Unless you’re talking with someone you know well or who’s a close friend, you should stay away from discussing or asking questions concerning the following topics:
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Financial status: For example, don’t ask, “So how much do you make (earn)?” (At some U.S. companies, an employee can be terminated for asking a coworker about his salary.)
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Race: For example, don’t say, “I bet he was promoted because he’s black.”
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Ethnicity or religion: For example, don’t ask, “Should we accept Jews as new members?”
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Sexual orientation: For example, don’t say, “I think our new coworker is gay (homosexual). She said she has a “partner”—not a husband.”
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Political orientation: For example, don’t say, “How could you vote for such a warmonger?!”
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Age: For example, don’t ask, “This seems like a great company for young people. But, how old are you?”
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