Probably more like 1,000 than 'thousands'. We're talking about Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Libya, Algeria, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iran. I think Egypt, Tunisia and Libya have a combined ~700 by now. There's just so much going on that it's incredibly difficult for media to cover.
I have learned that to be diplomatic in almost all situations is best. If I was in your situation, I would have finished the meeting and afterward pulled the guy aside and spoken with him private letting him know that he needs to be careful with those comments. I would have told him that personally I thought they were out of line and I like to "tell it like I see it." I think right now its too late to apologize or say anything, the situation has passed and I don't think it is that big a deal. Remember when you lose your cool in front of people, its a sign of weakness. Try to never allow your emotions to control you, however stand up for what you believe in but always at the right time and setting. People will respect you much more for that. These things are best said one on one.
abso-freaking-lutely not. i'd have done the very same thing. not that that makes it right or ok...but i don't see a problem with it. i see lots of problems with a jerk off session about rising oil prices while people are suffering for it. I don't think you remotely lost your cool. Making your point isn't losing your cool.
You should have kept your mouth shut, really. Never let your personal life/opinions in around co-workers in any situation unless you're -really- tight. It's dog eat dog. However, since you did it, I wouldn't say a thing to the guy now. Act like it never happened. Apologizing may be construed as weakness.
I don't want to be too "touchy-feely" here, but everything effects everyone in some way or another. We're all one people sharing one planet. The lack of empathy you show in the above quoted post is, in my opinion, why it seems nearly impossible right now to change the status quo. The thoughts above are in the majority of comfortable Americans and that saddens me. I'm not trying to pick a fight... I just feel differently than you do and wanted to speak my peace in a civil way. Of course you're entitled to whatever opinion you might have on whatever particular situation you choose.
i'd say his a dick, not for kissing butt but (which i'm not sure if he really was or not) but because he is happy the events are going on, not so that people might be able to make a better life and country for themselves but because UAE would benefit from it.
In America . . . . people in superior positions rarely apologize to those they 'regulate'. It maybe taken as a sign of weakness! If you think it was rude . . and feel like apologizing. . . then I say do it. It is IMO more for YOU than HIM. QUESTION: Why specifically were you irratated . . I mean was it his insensativity or his attempt at *ss-Kissing? or both? Rocket River
I would have to know more about the context of the discussion. If this guy was there to make actually make a predictions about how the current situation in the Middle East is going to affect his business and / or the UAE in general then he was in line, even if his delivery was insensitive. If this was a just a general discussion and he brought this up just to ass kiss thinking for whatever reason you would appreciate his willingness to exploit the plight of other Middle Eastern countries for UAE's benefit then he is out of line and you are absolutely right to act out. It sounds more like the latter from how you describe it but before you get down on yourself consider how the conversation got there. Was this topic something that he brought up or that you brought up? Anyway its already happened and from what it sounds like he recognized he might've gone too far and I wouldn't dwell on this.
Wrong to snap. I mean, semi-snap. He isn't obligated to care about things that aren't directly affecting him. The only part affecting him is positive. Humans don't have to care about humans man. Deal with it.
don't apologize...it'll just undermine you're authority...if you feel strongly, tell him a little something outside of work...
I deal with it by calling them out. And then telling them they'll be visited by 3 ghosts later that evening. Then I tell them to deal with it.
You didn't "act out" wrongly, in my opinion. Perhaps you can talk to the guy behind closed doors heart to heart about the situation and how it bothered you, but I don't believe you owe him an apology and, if he does apologize to you, accept it. Take it for what it's worth, your feelings got hurt, and you were annoyed, so you said a couple of things that deserved the pregnant pause. Your feelings got in the way but you didn't punch or insult anyone. As Michael Scott said to Dwight: "hug it out, b*tch. "
In American culture, there's nothing wrong with what you did. That you kept the business portion professional showed great restraint. I don't know how it would reflect in your culture, but how would you resolve big issues/misunderstandings? (not that this is one)
Is Mathloom then obligated to ignore something he finds offensive? Maybe this guy should just deal with the Mathloom's ire.
So you have no feelings toward genocide or deaths due to natural disasters in other parts of the world?
Does that count as acting out in UAE? Actually, as far as whether it was rude, asking Americans probably doesn't help unless this guy was himself an Westerner. In the US, I don't think a retort like that would have any consequences. He would realize that he was out of line talking about it and might even apologize for bringing it up. I don't think an Westerner would expect an apology from you. It might make the relationship a little colder though, apology or not.
