Be like Don (no, not that one)

How to resist, Part 2

Iowans have been flooding the phone lines of our congressional representatives and reporting on a Facebook group that the staffers have been testy, if not downright rude. Callers are anxious and angry, and staffers are feeling beleaguered. More than one person reported that the congressional staffer ended the call abruptly or was unprofessional.

Our elected officials work for us, and keeping the pressure on them is a great example of resistance, but with such a charged atmosphere, we might consider an end run around the opposition. It has to do with the adage about catching more flies with honey than vinegar.

Years ago, my brother told me how, back in the day, a relative on his wife’s side used to deal with telemarketers. Don would act like the caller was a long-lost friend. He’d ask where they were working from, and how the weather was down there, and if Don knew a little bit about that locale, he’d ask specific questions. He’d go on and on until the telemarketer couldn’t wait to get off the phone.

Don was a disarming genius. Given that Don was the callee and not the caller, his strategy was even more remarkable. Callers are playing offense, as it were, but that doesn’t mean they (or we) have to be offensive. The other remarkable thing about Don’s strategy was that he did the opposite of what most of us would do. He leaned in.

So, if you call your congressperson’s office, try being friendly, maybe even effusive. Say something like, “Oh, I’m so glad I reached a human being!” or “Thank you for taking my call,” or “How is your day going?” If they mumble or grumble, sympathize. Say, “Well, I am sorry to hear that,” or “This can be a hard job,” or “I’m sure you’re busy, so I’ll be brief.”

This is the old “kill ‘em with kindness” strategy. Give them a little humanity before you air your grievance.

Of course, another way to resist is through boycotts. So far, a grassroots organization called The People’s Union has urged a National Economic Blackout for February 28, a date which is the end of the fiscal year for some companies. Consumers are asked not to purchase anything for that one day to show support for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Additionally, The People’s Union encourages a boycott of Amazon from March 7 to 14. NOTE: As of this writing, access to their website is blocked. Come to your own conclusions about that.

Another movement calling itself Shutdown 315 urges Americans to do one or all of the following: to refrain from purchasing goods from major corporations, to end social media use, or to stay home from work on March 15. They are specifically pinpointing Walmart, Amazon, Starbucks, and Target. They urge people to buy locally instead, which could be challenging in rural areas if the Big W has swallowed local businesses.

Speaking of swallowing, if egg shortages become dire, save them for eating, but you can resist baking with them. Soak chia or flax seeds in some water. Drain some garbanzo beans and use the aquafaba. Silken tofu, yogurt, ripe banana, applesauce, or even nut butters can be used to bind ingredients in a recipe. A more complete list of how to bake without eggs can be found here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/egg-substitutes#applesauce 

It may not taste the same, but finding a way around an obstacle shows fortitude. It shows you won’t be beaten. (Sorry.) It is a way to resist despair.

These are strange times that may become hard times, and we can persist. Keep resisting. Remember, be like Don.

Joan Zwagerman draws strength from the protests and all signs of resistance. She is working on trying to be like Don.