Recently my fellow real estate agents and I were treated to a pizza party at work, courtesy of our sales manager. It was a very nice gesture on her part.
Sadly, it was tarnished for me by the presence of religion.
Several agents headed toward the conference room where the pizzas had been placed. But as they prepared to enter, one agent held up his hand. "First, the blessing," he announced.
From my desk, I watched as he and the sales manager shushed the roomful of working agents and bowed their heads. The would-be-minister then proceeded to pray over the pepperoni and bless the garlic bread.
I was stunned.
This was the first time in many years that I'd encountered such blatantly inappropriate religious behavior in the workplace. And I knew that I had to say something.
I probably should have voiced my objection right there on the spot, but I didn't feel it was at all necessary make a scene. So the following day, I stopped by the sales manager's office for a talk. Since she wasn't in, I emailed her. I explained that the prayer was completely unnecessary as it was done. I suggested to her that if anyone felt the need to pray over their lunches, they could do so privately, without having to subject the rest of us to it.
I told her that not only was the behavior inappropriate, but inconsiderate, as well. It showed an assumption that everyone present was open to a blessing, not to mention accepting of a blessing specific to the faith of the blessor. Given my presence there, these were bad assumptions.
Though I've spoken with the sales manager a number of times since the email, no mention of it has been made. I will make my own assumption, here. I will assume that such behavior will not recur. If it does, then my reaction will be more than an email.
The thing to keep in mind in a situation like this is that others often don't realize that anyone objects to the situation. And the realization is frequently enough to put a stop to it. The first step-making them aware of the problem-is the most important step. Don't be afraid to take it.
