My trips to the dentist are usually boring events in my life. But I went to the dentist yesterday and left pretty upset. I’ve been going to this dentist my whole life, and the same dental hygienist has been cleaning my teeth over 30 years. She’s always been very nice, asking about my kids and my life in such detail that I’m suspicious she keeps crib notes in my files.
We did the usual preliminary chit chat and she prepped me for the cleaning. As soon as she starting working on my teeth, I noticed the radio in the background was on Rush Limbaugh! Usually, it’s tuned to the local "Lite Contemporary" station which has about the same amount of controversial content as elevator music.
I’m thinking to myself that’s pretty weird. Rush is a polarizing figure: people either love him or hate him. I’m thinking, what is this? My dental office has a secret Republican agenda to indoctrinate as many patients as possible before November 4th?
Here's how it played out.
All of this is going through my head as she’s working on my teeth and I’m forced into silent submission. The first chance she gave me to "spit" I said, kinda jokingly, Is this office playing Rush Limbaugh now?
She said, Oh, I just wanted to listen to him a little. Do you not like him?
Me: I can’t stand him; he’s so hateful.
Her: I’m sorry; I’ll change it if it bothers you.
Me: No, that’s fine. (I just wanted to register my complaint.)
She starts working again (and once again I’m in submission) and continues talking: I guess he just makes me feel good about not wanting Obama to win. I just hate the thought of Obama winning. But, I guess that’s why we have elections in America, to let the people vote... some more than others.
Ahhhh yes. She throws in "Obama’s dangerous" and "ACORN’s stealing the election" references in one sentence.
Still, I can’t talk while she’s working on my teeth. I’m sitting there listening to Rush and being lectured with the wingnut talking points. And she has sharp metal objects poking around in my mouth. Keep in mind, other than my aversion to Rush, she has no idea who I’m supporting.
Later, I wonder: is it because I’m white that she assumes I agree with her? Would she say the same things to a black person? Also keep in mind I’m not outspoken. "Meek" would describe me pretty well.
The next chance I get to spit/talk, I say: I’m voting for Obama because it’ll mean more money for my family. Between health care and taxes, my family will have more money if Obama’s president. And I like money. My heart’s pounding but I try to stay calm.
No response; she must be in shock. She starts working again. After she processes that little nugget of information, she agrees: Well, we all need more money.
After a few minutes of awkward silence, she changes the subject to my kids. Not another word is spoken about politics, except at the end of my visit when she says, Well... I’ll be glad when the election is over, no matter who wins. I’m just tired of all the ads. I appreciate this "olive branch" of sorts, and we say a cordial goodbye.
My heart’s still pounding as I leave. These types of things really get to me; I’m sure other people could blow this off nonchalantly. I’m thinking to myself: I can’t believe I just had to defend my political views to my dental hygienist of all people!
Also, I’m a worrier. I’m worried she’s going to tell people I attacked her political views out of the blue. I keep reminding myself that she was playing Rush Limbaugh and I was right to call her out on it. And that she said she’s scared of Obama before knowing my viewpoint. I didn’t waltz right in from the waiting room and say Sooooo... what about that old fart John McCain! There are ways to bring up the election without immediately slamming one candidate.
Another thing I noticed is that she said Rush "makes me feel good" about hating Obama, basically. Obama has a funny name, and he's black and I'm getting these Muslim emails... Rush, what do you think? Whew, Rush confirms what I thought: Obama's scary and black and weird. Thank you Rush for allowing me to feel good about being racist.
I’ve read other diaries about people being confronted by their meter readers, at Wal-Mart, etc. so I just wanted to add my weird story.