stifling dissent, one coworker at a time: my scary story...

[Lerkfish]

As I posted in another thread the first part of the story, I need to relate the rest of the story because its...well, scary.

I have a drudgite coworker who has always been a real jerk when we've discussed politics. He is the only republican in a dept. of 6 people, but when politics are brought up, he gets personally offended on criticism of bush, and accuses us all of wearing tinfoil hats and being insane (you know the drill).

Well, that's all fine and good. Except last week, when the social security privatization real info came out, and I was explaining to other coworkers how the govt. pockets 80% of the money, he was rolling his eyes. Then, others left the room, and there was only he and I present (this becomes important later).

Then he tells me: what you said was a lie, that's not how the program works, the president said..blah blah. I say, no, the washington post explained it thusly...blah blah blah. He accused me of lying, like always, so I say, well, I can print out the article..
So I print out the article and start to hand it to him. He says angrily "get that crap out of my face..GO TO HELL!" taken aback, mainly because I'd been civil up to that point, I say "you know, this affects you as well as us, we're in the same age bracket. And even though I've disagreed with you in the past, I've never treated you this shabbily." Then I go to lunch.

When I get back from lunch, I'm copied in on an email sent to my supervisor, and his supervisor, saying that my political harrassment must stop immediately, that I've created a hostile work enviroment, and his lack of productivity is because of me harrassing him for being republican.
Then he talks about what a good and productive employee he is, but I prevent him from doing his work. (you should know that two days earlier, he was called on the carpet for leaving early and not being productive..that's important).

So, I get called into my supervisor's office, and even though he thinks the republican guy was out of line, and all that, I'm told not to discuss politics in front of him to make peace in the department. "Not that I'm telling you can't discuss politics, because that would be unfair to you, but you need to be sensitive to his concerns...and maybe in a couple of days, even though you didn't do anything wrong, you might want to consider sending him an apology, cause we all have to work together"

right. So this guy is in my dept., and we work the same shift (even though he leaves a couple hours early). So, in effect, one guy has made it so no anti-bush discussions can take place in his presence.

The really weird thing is, I rarely talked to the guy before this, and if we were talking politics, and he walked in, we'd usually shut up because no one wants to be in a political discussion with the asshole.

so, there you have it. I've been labeled a harrasser, told to be silent from one republican. It doesn't take much to silence dissent.

the funny thing is, I've joked in the past that when the fascists take over completely, this particular guy would be the first to turn us all in.

Guess I was right.

This also means, I have to watch coming on this board while at work, and I had to take down any anti-bush signs I had up at my station (although he gets to keep his probush stuff).

[lolly]

1. Do You Have a Union or other Rep?

Admittedly, I'm just jumping in here w/out reading the first half of the story, but you should get your story in writing and on file somewhere--prefereably more than one place.

If you can afford to see a lawyer, even for a brief consultation, you might check to see what the implications of this mark on your record might be, and whether you have any rights and how to protect them right now.

Also, document EVERYTHING that's said at work. If co-worker says or does anything beyond the necessities of the job, write it down and take names of witnesses.

Just sayin/

[Warpy]

6. Good advice when another employee is an asshole

for any reason at all: buy a cheap spiral bound notebook that's small enough to take with you at all times. When the jerk in question is being a jerk, write it down right then, along with documenting any witnesses present. Keep a detailed paper trail, and don't allow that notebook to leave your person at work.

In the meantime, go ahead and talk politics with anyone besides the jerk. If he butts in, just tell him you have no desire to create a hostile workplace for him, and would prefer not talking to him about anything political and doument THAT, too. Then keep your mouth closed until he buggers off.

Right wingers are especially nasty, mean, petty, and vindictive. If this asshole ever complains again, you'll have that little notebook handy to present to your boss as evidence that you aren't the problem.

[tanyev]

2. Give him a Dick Cheney apology.

You're sorry if people were offended by what you said, but you sure felt better after saying it.

[AP]

3. That is crazy.

You should go out of your way to engage this guy on every single thing EXCEPT for politics. You should find out what he likes and go out of your way to ask him questions and get interested in what he does.

Just, totally get inside his head.

If he likes NASCAR, print up articles about NASCAR and give them to him.

Try that for three months and see what happens.

I think at the end of it, you might know enough about him so that you start developing progressive arguments that work with him. What you'd do is apply your progressive values to makign sense of things he likes. And then you'd subtly cast the net wider.

it would be a fun little experiment.

[gristy]

4. I like your boss's advice.

He said you could talk politics, just not in front of him. But you'll still have to be careful, because even this approach will make your repuke co-worker uncomfortable, as he will notice the suddenly quiet groups of people in rooms that he walks into.

[Blue Gardener]

5. Link to the first part of the story?

I missed it!

[Lerkfish]

8. its ok, I summarized the whole thing here.

[Blue Gardener]

10. Thanks

This guy sounds like a typical repug. None of them want the truth, it might upset the perfect picture they have of the idiot they voted for. No one likes it when they finally figure out they've been duped. You'll just have to be more subtle about your political leanings, at least at work.

[chookie]

7. Sounds like a looney or bully

This guy sounds like he is over the edge -- someone with an authoritarian personality disorder. Prognosis: poor. He's fucking paranoid. He probably is narcissistic as well. He is a total drama queen, and he is going to draw you into listening to his diatribes no matter what you do. He lives to have power over people; he doesn't care about compromise and cooperation -- he wants it all, and he wants to put his boot on your throat.

He's going to be on your ass -- and anytime you protect yourself, even if you walk away, or dare to disagree with his Truths, he's going to report you as denying him his rights, harassing him, politically persecuting him, etc. He's waited all his life to be a soldier for The Cause, and because he's a little chicken shit who fears joining the army, he has to play Green Beret at the office with his coworkers.

In my experience, businesses deal very poorly with these kinds of nutjobs. They let them get away with all sorts of stuff, and because they refuse to confront them, will put the burden of keeping the peace solely upon your shoulders, which this little creep is going to make impossible.

The latest trend in American fascism is to co-op the language of civil rights to force authoritarianism on others, to appeal to "liberal values" in order to foist extremist rightwing beliefs and behaviors on quiet communities. And "liberal values" will be interpreted that you may not fight back or defend yourself, while he can be on the offensive constantly.

Good luck.

Well, maybe this is what it feels like to be in the Senate these days.

[earth mom]

22. Bully is the perfect description for him and all repukes.

Interesting how he managed to make it so one sided that you're the "only" bad guy?! Like he hasn't made you miserable?!

Hire a lawyer. Document everything and record conversations on tape. This guy is going to make your life so miserable it will be a miracle if you keep your job. Good Luck to you!

[norml]

9. So put up stuff in your work station that's pro-something.

You could put up a framed signed photo of President Bill Clinton. Write to him and see if you can get one. A democraticunderground.com bumper sticker might also be appropriate.

[Merlot]

11. Agreed. You don't need to name bush to disagree with his policies

Be anti-war. Anti-imperialist. Pro-environment. Put up pictures of your democratic office holders, or those democrats who you admire.

Don't bother fighting with this guy, just be agreeable to the other people in the office. Be positive, and point out what is right with (for example) the social security system. You'll annoy him more by being positive. Remeber, these people are hostile, and love to bring you down to their level.

And document EVERYTHING. Good luck.

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[salin]

14. Why should he "quit?"

If the guy wants new ground rules for productivity reasons - I suggest that what is good for the goose is good for the gander. He wants 'No anti-bush politics' (and silencing of others), then he should have to work in an environment that has no politics at all - including no pro-bush politics or political paraphenalia. Have to wonder how he will like being silenced in the same way that he is asking others to be silenced.

In addition, do the documentation thing. Now that the cooworker has thrown down the gauntlet - start documenting a) when he brings up political issues and (even more important) b) when he is inflamatory per politics towards those who do not share his views. Meanwhile, as documenting - do not respond to any bait he throws (eg starting political discussions or per inflamatory political commentary to coworkers). Don't have to be worried about "he gets you fired" when the documentation is on your side.

[Auntie Bush]

16. Right on! Get documentation and ask coworkers to do the same.

[Lerkfish]

15. LOL!

some people are very transparent.

[Darth_Kitten]

13. I hope you told your boss YOUR side of the story....

Why should you have to apologize to a wanker?

I'm just....SICK....of office politics and dumb people getting away with their behaviour because wimpy bosses wont' stand up to them.

just my say... :mad:

[The Backlash Cometh]

17. Hang in there. I know how you feel.

I just figured out that most of my daughter's team was composed of Republicans. First, let me tell you, they're all wrong and misguided, but there are different levels of wrong and misguided. I actually get along with those who keep their politics to themselves, and I try to keep mine to myself. I come to DU to vent.

They can control you in the workforce, but they can't tell you who you can go out to lunch with. There's your ticket out. Also, he sounds like he's on a collision course with a pink slip if he keeps leaving early. Don't give him any reason to use you as an excuse for his poor work performance. The good news for you is that discriminating against someone based on political views is not a civil offense, so he can't hurt you with a law suit. But the bad news is, that if your employer feels that you're a shit stirrer because of your political views, they can fire you.

[gulfcoastliberal]

18. Repugs have a deadly allergy to facts

They just can't stand being presented with concrete evidence, can they? What an MBF.

Tricksy, how he blamed you for his problems. In your case I'd say revenge is a dish best served cold.

[John_H]

19. You're boss is probably right.

Unless you he pays you to debate politics whie you're on the clock, you might want to save your discussions for after work drinks.

Of course your repug coworker is a ninny--he's a rethug after all. But your bosses don't give a shit about it. They care about you guys doing a good job so they can get promotions.

I think you're fighting a losing battle here, but your stifled dissent isn't about politics it's about a whiney coworker and your bosses' careers.

[Lerkfish]

20. right. I don't really have a problem with my boss per se...

I think he's doing the best compromise in the situation.

However, I have a problem with the coworker, who's been tons more abusive than me, but has falsely accused me of HIS crime....pretty familiar republican tactic....its just annoying for me to have to defend myself against it.

I have no problem not discussing politics in front of him..as I said before, we have been trying to avoid that anyhow.

But you make valid points, thanks. It IS probably more about the coworker trying to pin his work habits on someone else (always blame someone else). But I also think I would not be a target for him if I was not so anti-Bush.

This is the same extremely homophobic republican who always cracks anti-gay jokes when he KNOWS two people in the dept. are gay. He thinks they'll find it funny. He also said torturing Iraqis is no big deal because who cares, they're just Iraqis. And he has also made a lot of racist remarks, and one of our dept. is african american.

None of us have complained about him to higher ups, so that's why its even MORE obnoxious for him to play the victim.

[IndianaGreen]

21. It is only a matter of time before you are ordered to believe in Jesus

or end up at a re-education camp.

[Ann Arbor Dem]

23. I may have missed this....

but I don't understand why his pro-bush things are allowed to still be visible to his co-workers. If you had to remove yours, then he should have to remove his. Fair is fair.

Did you talk to your supervisor about his homophobic comments? That is very bothersome.

I've worked with folks like that guy. The issues weren't political, but the behavior was similar. As others have said...document, document, document. It saved more than one former co-worker of mine from the passive-aggressive manipulation of a particular employee.

[Walt Starr]

24. Demand that his probush shit comes down too

Fair is fair. IF they don't force him to take down his probush shit, get an attorney because you're going to OWN that company.

[LittleClarkie]

25. Stick to the weather and everyone's health

To tell you the truth, as long as he can't bring it up either, I don't see the problem.

If you have to take down anti-Bush, I hope he doesn't have pro-Bush or anti-Dem stuff up. If he does, make a point of making sure he has to bring it down.

And he's not allowed to bring up Bush or politics either. If he does, then you can rightfully complain that now you are being harrassed after being so gracious.

It would be hard as hell, but killing the sob with kindness might be good too. Go out of your way to be nice to him. Make him nuts wondering what you're up to. That's only if you can stomach it. Otherwise be civil only in regard to work, but ignore the bastard otherwise.

I have to agree with the boss in that a workplace is for work. Just make sure that he has to follow the rules too.

I, on the other hand, talked politics all over the place. I wore my button into work for months before the election. But I only brought up discussion when I was asked about the button. Then it was fair game. Others have their pro-Bush stuff too, and other than blowing a raspberry at it as I go by, I tolerate that too. My button did mean I was able to identify Dems who were too afraid in Freeperland to make themselves known. I was able to give them buttons and yardsigns, so that was cool.

I told myself early on I would not take off the button no matter where I went. I only went back on that pledge at the bar. Who needs drunk folk discussing politics. Ungood.

Anyway...

[Gabi Hayes]

26. find out a way to get onto his computer and get some child porn

links on his HD

[Gold Metal Flake]

27. One must be proactive about these assholes.

That type of personality gets off on control. Control of anything. He is priapic with joy at this point.

Others in this sort of sitch should take the opportunity to make the first strike. When someone angrily calls you a liar and tells you to go to hell, YOU go to the bosses or HR.

Play the game to win.


Edit: spelling

[elehhhhna]

28. Get some perspective:

He's in trouble for poor performance.
In typical Mepublican fashion, he's blaming YOU, after the fact (too late, btw).
Act like a professional, take the high ground, and promote yourself away from the chucklehead. His days are numbered there.

[roguevalley]

29. good advice here. document EVERYTHING, write a work journal

and keep it going every day. its always going to be word against word but if you get called into a meeting, have a note of his egregious behavior with times dates and witnesses. NEVER show a work diary to anyone. If there ever is trouble, they can subpeona it.

Just list things on a sheet of paper and take it with you. Never have meetings that stem from problems without a witness.

He cannot have his shit up and shoot off his mouth if you've been told to not do the same. The boss may be a nice guy trying to keep the lid on but his advice to you is wrong. You are the girl, you must make nice to the man, as the girl you have to diffuse the problm, as the girl you are required to make an apology which isn't due. DON'T APOLOGIZE. Don't. It only enables assholes. Take it from my experience.

RV

[zmdem]

30. In the IT world they are referred to as cow-orkers (n/t)

[Debs]

31. Just one more reason I am so glad

I am a Union employee. I talk politics all the time, though there are few rethuglicans there are a few and I tell them what I think. If any of them went to the boss about it he would laugh in his face and tell him to grow up, stop talking politics if he doesnt like it and if he feels harrassed take it to the Union. Now sexual harrassment is another matter but talking politics. Of course in a Union meeting if he snivelled they would laugh him out of the meeting. Free speech after all means just that

[kodi]

32. Retaliate. Have the rest of the people in the office complain about him

Every action provokes a reaction.

[Contrary1]

33. Boy, could I have fun with this one...

First, I would find a picture of a shrub, then tape a picture of a dog lifting his leg right next to it.

Got bookends? A copy of "My Pet Goat" would be a lovely addition.

Get a picture of Michael Moore, Dan Rather or Ted Kennedy (or all 3) and put it in a nice frame.

Make your own poster: "A Beautiful Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste".

Leave a bag of pretzels on your desk, next to instructions on how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.

The possibilities are endless...

My dad didn't call me contrary for nothing.