDT
                                                                  Reply
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