Volunteering, facing the ugly in people..

*DIVA! · September 21st, 2008, 12:36 PM

I signed up to call people in a neighboring state for Obama. They give you a script to follow, along with the numbers to call. I was 5 phone calls in when the ugliness started. I didn't get Barack's first name out before the cursing and racial slurs started flying, I said thank you and have a great day, and hung up..went on to the next call. Next caller, listed as an elderly lady(should be easy, HA!), she let me finish the whole calling on behalf of Obama, and Warner before she told me "I spoke well, but I ain't voting for no nigger." This went on for 3 more phone calls and as I was dialing the fourth number I decided to give it a rest for a while. The fourth phone call was another elderly lady who answered all of my questions, told me she appreciated my call, and that she prays that Obama wins.
I know that there are people out there who will not vote for Obama, fine. However, the blatant racism and rudeness is uncalled for. I knew that calling this state wouldn't be easy, but I didn't think they would pull out all their 'southern charm' out on me. I am a very pleasant person, I do speak well, and would never be anything less than respectful while making these phone calls, however my faith in humanity is quickly dwindling!

**Grimmlok** · September 21st, 2008, 12:49 PM

where the hell do you live, bumfuck retardville?

**kingcap72** · September 21st, 2008, 12:52 PM

^^LOL@Grim.

I'm not shocked. But it's not just about race. Anytime you call people out of the blue, for whatever reason, you're going to run into a lot of anger and attitude. Hell, a few years ago I used to have a part-time telemarketing job and I got cursed out so much it wasn't funny. It's part of the terrority.

*DIVA! · September 21st, 2008, 01:03 PM

^^You're right.

Originally Posted by Grimmlok

where the hell do you live, bumfuck retardville?

No, I live in Maryland, and I was calling Virginia!

**Grimmlok** · September 21st, 2008, 01:04 PM

Virgina should probably be napalmed.

**McJag** · September 21st, 2008, 01:14 PM

Wouldn't waste any time worrying about such idiots.

**Lobelia** · September 21st, 2008, 01:43 PM

Pffftt Virginia is a lovely place.

As for the elderly & racism, the way that woman said that reminds me of my grandparents. They were so sincere & matter-of-fact in their racism. They didn't express any hate really, but they would drop the N-bomb here & there & stereotype like crazy, and just seemed to think that sorry, those are the facts (as opposed to their thinking.) It was useless to argue with them about it. They didnt' seem to mean any harm, but they were racists nonetheless. Seems like this is not uncommon in the elderly.

**mrs.v** · September 21st, 2008, 01:53 PM

Very sad and much more common than we'd probably think.

SSDiva,sorry about that stuff,but good for you for volunteering.

**bychance** · September 21st, 2008, 03:51 PM

That is a shame. Be proud that you kept dignity and respect and not fight on the phone. I'd be speechless.

**ana-mish-ana** · September 21st, 2008, 03:56 PM

^^ I dont think I could handle it either but your doing a wonderful thing especially dealing racists morons

**nycgirl** · September 21st, 2008, 04:11 PM

Sadly I'm not shocked by this. I knew someone who made calls for Hillary Clinton during the primaries and she told me that a number of people she called referred to her as a "dyke" and various other rude names.... people can be awful sometimes. On the bright side, there are tons of open minded, smart and nice people out there also. SSDiva keep on doing what you're doing, try not to let the idiots get to you. And you should be proud of yourself for keeping your composure, a lot of people wouldn't be able to do that.

**Fluffy** · September 21st, 2008, 04:12 PM

I think there is some mentality with some elderly folks of a certain age. I know a lady in my parents' church who privately says, "I just can't vote for a black." Doesn't say it publicly though.

**McJag** · September 21st, 2008, 04:15 PM

SS-just focus on the good people. If they go into a racist rant,quietly push the off button!

*DIVA! · September 21st, 2008, 04:30 PM

^^McJag, I can't hang up on them. I don't want to make his campaign look bad in anyway. The last thing we need is someone on tv saying an Obama volunteer hung-up on them, or worse. But, I'd like to introduce that one guy to some Bmore locals!!

Thanks for the encouragement. After taking time out to cook dinner, I made more calls. I actually talked to a few republicans who weren't disrespectful, and actually asked about info on Obama. I have a few more people to go before I am through my 25, and I just signed up for 50 in Maryland. However, I don't think I am going to go door to door in VA..I am a little chicken now, it's not like they will actually send me to Richmond, or Tysons Corner..

**McJag** · September 21st, 2008, 04:41 PM

I think some thoughtful Repulicans are having private second thoughts. You could be making a huge difference just my answering questions they have no one else to answer. I admire your courage . I guess I can see your point about not hanging up on the ranters,but I think I would-with glee. Now we know why I would not make a good volunteer!