[Koko2]

People are protected from discrimination or harassment based on race, sex or sexual orientation. Why not establish the same legal protection for nerds in the workplace? The place that I work favors men who are tall with 20/20 vision or wearing contacts. The new boss is tall and hires only tall, athletic men along with any women who please him. I'm relatively short and wear glasses, and the bosses all treat me like dirt. They say things like "look what the cat dragged in" when I show up for another workday. They also make me do most of the work while they goldbrick, and treat me as though I'm stupid although I qualify for Mensa. It's like Flowers for Algernon. Also, I'm androgynous (a tenor) but not gay, but I get treated as though I'm gay, and it would be less than ideal to seek protection under sexual orientation.

[unaluna]

That's a hostile work environment, to be spoken to in that manner. You can go to HR with a tape recording, but I would start looking for another job where my talents are appreciated. They do exist.

[Koko2]

I may live in a state where you can't legally tape record someone without first asking for their permission. Also, my resume makes me the most qualified for management, but the main office which is located in another town doesn't take steps to insure that I'm getting properly paid and promoted, so in short, I think they could care less. I am seeking other work, but I live in an area with limited employment opportunities, and this the first place to hire me beyond temporary assignment. Most of the jobs are listed through a state employment agency which has a track record of losing my paperwork in the shuffle.

[unaluna]

Well, I think about what I would have done differently at work. I read in a catalog yesterday a quote from Ghandi, "Nobody can hurt me without my permission." These guys are just big baby bullies. Your thinking no one cares, may be projecting some unresolved past issues on the present. The fact is: the company is lucky to have you. You do a lot of good work for them. They pay you. Act like you deserve respect, because you do. Those guys are nothing. And they know it, otherwise they wouldn't pick on you.

[Perna]

I agree with Hankster; get to know yourself better and your worth/self-worth. When they joke about what the cat dragged in, grin and agree with them; if you agree with people, they have nothing to keep going with (complaints, teasing, negative comments etc.).

Make sure you know the chain of command; I can't believe just anyone can give you things to do/their work. Don't focus on what they are doing, what they are probably getting paid, etc., just do what you want to do (if you don't like the work you should not be working there) in your way for your reasons -- you do have a plan for your career/life don't you?

[Nihil]

I don't think there should be protected classes, seems superfluous to me. Just enforce generalized anti-discrimination policies.

[CharactorAssassin]

Some employers try to get away with what they can. Owning you.

[joker_girl]

Would it be possible to turn the joke around on them so they feel stupid?

I don't know, I don't want to say anything offensive, so accept my apology in advance if this is....

But think up responses to their most frequent stupid comments, like, idk...

Other guy: "Look what the cat dragged in!"

You: "No doubt! I can barely move after last night's f**k-a-thon! By the way, your mom says hi."

Or

They act like you are gay....

So behave in a stereotypical, exaggerated gay manner. Put a vase of flowers on your desk, and a copy of Cosmo. When someone bends over, etc, make a point of pretending to look....and make sure they see you. Then, smile and wave.

Go on their Facebook, and find a picture of their sister, mom, or grandma. Buy a heart shaped frame, print out the picture and place it in the frame. Set it on your desk. Refuse to mention.

Try to set it up so some old friend you haven't seen in ages stops to visit. Be sure your friend mentions a lot of interesting things, like how you graduated summa cum laude from Harvard, got drunk that time and beat up all those guys trying to gang rape a lady with your mad karate skills, have a General Lee car you only drive on special occasions, used to ride bulls in the rodeo, and won an Oscar for your part in a porno movie. Cause of your...you know....HUGE...you know. Lol.

Anything to make them either leave you alone due to sheer annoyance, jealousy, or finally actually realizing they aren't in high school anymore and they are acting like dicks.

Obviously if that would get you in trouble, don't....but if it wouldn't....it would be funny....and they'd look stupid.

Otherwise, I would say to start seeking a new, friendlier work environment. You had something going for you, or they would never have hired you. Polish up your resume and seek a place where you are given respect, as you deserve.