Letters to the Editor
-
Desparate for attention
This isn't about media saturation. This is about a coworker who is desparate for attention. I think anyone in an office can throw a few media-inspired witticisms into the conversation, but there is the matter of dosage. I have worked with people who do a Mr. Bill "Oh noooo!" or a Homer Simpson "D'oh!" as a part of a conversation. The difference is dosage.
Carefully talk to some other people in your group privately and ask them what they think about it. They may not care or they may like it. If other people don't like it, you may want to work together to put a damper on Romper Room.
I have had to deal with people like this. The key is to shut down on them. Don't laugh, don't react. If the guy comes up and uses a funny accent for conversational purposes, smile and excuse yourself. Is he coming by your cubicle? Pick up your phone, lean over it and pretend to be talking to someone important. If he uses the funny accent in a context where you are required to listen, tell him you don't understand what he is saying and make him repeat it until he speaks normally.
Be distant. Be professional. The minute you get friendly, people like that are all over you like an uncontrolled puppy, desparate for more approval and attention. Don't give it.