OK, NEED SOME ADVICE

[propel]

If any of you remember my post before....I work with people who are not liberal and I have a Barack Obama screensaver.

I have about come to my wits end at the abuse I've suffered from my repukin' workmates. I am seriously harrassed and the boss knows of it and just gives a sly (boys will be boys nod) to what's going on....I know he's of a conservative bent too anyway.

They've given me the nickname "Barry" and are always askin' me if I checked my tires for air pressure and the like and of course one barb from one leads to further laughter from others.

I feel as though the barbs have gone beyond light hearted jabs...I really feel as though they view me as a parasite in society because of my political beliefs.....I feel extremely isolated and angry....ANY ADVICE WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

I'm in Goergia by the way.

[Pisces]

1. PUt dunce caps with Bush written on them on everyone's desk.

[propel]

3. lol

I like that

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Just tell them they'll be laughing out of the other sides of their mouths after November.

And then ignore their bullshit, don't argue with them, don't take their bait. Just keep smiling and saying, "Wait 'til November."

[propel]

6. Souds good

But I'm really kinda sad because I'm not liked because of it....maybe I don't belong in Georgia....lol

[redstate_democrat]

74. You'll be okay.

They would be doing it anyway. This is an election year. Crazy Repugnants don't know how to act in a professional manner. They let their crazy ideology take over and they don't know how to act. The majority of them are plain and simple thugs and gangsters. Look at how they behave on the job.

[femmocrat]

4. Don't worry -- You will get the last laugh on Nov. 4!

;)

Ignore them. If you react, they will just keep it up to get your goat.

[propel]

8. You are so right

I am counting on an Obama victory more than anyone you could imagine.

[Canuckistanian]

5. Don't engage them if you're surrounded

You've got to think about your job.

The workplace shouldn't be a political battleground.

If you feel too much pressure, complain. Go above your boss's head if need be.

You don't need the aggro.

[propel]

11. WELL

this is not the biggest company in the world...not only that....I'm in Georgia...the guy above would probably have the same attitude.

[Canuckistanian]

25. I see your dilemma

I would still protest, but not push the point too much.

It's still a free country.

So far.

[DesertFlower]

7. OMG. that must be awful. nt

[propel]

9. OK

what does the "nt" mean ???

[DesertFlower]

10. no text.

some people use "eom" -- end of message.

on edit: here's a DU glossary.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=358x190

[propel]

13. OH OK

I was thinking of no longer displaying any political opinions anywhere in any way shape or form....as long as I live in GA anyway.

[DesertFlower]

14. i just edited my post.

yeah. i guess georgia is "red". i'm in arizona. it's red here too, but it's getting better.

[propel]

36. happy happy happy

I would be the happiest person in the state of GA if Obama could pull out Georgia.

[DesertFlower]

41. i feel that way about arizona

which is McCain's state.:toast:

[Sparkly]

22. No state -- Georgia included -- is 90% rightwing idiots.

It's not about Georgia.

Ridicule THEM for wanting 4 more years of the disasters GOP policies have caused.

[qwlauren35]

79. I think the screen saver is a bit over the top.

I just have a bumpersticker... and my Republican cubemate has to listen to me blather about the campaign constantly. He's being REALLY cool about it.

If I was "the only one", I think I'd approach it differently. Talk about the issues instead of the candidate. I was a minority 4 years ago when Kerry ran... and a minority when it came to whether we should be in Iraq. I picked my battles, and some I walked away from. People knew where I stood. But... not a screen saver.

[mrs_p]

71. that is the coolest page ever.

but what does CYA mean?

as for the OP - best NOT to lose a job over this. i think it inappropriate for them to be harassing you and, if possible, i would tell them straight up that you are there to work and do not have time for their distractions. i take it you are at a private company?? even so, most have some sort of clause that workers cannot be discriminated against because of religion, gender, political beliefs, etc.

[berni_mccoy]

12. Get some deflated tires and paint "McCain Energy Plan" on them.

[hedgehog]

15. Put a jar on your desk and fill it with nickels and dimes you save

by having your tires properly inflated!

[Motown_Johnny]

16. Start recording all their "comments" and let them know you are doing it, But don't explain why

Let their imaginations run wild.



Once you get something that goes way to far recorded, take it to the local news with one of those "TO THE RESCUE.. or HALL OF SHAME" segments.


Harassment is harassment and it can't possibly be legal. Then get a lawyer and sue them or get them all fired.

[loveable liberal]

17. Laughing at them upsets them. Getting irritated gives them what they want.

Keep your obama, but make it shuffle through embarassing mccain photo's too. simple enough. Oh, and document what they say every day, keep a journal, but dont tell anyone what is in it. Makes them think.... Include what your boss does.

[propel]

19. Their reaction

You know that sounds good I guess but the workplace and every job has a certain "culture" if you will, I don't want to come off as a troublemaker or someone blatantly out of the "culture" so to speak of the job.

If that makes any sense at all.

[propel]

20. fact is....

...unfortunately, I feel very much outside of the "culture" of the job.

[loveable liberal]

24. Then screw them. Laugh at their hypocrisy... they confuse easily.

At work i have a disappearing civil liberty's coffee cup. pour hot coffee in it and the liberties disappear.

[tabatha]

18. Why don't you just ignore it....

but when you find an article of good facts, print it out and hang it on your walls where they can read it.

Or print Paris' picture - with "wrinkled white-haired guy" on it.

[propel]

27. Honestly

I guess the bottomline is I feel a certain detachment from everyone else....if anyone else there likes Obama, they certainly haven't made it known....a good chance their not hiding it because of the conservative nature in area I live.

[Hamlette]

52. it shouldn't be a surprise that no one else says s/he's for Obama

They know they will be treated as an outsider.

I live in a very red state, (Utah) and very Mormon (I'm not). I do NOT make my religion or my politics known at ANY job. EVER.

I've found that several of the ppl I work with I like, and they like me. BUT, we NEVER talk politics or religion.

You spend a ton of time with the ppl you work with. But only because we do not talk politics or religion. Keep it professional. Always.

I hate to say it but anyone who talks politics at work is an idiot (no you, of course) unless you know the other person agrees with you.

You can't file a complaint (based on what you've said) unless you're under The Workforce Investment Act. Most federal anti discrimination laws don't include politics, just race, sex etc. WIA does but it is a VERY difficult charge to make and prove.

If you can't take it, you will lose your job. If that's fine with you, so be it.

One of the great dangers of our society is that we are splintering. The byproduct of that is people only known "their own kind." You don't like someone's politics or religion so you hang with your own. That allows you to demonize "the other". That pushes us farther apart. 50 years ago we went bowling or played bridge together. Many countries have set up bridge clubs so people can meet on "neutral" territory. The only way that is possible is if you don't talk politics.

I got "outed" at my office a few years ago (religion). It was terribly painful. People I had known for years were a little cooler toward me after that. I decided the only thing I could do is be a model. Always honest, thoughtful, principled. That way it will be harder for them to dismiss everyone of my "ilk"

That's where we have to get.

If you've done the damage say: "I never should have brought my politics up at the work place. It was very unprofessional. We probably ought to talk about something else." Be light hearted when the bring it up after that but do not engage. Be a "role" model for the Obama supporter. Don't get into the mud with them. Live your life and do your job in a way that will earn their respect.

Good luck.

[Tresalisa]

77. Great reply.

You said what I wanted to say, only much better than I could have.

:hi:

[Catherine Vincent]

21. You need to head over to your Human Resources dept. and file a complaint.

That's harassment in the workplace, dude.

[Beregond2]

23. Fill the water cooler with "GoLightly."

[Marrah_G]

26. Politics and the work place don't mix- just like religion and the workplace

Just some future advice.

[propel]

30. 100% right

I've learned a lesson I won't repeat, another thing, if I was ever in a liberal culture and there was a conservative made to feel left out I would try to correct that problem too because it's wrong in any form.

[blondeatlast]

47. Very wise. I discuss both only in the most comfortable situations--and work

sure as hell doesn't qualify as one of those!

[scarletwoman]

28. Do you personally own the computer that you have your Obama screensaver on?

If not, then it is owned by the company you work for, and you have no standing to complain. I'm surprised your company even allows it.

Frankly, I think it's pretty stupid to bring politics into your workplace when you know you're surrounded by people who don't agree with you.

My advice: stop being stupid.

[propel]

32. too late

If I stopped being stupid tomorrow it would still have effects from here on out.

I won't do it at my next job, I can tell you that much.

[scarletwoman]

35. Change your screensaver to a nice tropical beach scene, and wave off any attempts at discussion.

If the harassment continues then file a complaint with your company's human resources department. You'll at least have a leg to stand once you've changed your screensaver to something neutral.

[propel]

39. may be best

I may just do that and laugh off their jokes.

I just really got emotionally involved with the idea of Obama being President.

I had to show it.....well, I didnt' have to show it...but I did.

[scarletwoman]

50. I hope you can find other Obama supporters outside of your workplace.

Have you gone to Obama's website and searched to see if there any groups in your area? Even if you just participate on the message board there it may be a good channel for your enthusiasm.

You could also see about putting your emotional involvement to good use by volunteering to phone bank or door knock, if you are so inclined.

Holding down a job usually entails being mindful of boundaries -- there are always parts of one's private life and beliefs that are just not useful to display in the workplace.

Good luck to you.

sw

[ObamaIL]

33. I disagree--They've allowed it up

I don't think you make an issue out of it though... We want to encourage Obamacons so they need to see people do like him and aren't afraid to put it out there.

[Barack_America]

29. Put a "Republican Fun Fact" on their desks everyday...

This would be a good one to start with.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6597901

If they don't like it, tell them you'll stop when they do.

[hughee99]

31. My general advice to anyone would have been...

to keep politics out of the workplace, but in your case, that ship has sailed.

As I see it, there's really a couple of ways you could go with this (assuming your boss is not all that sympathetic to your cause anyway, and you don't want to look for a new job).

The few comments as I've seen above just sound to me like they're trying to press your buttons. Provided it stays at this level, just don't play their game, they'll soon tire of it.

OR

You could take it to your Human Resources department but if you thought you were isolated by a few political remarks, you'll see what isolated really is when it gets out that you went to HR over what many will see as a minor beef. This may be necessary if it progresses to vandalism or something like that, but still, if you go to HR, people who don't know anything about your situation will just know you as the guy who ratted out his co-workers to HR. Management may tend to direct you toward more isolated work as well, since even if they agree that you were right, they don't know if you will feel harassed again, and they don't want to deal with the paperwork and headaches that HR meetings can bring. HR will tell you that it's all confidential, and it may be if it's just a personal issue between you and HR, but once they try to take some action to resolve your issue, it won't take long for those involved to figure it out.

OR (sadly just my hunch this is the least likely scenario)

You could take a shot at a serious political discussion with the ring leader, BUT it's ONLY worth your while if you can do this in a rational manner (if they're already pressing your buttons, your not going to help yourself any by getting into a heated political debate) and ONLY if you think that person is capable of doing the same. If the person knows just enough about politics to give you shit about yours, it will be counterproductive to even try this.

I don't know if this will help, but it may give you some things to consider. Good luck and keep your chin up, there are tens of millions of us who support Obama to. :)

[propel]

34. I've had a discussion with ring leader.....

.....He said......"bottom line, you need capital in a capitalistic society not politicians demonizing the people with capital so they can get their socialist hands on the money, He said you don't profit a capitalistic society by taking the money where wealth produces wealth in the private sector and putting it where wealth is wasted in the Government"

He was pretty much stern in that analysis as if to say....."don't be an idiot"...that was his attitude.

I havent' engaged him since.

[hughee99]

42. I suspect you won't get anywhere in a debate with him

mostly because I suspect he won't hear more than 2 words of what you say, which will only frustrate you further.

One thing I've always wondered about this argument (I've heard versions of it before). A relative of mine is an engineer for a major defense contractor and he's quite well off and generally only works on the kind of projects (military and non-military) that only governments would (or even can) buy. Our collective wealth, via taxation, produces his wealth. From my experience, conservatives seem to have this image of liberal politicians as people who just want to take their money and give it to crack heads.

[tabatha]

43. I don't think he really understands capitalism at all,

You could point out to him that the "private" corporations in Iraq are the biggest wasters - in fact there has been less "wealth" produced in Bush's economy than Clinton's.

[propel]

45. good point

Smart girl Tabatha

[WA98070]

48. If this person claims to be a Christian, ask him how much did Jesus charge for...

the bread and fish during the sermon on the mount or the wine at the wedding etc.

[Heather MC]

37. Get it all on video, then file a harassment suit!

Go Over your Bosses head with the evidence.

[propel]

38. Well

If Obama should lose this election......I may just end up hurting someone....I cannot even begin to tell you how upset I would be.

[Heather MC]

58. If he loses it will be because THEY cheated and

we should organize a swift Overthrow if you know what I mean
this country has suffered enough from the actions and inactions of Cheaters, liars, theives and murders
JMO

[BlooInBloo]

40. There's no easy way to be a "race-traitor" in the South. Good luck!

[CitizenPatriot]

44. Oh, geez

I know how it feels- we're in the south. Our neighbors have ostracized us and one of them has actually accused us (to others) of being Arabs (translation: terrorists because as you know, a lot of people here don't know that there is a difference between the two), which is even worse considering that she has no reason to think this -- we are white and we don't do anything weird, you know? She thinks we're dangerous because we're from a liberal place. Her son is a bigwig in local politics -- a kkk dogma spouting freak, so I know how it can be. I have to calm myself down every day because her bs makes me crazy. She calls the police whenever she sees a black person, for god's sake. It makes me so angry.

I am so sorry you have to deal with that everyday. Your boss should be supporting you, but I know how things go here. Not exactly the most progressive environment, no? You aren't alone, though. Don't let them throw you off your game-- remember that underneath every republican thug lies the quivering fear that you are smarter and better than them. Keep your dignity and look down your nose kindly at them, as if you feel sorry or them. I seriously would do some online reading about bullies and how to deal with them, because that is what they are doing. So immature and pathetic, really. But I know how demoralizing that can be, esp day after day. You're never going to get through to them, esp in pack mentality. And knowing this culture here, HR will only hurt you. They don't do things here like the rest of the country, peeps. Take it from me, cuz I learned the hard way. If you need this job, lay low and focus on November. And remember you can employ the southern strategy of insulting them without ever saying anything bad...but I don't see how that's going to help in the long run. Sorry....

Imagine their faces when Obama wins:-)

[propel]

46. lol

Their faces when Obama wins is exactly what I'm dying to see.

The day after election I want to look them dead in the eyes and talk about election. My smile will be the biggest one in Georgia. I'm so lookin' forward to it...it will make all the abuse worthwhile.

[propel]

49. I'm not following you

The amount Jesus charged for the sermon on the mount ...and the food??? the wine at the wedding ???

[CitizenPatriot]

54. yeah the food....help me, god.

[propel]

51. lol

No, it's not exactly "progressive" around here..unless 3 churches at every street corner is progress....lol

[CitizenPatriot]

53. it's bad

It's been shocking to me, moving here. I get a service guy over here and he starts lecturing me in my own home about murdering unborn babies, telling me why my life depends on me voting for mccain, trucks going by with huge photos of "abortion babies" on them, christian literature and radio at a regular drs office, confederate flags everywhere -- I'm sure we could trade some stories! They say I am "slick" -- you know what that means, and now so does Obama. ha ha. They have their own vocabulary here. Oh, and a yankee. Are you called that? I am at least once a day:-) woo hoo!

You aren't alone!!!! Good luck and kick some a$$. You will prevail and they will be very very sad in Nov. OH, and for fun, we're thinking of having all of our friends dress in different cultural attire so we can celebrate diversity:-) and I was joking this weekend about setting up a register-to-vote booth in my front yard along with a BBQ cart (like they do in many of the African American neighborhoods here). My neighbor would fall over herself in FEAR. Hee hee. DH is going to do it, I know he is. I'll video it if we do. It makes me so happy to be here, in a place where I can make a difference finally...even though it's hard. I'm videoing the vote in the poorer section of town and I'm getting people to register to vote and send letters to the editors. Think about that when those morons are fighting you! All that is going on behind the scenes. Things are changing and those poor people are missing the boat.

[propel]

55. Happy Day

I am gonna just not be able wait to get to work that day...that's for sure.

I'm gonna say..."Living around here...shoot, I thought the whole country loved McCain.....oh well."

Actually I need to think still about the smartass comments I'm gonna make to these people....

How bout...."I guess you're happy, you voted for Obama ???? Right ??????"

[sakura]

56. Consider how much you need this particular job...

...before making any decisions. Do you have a plan B if things get uglier?

As the political discussion has already been started, it may be hard to back out of it now. That would be the best choice as there's nothing to be gained in trying to convince mere coworkers (you didn't choose them as friends, after all) of something they are extremely unlikely to buy into.

I think removing your screensaver is a mistake, however, assuming you have permission from your boss to use it (check your employee handbook). If you do remove it, your colleagues may see it as a sign of surrender and escalate the abuse.

As you are already into it chest deep, why not change your tactics completely, and make light of things, instead? Don't pick up the rope, in other words. It sounds like your coworkers are having great fun goading you, but the fun in that is when the other party reacts. They want you to defend Obama, and more importantly, they want you to get angry. They're like schoolyard bullies who know the teacher is looking the other way. But what fun is it to bully a classmate who doesn't respond appropriately?

So deny them their expected reward. Take their barbs and turn them into compliments. If they call you Barry, smile. Act like it's a privilege to be called that name. You don't need to tell them this-- just let them see by your reaction that it isn't an insult. If they ask you about air pressure again, buy some tire gauges. Seriously. No words of explanation are needed-- just leave them in a jar on your desk. They'll ask you about them. Count on it. First, they'll assume one of their own bought them for you, and when they find out from each other that's not the case, they'll come to you and quiz you about them. Don't use it as an excuse for a long-winded explanation. Just say, "Feel free to take one. It sounded like you all need them." Period. End of story. They'll talk among themselves about how you don't get their little joke, but you'll have taken the fun out of it for them. Plus, everyone can use a tire gauge-- the jerks you work with each probably have one in their glove box. So you won't have offended them in turn, just shown them the truth behind their crappy insult. More importantly, you won't have done anything that could be twisted into an excuse to fire you-- a lot of the suggestions here could result in that.

Good luck with the Neanderthals!

-- ed for spelling

[propel]

59. Thanks

Sounds like very good advice, it really does.

I won't engage in obvious political beliefs in the future, I can tell you that. I got very emotional and supportive of the idea of Barack Obama as President, I guess I just couldn't restrain the enthusiasm I felt and the desire I felt for a Democrat in the White House....I'm actually kinda depressed I live in an area that will vote for McBush...it blows my mind and saddens me.

But my enthusiasm will never come through that forcefully at my job in the future, I can tell you that much.

[sakura]

69. I hope things work out for you.

:hug:

[Indenturedebtor]

57. I was in the same position for a few years when I was selling cars

Personally I made it a point to pull people into debates whenever we had a free moment. I owned them with truthiness. Facts have a way of exposing people as ignorant if deployed properly. Ask questions that lead people into exposing their ignorance. Usually they respond with something stupid and snarky, but that can be countered with another "genuine" caring question: "No really Larry, I would rather be wrong once than always wrong. Tell me why you support McBush?" And he'll be either completely ignorant about it or completely ignorant about it.

Just keep your calm, poo flinging republicans can smell frustration. They love it. They think that the loudest monkey wins. Be calm and show them that they are stupid in a polite fashion.

[propel]

60. State ????

Which state do you live in if you mind me asking ???

[propel]

61. Thanks everyone !!!!

Thank you all for your advice.

Like I said..I know better than to talk politics at work.....I got caught up in emotion and enthusiasm for Obama.

I was wrong.........DEAD WRONG AND I WONT' DO IT AGAIN

Thanks so much for words of encouragement and words of wisdom.

I'm glad I made this post becuase there are some very smart and thoughtful people here.

GO OBAMA

[Indenturedebtor]

65. Not at all - tucson AZ

Like I said I don't think I changed too many minds, but for the most part people learned that I would get extremely obnoxious and make them look bad if they brought up politics ;)

[Hepburn]

62. Your employer has allowed a "hostile environment...."

Find a lawyer who does employment law and find out what your rights are and proceed accordingly.

JMHO

[Overseas]

63. Are people who sneer at saving money really smart employees?

That's what gets me about the artificial sneering at inflating your tires game. Dumb. Who doesn't want free energy? If I can just check my tires, add some air and save money, why wouldn't I want to do that?

Would they rather be cool than save some money? They might not be the best employees. Willing to waste money so casually.

[otohara]

64. History Is On Your Side

walk tall - remember George Bush is and will forever be the worst POTUS ever! Your co-workers chose the worst person in the world, not once but twice and that makes them stupid.

and yeah I might consider changing my screen saver to some ridiculous Bush jpg., just to remind them how terrible things are, or something tragic like dead people in Iraq.

[eshfemme]

66. Wow.

I'm sorry that your exercising your right to free speech has led to a hostile work environment. Although I should urge you to do something like reporting it to the correct authorities, it doesn't sound like it'd be an effective or immediate enough solution for you. I hope that I am not parroting what some people have said but I agree that these colleagues of yours are bullies. It's a bad situation since they are a mob of bullies and that's a situation that can easily get worse if you show any weakness.

It's not a bad thing that you're so enthusiastic about Obama but you should also be smart about this. Although their knowledge of your political affiliation can not be taken back, it doesn't mean that you can't defend it. This does mean more work on your part though as you will probably need to read up on some facts as there WILL be times when you will need to push back and push back HARD with the facts. This would probably also require your informing yourself on the various smears and lies the Republicans put out.

Also, you will need some courage. I find that bullies do not like it when you enjoy or seem to enjoy the situation. I've dealt with situations like this where I've learned to appreciate the humor. Sometimes, I can just get myself to laugh at their stupidity and then walk away leaving them to wonder what the hell just happened that was so amusing. That can be more effective than just standing there and taking it with a smile. The key is to not be intimidated and even if you are, don't show it. Really, if you think about it, there's nothing to be scared of-- bullies rely on the tactics that they do because they're cowards. Even if they are angered to the point of physical assault, they lose because they have lost emotional control and hence ceded moral ground.

I do think though that in order to deal with this situation, you will need to grow a much thicker skin. When you do debate them, make sure to always use a polite and even tone of voice (NEVER show it when you're angry, scared or saddened by their attacks). Frankly, I don't believe there will be a chance of your ever befriending them unless they suddenly have a moral epiphany. So I recommend that you remember firmly in your mind to treat them as strangers you happen to see every day. Try to treat them in a detached but polite manner. The way they are treating you now is not professional and not how they should be treating a fellow member of the team but the only way to show that they are making a mistake is to do a great job and to be better than them at it.

In the end though, I do think you should try to see if you can find another job. In such an good old boys' club environment where you have been "outed" as NOT a part of the in-group, it'll be increasingly difficult to deal with the psychological alienation.

I'm sorry that you have to deal with such a situation and I really do wish you the best of luck!

[propel]

67. Thanks for kind words

Yes, I was emotionally attached to the success of Obama........MY BAD.

You make a lot of sense...like I said all jobs have a "culture" if you will.

I'm gonna handle it my own way. I'll bring my girlfriend around "she's hot"

They'll at least see I'm a normal red blooded male if not a member of a red state....lol.

I'm gonna do as you say and not be so "emotional" about my support.....even though I am....lol.

[eshfemme]

68. The one thing I'd like to add is

That it might be a bad idea to parade your girlfriend around like an accessory. I know that your intentions are good but it's not exactly respectful of your girlfriend and might seem to the bullies that you're overcompensating for something. I'd recommend that you simply avoid trying to do anything that seems designed to "win" their approval. Remember that they're the ones unworthy of you.

Right now, in this situation, it's a domination game and since you are only 1 person versus many, you need to make sure that you're not intimidated and you're not pulled into their way of doing things.

[sourmilk]

70. Take a harder line.. Morons cannot be reasoned with.

Georgia is full of soldiers and serving families. Ask them why Veterans' Groups aren't lining up to support McSame. It's pretty easy to see:

McLame is not a war hero.

He's a pathetic traitor who sold out his buddies and betrayed his oath as a soldier while shilling for the VietCong to save his privileged and pampered ass. He continued to sell out the POW/MIA movement when he came home, continues to sell out veterans of every stripe every time a funding bill reaches the House and probably kicks a veteran every day on his way to work. That's just in PUBLIC life. In his private life, he's a liar, a gambling junkie and pathetic cheater who lusts after cash as well as cheap women.

Georgia? Not one of the more enlightened states, unfortunately...Tell them that the Klan would be proud of them. Tell them to think for themselves and quit supporting the McKKKain the KKKandidate.

All this will probably get you in deeper, though.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

72. As a former middle school teacher, propel,

these folks are acting like middle schoolers and borderline bullies.

The "Barry" thing sounds particularly annoying to me...first off, it's not your name, and secondly, Barack gave that one up himself a long time ago. If it were me, I wouldn't respond at all to that. For instance, if someone hollers at you from a distance or greets you as you enter a room, totally ignore it. They'll soon tire of that. Sounds like this harrassment happens when you're outnumbered in a group. You could greet them by name in a friendly, but not dorky manner when you see them individually...a little reverse psychology. If they try to engage you in a no-win verbal pissing contest, maybe sit on the edge of a desk or table, cross your arms and stroke your chin thoughtfully. Also look down and nod your head. Then say only, "I hear you." That will deflate their bravado in no time 'cause it takes 2 to argue.

GOOD LUCK, PROPEL.:hi:

[propel]

73. Yeah

The Barry thing does get under my skin. The guy singing "Jeremiah was a bullfrog" gets on my nerves too.

[CitizenPatriot]

75. remember

they are truly idiots. just because they outnumber you doesn't make them cool, right, or powerful.

they are parroting stuff they hear on talk radio. that's it. making fun with names? oh my god. i think the advice to laugh is good -- but it would be so tempting to take those guys down.

so, yeah. they're not as educated as you. it sucks to be them. I think the advice not to be insulted by this stuff is right one. part of the argument is that because they do it like they're making fun of you and Obama, you're supposed to be shamed. Refuse to buy into their value system. That stops a lot of crap right there. Remember that your value system is something you're proud of and you work on -- so there's no reason why you should doubt it or let someone belittle you for your thought process, choice, etc. Stand proud and live in your own bubble. Ten years from now, you will be on your merry way and they will all be drinking a 6 pack by their trailer, married to their high school prom wanna be GF who has cheated on them twice and is PG again, or thinking about coming out of the closet finally (GA is known in inside circles for "being married while gay"). In any event, they will not have been living a fully evolved life.

Hang in there. You're the smart one and hey, when you come here, you know you're not alone! Leave your GF out of it; you might not like where that goes. Bring her picture in and put it on your desk. Don't let them get any more entwined in your life than they already are. Take it from someone who's been there.

edited for the F key which is going bad on my keyboard ugh

[CK_John]

76. When you bring politics into the workplace you created the hostile environment. You are surprised??...

[propel]

78. I know I know I know

I've stated numerous times of my mistake in this post of being emotionally attached to Obama and stating beliefs at work.

I'll say it again....I screwed up. I screwed up. I screwed up. I screwed up.