I recently received at my work email address a link to a YouTube video of a very popular Irish television show, Mrs Brown’s Boys. In my opinion, this is the best comedy show that has come from the BBC in a very long time. The episode in question, “Mrs. Brown gets a bikini wax”, was so funny to me, I was crying from laughter at my desk. My first impulse was to share the video with some of my co-workers who have a similar sense of humour. However, I hesitated before I pressed the send button, and I decided to exclude males, which I had never done before.
Why am I so concerned?
For more, read my latest post on the topic on Slaw
Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B. Managing Editor
Managing Editor at First Reference Inc.
Marie-Yosie Saint-Cyr, LL.B., is a trained lawyer called to the Quebec bar in 1988 and is still a member in good standing. She practiced business, employment and labour law until 1999. For over 20 years, Yosie has been the Managing Editor at First Reference. She manages the PolicyPro Human Resources and Internal Controls editions, The Human Resources Advisor editions, PaySource and the HRinfodesk news service as well as the blogs. Marie-Yosie (a.k.a. Yosie) is a recognized and respected author, with an extensive background in human resources, employment and labour across the country.
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I agree with you Sujata! Best to keep personal business out of the workplace. The people I train often complain that this kind of approach will curtail their freedom of expression. Freedoms that exist in our personal lives don’t always exist in the workplace!
I do not find the material offensive. The video is a good laugh and I might share it with friends via our personal email addresses. But I would never forward it to any co-worker (male or female) through the business email system.
I just watched the video and you’re right—it’s hilarious! It’s a humorous depiction of a very ordinary event. I don’t see how it is discriminatory or harassing or even offensive. I would honestly be interested in learning how others may find this material to be offensive. . .talk to me . . .