Today I yelled at an elderly saleswoman who looked as though if she could have clubbed me and hidden the body, she would have.
It started out simply enough. I wanted to return a book. Two days ago, my brother bought me “Obama Nation” by Jerome Corsi. I hadn’t really heard anything about it, but did a little research and found that he’s the same author who started the “swiftboat” movement against John Kerry. I also found that the book is filled with half truths and misrepresentations- including the idea that Obama might be doing cocaine as a senator, when he’s went on the record (in his memoirs and in newspaper reporting) to say that he stopped doing drugs when he was in his 20′s. The author has come out publicly saying that he does not want Obama in office and will do whatever he can to prevent it from happening- including writing a book based on total fabrications. Both Democrats and level-headed Republicans have dismissed the book for it’s outrageous spin. In short, it’s a book not worth the money my brother had spent or the time it would take to read it.
Before I share with you what happened, let me say two things- 1. I’m ashamed of my behavior. I’m not sharing this because I’m proud of my actions, I’m doing it because I need to share my behavior to fully reach the levels of embarrassment I deserve. 2. I’m not against reading books that differ politically from my own views. I’ve often found it a great way to learn more, I’ve even reached the levels of Anne Coulter (I did this after drinking heavily one day, I found it made the whole thing more bearable.) What I am against is spending money on any book (regardless of political views) that is drenched in lies and looks to profit from destroying the character of someone.
So, I went to the bookstore today, (with the receipt) hoping for a return.
The conversation went something like this:
Me: Hi, I’m here to return this book. I have my receipt right here.
Saleslady: Okay very good. What’s the reason for the return?
Me: I just don’t want it.
Saleslady: Not really a political fan hey?
Me: Actually I am, but this book is not accurate.
Saleslady: Oh, so you are American. (This is said as though she’s suddenly smelled something decaying in the bookstore)
Me: Oh no, I’m Canadian.
Saleslady: Then why make all the fuss?
Me: I don’t think being Canadian should make me more likely to accept lies or give my money to someone to profit from telling them.
Saleslady: Well that seems pretty silly. It’s just a book. You young people today get so worked up all the time, heavens just read it! It can’t all be wrong. People thought he wasn’t a Muslim and know it turns out he is. Filthy. (Current anger level: 3. I mean, she’s an elderly lady in a cardigan. She’s clearly misinformed – and what the hell is with the ‘filthy’ comment??, but getting more angry at her doesn’t seem polite. In fact, it seems like a good way to pave my way to Hell)
Me: What? Obama’s not a Muslim though.
Saleslady: That’s just what they want you to believe. All you silly girls just love the speeches and don’t listen to the truth. He’s a Muslim.
(Current Anger level 6. It’s one thing to be misinformed, elderly and cardigan wearing, but now she’s being condescending and implying that I like him only for his speeches. And she’s STILL wrong on the Muslim thing, and acting as though being Muslim is like saying he likes to steal wheelchairs from the disabled. And she’s not even attempting to return my book, but just keeps petting it like it’s a kitten who’s lost it’s way).
Me: No… it’s an actual fact. This is why I don’t want this book, it just perpetuates what isn’t true. I just want my money back please.
Saleslady: If you don’t want to believe he’s Muslim, that’s fine. I’m just saying that he’s pulled the wool over your silly eyes. He’s not going to win because the truth will come out.
Me: Well, I guess I just disagree. (Current Anger level: 7. I’m really trying to stop talking about it because I can feel my ears turning scarlet and my hands have slowly balled into fists. I’m suddenly too hot and my head hurts. My brain has a hard time grasping the idea that people like this woman actually exist)
Saleslady: Listen. Trust me. I’m just saying this book looks like it has some of the right ideas. This Obama reminds me of Hitler, he’s just got too many followers- I get the chills when I see him just thinking of what kind of evil things he would do if he ever won. It’s like a cult really for all you young kids.
(Current Anger level: 9. Not only does she refuse to let it go, she’s now comparing Obama to Hitler. And she’s still refusing to just give me a damn exchange. And the continual reference to ‘you, young kids’ said in a way to imply that young people are an unsightly gang of uneducated thugs is getting old)
Me: That’s completely ridiculous! The people who are blind- who have the wool over their eyes are the people who buy into this shit. (At this point I grab the book and hold it up because now I’m officially crazy with rage and feel like I need to do something with my hands that don’t involve giving people the finger). Who are too lazy to actually go out and look for themselves at a candidate and who instead readily eat up whatever lies come wrapped up in a pretty book- AND WORSE, go and spread it around like it’s the truth. Here’s an idea- take responsibility for yourself! Become educated! Or keep your mouth shut. Seriously. The whole thing is shameful.
Silence. The kind that’s so thick with awkwardness, you could actually slice up all the awkwardness and serve it on toast.
Saleslady: Do you want cash or exchange?
“level-headed Republicans” – uh, huh. (Kidding aside, the extremes on both side aren’t exactly level-headed.)
Personally, assuming I hadn’t completely lost it (which, by the way, is kinda understandable), I think I would have greatly enjoyed discussing this woman’s behavior to her manager. It’s one thing to have a friendly discussion, but to actually insult the customer (and, yes, repeating over and over that the customer is “young” in a dismissive way is insulting) is a little above and beyond the duties of a customer service representative!
All that to the side – damn funny post!
I think it’s completely understandable and almost okay that you reacted the way you did. Just because she’s elderly doesn’t excuse the things she was saying nor the way she talked down to you.
You young people need to start treating your elders with respect. I mean, they’re the reason the country’s in the state that it’s in now, right?
And good for you. I’m sure she’s not familiar with someone putting her in her place.
I got mad just reading this. At her, not you obviously. You were awesome.
You handled this in the right way. She went over the line by being elitist and condescending.
Maybe I am nuts but I think you did the right thing. She had no right to throw her opinions at you that way, especially after it became clear you seriously disagreed. Besides, it is terribly unprofessional to be talking about those things to a customer…. Anyway, I think you did well and said what needed saying.
*slow clap*
See, I would’ve reached level six long before you, asked to speak to her manager and reported her for not only not making my return without snide commentary but also for engaging in discriminatory speech (filthy? WTF?).
You asked to return a book, not for a political lecture from someone who needs a bookmark to find her ass.
seriously? good lord. if i had been behind you in line, i would have held the lady down while you beat her with the book of lies … or at least let out a very loud “yeah!” and pumped my fists at the end of your diatribe!
Ok, I am all for respect-the-elders-thing. But I only agree to respect people who are willing to show respect from their own side. And I am all for difference of opinions, as long as you are ok with the fact that after exchange of thoughts, the difference may still exist. So no, I don’t think you’ve got anything to be ashamed of.
Dude at least you finally got the exchange. I would have called for a manager after anger level 6. Why do people feel they have the right to do crap like that?
That last line-Let’s just say that I’ve VERY glad that I’m the only one here aside from cats. I started laughing THAT hard.
Don’t worry though, as someone who has spent time working in retail-you probably made the lady’s shift just a little more interesting. Ah well. Lucky for you though, you probably won’t be seeing her again. Me on the other hand-I can’t even bring up Obama’s name as everyone around here is Republican.
*sigh*
You held it together far longer than I would have been able. I’m not sure which is more frustrating, her ignorance or her inefficiency in not just making the damn return already! Well done, you, in any case.
Oh I love it! I can’t beleive you didn’t swear at her more…
Maybe the store has instructured the sales people to try and discourage as many returns as possible, and this was her effort to get you to leave with the book…
I would probably have done the same thing! I mean, she was being condescending and basically trying to tell you that your “misinformed” political views were reason enough to not allow you to return a book. Really, if you didn’t want the book, she just should have taken it, not given you a lecture on Obama’s being Muslim. Not that yelling at the elderly is alright, but it’s definitely an understandable reaction.
I am so proud of you.
Haha! I’m with Dingo – I would have demanded a manager and gotten that lady in trouble. Not because she had a differing opinion, but because she wasn’t doing her job AND she was making descriminating comments. But your way was much more entertaining. And you still got the book returned. And hopefully the lady will think twice before pushing her opinions on unsuspecting customers. Damn, I can only imagine what would have happened if you tried to return a Bible or some shit.
oh my god brandy. this lady? (and i love elderly people, so this is even more dissapointing), is a nutcase. i think you handled the whole thing really well- i wouldn’t be ashamed of your behavior. i mean, she just kept pushing and pushing with the “young kids” and jesus, how many times did she say “silly?” ugh. i would have flipped sooner than you. i can totally understand how this would get on your nerves. this oldie needs a reality check.
and also? im with geekhiker- she’s just way out of line in the whole thing. i would strongly consider calling up the bookstore and just mentioning the incident to her manager. she was out of line, period.
That? Was awesome. Huge props (do people still say that? I feel elderly). This makes me so happy that I have an Oma who subscribes to Time and Macleans. This lady obviously needs to read some actual news articles. Do you think she watches Fox?
I think that once she called me “silly” my anger level would have been a 10. You handled yourself fine, particularly considering she was the one who was supposed to be in “customer service.”
Braaave you! I am so scared of little old people, I just curse them under my breath when I walk away. I’m living that moment vicariously through you.
Seriously? She’s the one who should be ashamed. Aside from the fact that she’s an idiot, she was being incredibly unprofessional. You were fine, girl.
I don’t see what’s wrong with how you reacted – just because someone is older than you or a senior in a cardigan does not give them the right to be an idiot and expect to be applauded for it
I think you reacted a lot better than I would have. First of all, it was none of her business. I also have a problem with intolerant people, and well, I am known for having an issue with old people as well. haha Especially people that are ignorant like this lady- I would have done a lot worse, so I admire you.
hahaha! Brandy, I love you! I think you behaved perfectly well considering the circumstances. Being a little old lady does not get her off the hook for speaking out falsely. Age shouldn’t factor into how we react to what is right or wrong.
FYI – I do understand where she pulled that Hitler comparision from – they say that Hitler was an amazing speaker. Unfort, too many people take that similarity too far. It’s a bad case making math outa history: if A is = to B and B resulted in C… then A will result in C.
(A = Obama, B = Hitler, C = War & Death on Large Scale)
Ok, Brandy, I commend you. I would probably have dropped an F-bomb or six. I would have become slightly violent. Little old lady’s cardigan would have had my cat scratches in it. I can’t take people’s shit like that… obviously. So I’m glad this happened to you and your level head rather than me and my fiery tongue. Obama’s a Muslim? Them’s fightin’ words, lady.
I got in a similar fight with my Grandmother once. I felt bad, really, really bad, but at least she wasn’t a stranger. I can’t believe this woman; a stranger and a customer service representative would say all that to you.
seriously- she should’ve just refunded you to begin with instead of giving you her 2 cents worth of stupid comments. and good for you to stand up to her. really. don’t be embarassed you yelled at her.
My dear, why are you embarrassed? You are my hero! If I were in your situation I would probably just shrug and take my anger out the door with me. I think putting that woman in her place was totally awesome of you.
LOL. That is AMAZING. Seriously. I’m laughing my arse off! (And I’m also proud of you!)
Good for you! She wasn’t expecting you to dish it out.. That would have been fun to watch :)
The old lady in a cardigan is pretty condescending and provoking. She shouldn’t be allowed to trash other people’s beliefs just because she’s old. Did you need to yell? Maybe not. But did someone need to stand up to her in a way she’d understand? YES.
GOOD FOR YOU! I’m glad that you didn’t let that woman think she was getting away with what she was saying. Older people can be SO ignorant when it comes to politics. THEY follow the crowds more than we young people do.
Obama as Hitler? I…just…what?
Fantastic outburst by you though – one the crazy old saleswoman totally deserved.
I think i love you just a little bit more for that. she definitely shouldn’t have said anything without expecting a reaction like that. Especially when you are being a little ignorant like that (comparing him to HITLER?? I MEAN COME ON.)
You handled it much better than I ever could. I would have swore, banged the book on the table a few times and demanded a new cashier.
And by you I mean her ignorance. Whoops that came out wrong!
If I didn’t already have a wee little girl-crush on you, I would after reading this! You shouldn’t be ashamed AT ALL by this. I pretty much just pumped my fist in the air after reading what you said to this misinformed lady. Maybe it actually IS possible to teach old dogs new tricks? ;)
Wow.
That’s pretty awesome, actually.
Don’t be embarassed, that woman needed this. And you weren’t rude, just passionate!
I actually think it’s perfectly acceptable for you to get angry at that! She was pushing you to. She’s a saleslady and from working in a bookstore, I KNOW she’s not allowed to voice her opinion that forcefully, to the point that she’s angering a customer. That’s just rude AND wrong. So you voicing back was completely justifiable. It wasn’t you were telling her who to vote for, you were just telling her to stop being ignorant.
Ugh, I got angry at her with you while reading this!
There is no reason for you to be ashamed. You were only taking up for yourself! She was seriously rude as hell, and she deserved what she got. I bet she’ll think twice before lecturing “young people” in her store again.
I remember getting snippy with a customer once when I worked at a Shopper paper (where they only run classifieds), when the customer repeatedly told me to change his ad to say “runs good” when I had put “runs well.” “Fine,” I thought, “if this guy wants bad grammar in his ad, whatever.” It was only when he REPEATEDLY told me I was wrong and he was right, and would NOT. LET. IT. GO. that I said, “ACTUALLY, sir, it is NOT ‘runs good’, it is ‘runs WELL’ because ‘runs good’ is improper grammar! But if you so wish to exhibit improper grammar in your ad, far be it from me to stop you.”
So yeah, yours was better.
Seriously? (And I feel like I keep writing that to you about the crazy shit you keep encountering). But why do people feel the need to engage. This is a bookstore not a political forum.
Closing dropped-open mouth now. You should’ve decked her (lightly, of course, because she was old).
I’m totally okay with the way you responded to her. What the hell? Just return the book lady. Don’t stand there and get into a political argument with a complete stranger.
slice it up and spread it on toast you say? i am comfortable with this new brand of condiment.
I LOVE YOU!
P.S. I have no clue why you’d be ashamed of what you said, as others have stated. It’s okay for her to engage you a bit, but it’s another thing for her to criticize your political beliefs. That’s rather poor customer service.
I support you 100% in returning filth, the book, to a store. This author is piece of work.
wowwwww I woulda clocked her.
Good for you! People need to be put in their place especially when they’re completely wrong- and she deserved it since she just wouldn’t give it up!
Jeez, that old lady was a biotch. And pretty misinformed..
egan- Well… I don’t know. I guess I just am not really a yeller so I think I could have handled it better. I mean, she definitely was in the wrong, but I could have been a lot cooler if I would have just had some witty remark and stalked off instead of going shit crazy on her and yelling in the store. Bleh. This comment is starting to remind me of that episode of Seinfeld with George and the ‘jerk store’ comment.
oh man i wouldn’t even be embarrassed if i were you, sounds like this woman deserved it. seriously why would she say all those things?? and to compare obama to hitler? wow. just wow. some people are skewed in their beliefs it’s seriously ridiculous, i’m glad you told her off and got your money back, nice job.
Way to give it back to her. I don’t care if she’s elderly, she’s WRONG. I do like that she offered you cash for the return though, that’s better than credit. The Hitler comment was a bit much.
The best bookstore I have been to in the whole of God’s earth has a policy that the sales clerks cannot make remarks about any of the books you bring up to the counter. Not “I read that, it’s awesome.” Not “oh, you don’t seem like you’d need this book on erectile dysfunction.” Maybe the uncomfortable pause was her thinking “oh dear, I am SO FIRED.”
“My brain has a hard time grasping the idea that people like this woman actually exist.” Yep, that just about sums up how I feel about “those people.” ;-)
[...] has a percentage of the population convinced that Obama is a Muslim (apparently this problem even exists in Canada – crazy!) Oh, and for the record, he’s not [...]
That’s not crazy. That’s entertainment for the people standing behind you in line.
could you please run for president?
thanks.
See, your retort is priceless. You’re a keeper Brandy. Going ape shit crazy is all the rage these days, it’s what differentiates you from the boring masses.
I’m surprised you were able to keep as calm as you did. I would have probably freaked out long before you did and made a manager come over. She compared Obama to Hitler? Unreal. Also I know Obama isn’t Muslim, but they way they make it sound like that would put him in the same category as a satanist astounds me. My father is actually one of those people who believe that about him. He even gave me an entire DVD about it once. (Of course I never watched it.)
I’m glad you were able to return it though. Get something better with that money.
That’s awesome. My in-laws have this book right now and they are really excited about it. makes me ill. I LOVE your anger levels. I was also increasingly furious at the old bag in your story. And I will call her an old bag. It makes me laugh (yet at the same time it makes me ill) that those jumping on the “Obama’s a muslim bandwagon” are so quick to call all of his supporters “bandwagon jumpers.” Please.
First time reading your blog and this entry was funny but hella disturbing too. Not because you yelled at an old lady, but because she was so nutso.
She totally overstepped her bounds as a cashier by being condescending and espousing her political views while belittling yours.
I generally go with the whole “respect your elders” concept, but I think when you become an adult, respect is supposed to be earned and mutual. She clearly didn’t respect your thoughts, your position, nor your ability to make decisions on your own.
Screw it. I was expecting much worse. You did better than I would have!
That’s the first comparison of Obama to Hitler that I’ve heard; lets hope it doesn’t become the next stupid e-mail forward about how Obama is going to destroy America.
And “shameful” was the exact right word choice. Her behavior and comments are shameful. I’m impressed that you held your tongue as long as you did and that you didn’t try to get her fired.
you reply was way better than the one she would have got from me! Great post!
Holy crap, dude. Obama=Hitler. Where to begin……
Oh, wow. That was satisfying. I know you’re not proud of your actions, but man, I’m so glad you finally said something. Cash, please.
Unbelievable. You handled that so much better than I would have.