Friday 30 July 2010

I'm not a bad person I swear

But I hate charity street workers. Now, don't get me wrong, but the way they go about their business really gets to me. Is this a rant you can see coming along? Hell yes. Here it goes!!!!


So, first of all, I lost all respect for you, little street rats, when I realised you all share the same patch. Honestly, I can never walk past that church and that supermarket and that train station without being harassed. That's three times on my journey home. Not. Impressed. It gets me all worked up when I'm meant to be relaxing after leaving work.

And the worse thing is, you try and make me feel guilty. It worked the first few times, but I've been doing that same walk for the last three years now, so I can tell you your little tactics fail to have any impact on me whatsoever. I don't want to have to pretend that 1/ I'm in hurry 2/ I'm on the phone 3/ I've already subscribed to your charity. I like to make my own decisions thank-you-very-much, I don't like to be pressurised by a spotty adolescent/ aren't-I-so-cool-I'm-helping-to-save-the-world hippy/ angry person who just wants my money. Those fake smiles, honestly. And don't go on calling me love/ darling/ gorgeous , I know you don't mean it, it gets me even more annoyed. We're not mates. It's not because we were born in the same decade that you can try and be all matey with me. So just back off.

Oh and the way you like to get in my way. Like physically? What's that all about? Not only do I feel like I have to avoid eye contact with you otherwise you will literally pounce on me, but I have to juggle around other people who happen to be walking on the same bit of pavement at that moment, so you're more likely to try and harass them rather than me. I don't like to feel threatened, or feel like I have to change my habits/ behaviour because of you. Just leave it to me yeah? If I want to give money to save/ help the world's ever increasing list of categories at risk (think circus animals, pets, children, women, old people blablabla) I'll do it on my own accord. And don't even think that me saying that makes me a bad person. No way jose. I just like to do what I like, when I like. Not when I'm going home after a full day at work. Last thing I want to do is stand there listening to your sales pitch. Because you're not fooling anyone. I know some of you get paid to do this, you don't just do it out of the goodness of your heart (not that that would make it any better).

Now, how do you feel about this? Actually, I'd say charity street workers are high up there with another type of street rat: those that give out free newspapers. But that's another post in itself.

(ps: rant over - you can breathe now)

12 comments:

Swirlyarts said...

Hah - we get them in our town sometimes and I think I have worked out the best route to avoid them. Usually a no thank you works well with me but perhaps it's the way I say it!

The Girl said...

No I'm totally with you on this one. They line up down one of the main streets in Hull city centre and when I pop out on my lunch it's like running a gauntlet trying to dodge them all. I usually just say "Sorry I'm on my way to work" but once heard one of them reply "Yeah right" as I was walking away (I usually wear jeans to work) - it took all my restraint not to sock him on the nose.

People are capable of choosing who and how much they give their money to!

lisa ridgeon said...

Oh, i hear you girl! I'm happy to put money into a collection pot for my chosen charities but these 'rats' want you to sign up to regular payments. Not going to happen. I never sign up to anything on the street....or on my doorstep.

I was lept on by one of those charity guys and he launched into his speach about 'do you know how many children in the world don't have access to clean drinking water, they can't get an education because they have to walk for 2 hours to find water...........' So i asked him why these communities don't live nearer to the water so they have easier access to it for drinking and watering their crops etc. After all, early ancient settlements all grew around water for the simple reason it's a basic need. I wasn't trying to be clever, i just don't understand and funnilly enough he didn't know the answer! Ok, bye bye then!

X X

Melanie said...

Amen!

I had a RSPB not so long ago who made a rude comment about "birds" as I was walking past him, telling him "I'm-not-interested-thank-you-very-much (and get out of my way!)".
I was so shocked I turned around to look at him and then went on my way.
I was pushing the stroller with my son in it - surely that should deter any rude comments?...

Like you, I like to choose to which charity I give money and when I want to do it. And not feel pressured about it.

topchelseagirl said...

I'm with you. They are so annoying. Do they not think we can make our own decisions? I usually give them a 'don't you dare try to stop me glare' as I'm approaching them. Those energy co ones that knock on your door when you're trying to relax after a hard day are the worst. The last couple of times I've actually had to slam the door in their faces as there is no other way to get rid of them.

Zoe said...

I totally agree with you on this. Also, Big Issue sellers in Norwich who swear (very badly) when I say no to them!

Thanks for your nice comment - the paint was mixed at B & Q - Dulux eggshell. They scanned my Cath Kidston bag for me to match the colour! Yes, honestly.

Heather said...

I think I might actually love you.

Unknown said...

hear hear.

I agree....

Lucy Pursglove-Jones said...

Hiya :D
Urgh, I dislike strangers disturbing my day, too. If it's on the street or knocking at my door...Go Away! Grrrr! :D
Xx

PinkCat said...

I whole heartedly agree!

The other thing I can't stand is all the promotions people in the shopping Disneyland next to my office. I get bored of telling them each day that I don't want their dusty nuts, my hair curled, for you to tell me what hand washing products I need, or eat a pretzel sample.

No thank you ! x

The Curious Cat said...

Basically I think they are the scum of the earth (despite the guise of good intention)...they get paid stupid money too. Maybe we should start a campaign to stop them? Though maybe it is taking it a bit too far...though you know why they are still there though right? 1%...if they can get even just 1%...then the job is justified...so whoever is encouraging them - STOP IT!

The Curious Cat said...

Oh and I agree with PinkCat too...