Once a year I help collect money for our local Association for Retarded Citizens (I know that isn't a PC term, but it's theirs, not mine), by standing on the side of the road and "selling" Tootsie Rolls. Some of my observations:
--People driving large, expensive vehicles, smoked glass windows rolled up, A/C on, talking on cell phones usually will not donate.
--People driving old junkers, often rusty pickup trucks with tools in the back (what you might call a "redneck") oftentimes will donate.
--A larger percentage of African-Americans will donate than whites.
--Females (young, middle-aged, or old) who fancy themselves "hot" usually will not donate.
--People can look through you like you are invisible.
--People wearing T-shirts with a football team logo (college or pro) usually will not donate.
--Someone gave me a $50 bill. Wish I knew who it was.
--Some people thanked me for taking their money, some even said "God bless you." Others honked and gave me the finger, but far fewer than those who were nice.
All in all, I collected several hundred dollars in about 2.5 hrs., and came away with a pretty positive impression of the populace of our area. But most importantly, in the years I have been doing this, I have changed some of my own outlooks towards others who are less fortunate than myself.
--People driving large, expensive vehicles, smoked glass windows rolled up, A/C on, talking on cell phones usually will not donate.
--People driving old junkers, often rusty pickup trucks with tools in the back (what you might call a "redneck") oftentimes will donate.
--A larger percentage of African-Americans will donate than whites.
--Females (young, middle-aged, or old) who fancy themselves "hot" usually will not donate.
--People can look through you like you are invisible.
--People wearing T-shirts with a football team logo (college or pro) usually will not donate.
--Someone gave me a $50 bill. Wish I knew who it was.
--Some people thanked me for taking their money, some even said "God bless you." Others honked and gave me the finger, but far fewer than those who were nice.
All in all, I collected several hundred dollars in about 2.5 hrs., and came away with a pretty positive impression of the populace of our area. But most importantly, in the years I have been doing this, I have changed some of my own outlooks towards others who are less fortunate than myself.