Just the other day, I received a phone call from the Dove D-O-V-E Foundation. That’s the way the caller announced himself. “Hi. I’m calling from the Dove D-O-V-E foundation. May I speak with the lady of the house?” After confirming that he was not calling to sell something or steal my identity, I refused to identify myself as the lady of anything. He finally got to the point: Do I think television programming is a problem? Do I agree it is an even larger problem that parents can’t do anything about it? I agreed that television programming is embarrassingly pathetic, but I most certainly did not think that parents are powerless to do anything about it. After all, it’s their choice to have television in their homes and to subscribe to cable, or satellite, or whatever. For example, I don’t like TV, so I don’t have TV in my home. How simple is that? It’s a choice…and just as I paused for a quick breath, he thanked me and hung up.
I wish he wouldn’t have done that.
Of course, as an advocate of quantum theory, I know that all possible realities exist simultaneously, each in it’s own dimension.
This pleases me.
And not because I just made it up. It pleases me because it means that our conversation did indeed continue in an alternate reality. In fact, in an unseen parallel dimension, the Dove D-O-V-E Foundation is even interested in diverse opinions.
No doubt, there is even a dimension in which I called the Dove Foundation to share my diverse opinion, and, rather than them shut me down, I shut them up. It went something like this:
Tammy: Hey. Is this the Dove Foundation? As in lovey-dovey lovey-dovey all the tiiiiiiime……ooooh baby……gonna show you a good time…..
Dove:
Tammy: I see from the Dove Foundation website that you review movies and videos according to Judeo-Christian family values. What exactly are Judeo-Christian family values?
Dove:
Tammy: That’s what I thought. The interpretation of the Bible and its translation into family values is really quite relative, isn’t it? Wouldn’t you agree that it depends on who’s doing the interpreting and translating? I mean, I look at the Bible and see a whole lot of begetting interspersed with a few crucifixions, some betrayal, and a significant amount of murder and adultery. Since the Bible is a family book, doesn’t everything in it represent a Judeo-Christian family value?
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Temple Stark
Tammy: Is entertaining.
thanks for the smiles.
T-E-M-P-L-E
2 - Carrie
I also received a telephone call from the DOVE FOUNDATION. I agreed to take their survey, and as soon as I disagreed with their position, I heard a "CLICK".
I went to their website, their survey results boast an amazing 93% of those polled agree with them. How incredible is that? I wonder if they have numbers like that BECAUSE THEY HANG UP ON THE PEOPLE WHO DON'T AGREE WITH THEM!
The DOVE FOUNDATION is such a rediculous waste of time and energy, someone should really tell these people that their televisions come with an off switch. Perhaps instead of wasting time with rude phone calls, these people could read their children a book. Just a thought.
3 - Tammy Serata
Thanks, Temple. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Carrie, you have a point about their stats! That's very funny - and pretty pathetic. I really do think the Dove Foundation has an alternative reason for existing, a point to which I alluded. I wonder if Dove is just another tedious front for the religious right. Maybe they're aiming for the folks who aren't quite religious enough to feel a part of the far right, but who will buy in when it looks like it's to save their kids.
4 - Brett
I received the Dove Foundation call too. It seems to be an automated but relatively convincing bot. If you ask it if it is a real person, it will giggle and say "Do I sound that bad?"
5 - Jason Untulis
Another vote for bot. And not a good one. I said I didn't have children earlier in the call. Later the bot asked for my name. When I said I didn't want to give them my name, it asked the ages of my children. When i asked it this was recorded, it said it was with a live operator, but it wasn't convincing.
6 - Tammy Serata
It's possible that it was a bot. I really don't know, so I can't comment on it.
7 - anon
I thought it was a bot too. I got angry and hung up when it started to tell me "TV is controlled by Hollywood and their values are not family values."
News flash: people in the entertainment industry are not actually grown from pods; they're pretty much like anyone else.
8 - anon7
Did you ever stop to seriously consider that YOU are the one who really wants to tell people what to think? (And just DID.)
9 - Tammy Serata
I wouldn't say that I am trying to tell people what to think. Sometimes I write to express what I think, other times to entertain or provoke thought. I'm pretty up front with what I'm doing, though, and do not wrap my ideas in the cloak of moral superiority in order to sell them. In addition, I'm not forcing my thoughts on you or any reader by phoning or emailing them into your home.
Thanks for your comments.
10 - Lady of the House
I just received a call from the Dove Foundation this weekend, just as I was trying to "get amorous" with my husband. I answered the phone because we were expecting company later in the day. I alos agreed that the quality of television and films is extremely poor in general. When I was asked if I was concerned about my "children and grandchildren" I revealed that I dion't have any children. The caller stumbled. no Children?! Surely I mjst be concerend about SOME children, somewhere. I assured her I was. Although I do not have children, I am fully aware that they exist, and yes, I like them. But when she began to invoke phrases such as "family values" I began to get suspicious. I stopped her mid sentence and said, "I've got a family values issue right now. I am trying to have sex with my huisband, so I am hanging up now."
11 - Bret
I also receaved a call from DOVE that went something like this,
Dove: Is this Bret?
Me: Yes what can I do for you?
Dove: (sudenly realizing that Bret is a male) Well is the lady of the house in?
Me: No she is not, what can I do for you?
Dove: Nothing this is a not for profit goodbye.
Me: wait who is this?
Dove: this is DOVE D-O-V-E and we are a not for profit group.
Me: And what is this call pertaining to?
Dove: We'll try back later. (click)
So, after I had to Google DOVE to see who they are, I can only conclude that DOVE thinks Mothers are the only ones capable of understanding their vision of "family Values" what ever that may be. She was wise to hang up on me. Teresa and I can't wait for their next call.
12 - Sun-one
ER, How Interesting.....Seeing as how I received a phone call tonight while I was making dinner and DIDNT wish to be BOTHERED, by the Dove Foundation.
WOW, they didnt give out their name until I was Livid and asked. Seeing as how my husband and I are on a DO NOT CALL LIST, which I mentioned, I was told that since they ARE NOT FOR PROFIT, that they WOULD and COULD CONTINUE to CALL ME. Newsflash......NOT QUITE. The world doesnt work like that actually, and I know it for a FACT.
Oh, I was also told that the Dove Foundation had gotten my info from a source close to myself.....UNHUH, that one I will find out for sure seeing as how NO ONE upon me calling back could nor would answer that Question. I was told that my Attorney would have to find that one out. Sound like a SCAM??????? Yup a huge one. BTW, Please go and check the Dove reputaion online seeing as how they made over half a Million this year.....WOW their employees are paid mighty well from all of that not for profit$$$$
UM as far as myself, I am married and I have NO Children, and I am NOT a Grandparent.....So, WHY CALL ME???????????
I didnt let the conversation go that far, I had to find that out upon reading all about this ER Not for Profit company.
I will definately be taking this up further with several sources!
People on a Do not call list are on it for a reason.....They dont wish to have places like That contact them.
13 - Elvira Flagg
I just got the same call and became furious with the assumptions the caller was making, but then she hung up on me too. What a rude group! I'd like them to stop the b-s-.
14 - Dove Investigator
I am writing this for the benefit of anyone in Law Enforcment looking to take down Dove Foundation of Grand Rapids, MI and Feature Films For Families, Inc. of Murray, Utah, and for those consumers who are trying to figure out why these phone calls from the Dove Foundation just don't "smell right." Speciically, those robotic phone calls that seem to have started in November, 2005.
I turned in the Dove Foundation to the Michigan Attorney General's office for calling me after I told them to stop. The reply from Dove's lawyer was from one of at least four lawyers that are locatd at 5282 South Commerce Drive, Suite D-292, Murray, Utah 84107. I found four lawyers listed with this address on the Utah Bar Association's web site. They are Melvin S. Martin, Matthew G. Cooper, Russell C. Harris, and Edward T. Wells. Utah? For a Michigan non profit organization? Well, if you go into an online phone directory, Feature Films for Families is listed at 5286 Commerce Drive, Murray, Utah 84107. This is the same Feature Films for Families that is mentioned in the Missouri Attorney General's press release of March 27th, 2006. ago.mo.gov.
Why Missouri? Well, there is another Dove Foundation in Missouri, DOVEMIDWEST dot ORG. I would not be surprised if the fine people in St. Charles, MO complained to their AG. Even the people in Missouri must have found those robotic calls from Michigan-based Dove Foundation obnoxious.
The Missouri AG asserts there is a connection between Dove Foundation of Grand Rapids, MI and Feature Films For Families of Murray, Utah. Feature Films For Families is a for-profit operation. Claiming FFF can telemarket in violation of the Do Not Call law because of their "agreement" with the Dove Foundation does not pass the "ha-ha" test. Now law enforcement just has to establish who owns the call center employed, who owns the "Rob" robot, etc. to see if they can get a conviction.
15 - Chuck
Same phone call.
I thought I was being clever by telling them that I did not believe we were powerless to control what our children watched. Shortly after that they politely said good bye and hung up.
I had the same thoughts about statistics and hit their website. Oddly they recommended X-men as family approved. Perhaps their not as one sided as I thought when talking to their rep
16 - Z
Glad to read your article--and know from all the comments that I am not the only one who got this call and was infuriated by it. I was enjoying a relaxing lunch break when I revied their call. It so riled me up that it put me off my turkey sandwich. After fuming a few minutes, I had the idea that I would call THEM back and let them know how deplorable they are--and some other choice bits I thought of after I hung up. Well, when I called the number that had shown up on my caller ID it just rang and rang. Turns out THEY don't answer THEIR phone. One question remains: How do you get a robot to sound that SELF-RIGHTEOUS???
17 - Tammy Serata
WOW to all the amazing comments. The link between Dove and FFF is surprising and I look forward to hearing more about that. I was also surprised by some of Dove's approved movies. Z - a word of advice: Never let anyone ruin a good turkey sandwich.
I still think there is more to Dove than Dove. I'd like to know who is supporting this organization.
I've moved recently, have a new phone number, and am waiting patiently - armed and ready - for my next call. Stay tuned.
18 - Introoder
It IS a bot. "Camy" called wanting to speak with my 4-years-ago deceased mother who never lived at my phone number.
Me: Is this a computer?
Dove: Do I sound that bad?
Me: Yes you sure do.
Dove:No, but I'm working with a computer.
Me: Where do you live?
Dove: D-O-V-E
Me: Do you live on the streets? Does Dove employ street people?
Dove: yes
Me: Are you a hooker?
Dove: yes
Me: dove employs prostitutes?!?!
Dove: yes yes yes yes...
So, either Dove lies, or they really do employ prostitutes.
19 - Introoder
Check them out on give.org. They don't meet the BBB's standards for a non-profit.
20 - linda
I'd like to know how they got my #. Its unlisted. I find it objectionable that they think they have the right to contact me (frankly I think they got # from dish family!
21 - Mikel in Seattle
These weasels called me and it was hard to get a word in edgewise with them. Although they ostensibly called me to "get my opinion" it was pretty hard to get them to listen to anything I had to say. I was particularly pissed since they called me on my cell phone, and I insisted they remove me from their list - the repeatedly said that they were NOT soliciting but I believe that is their real intent in these calls as they certainly didn't give a rat's butt about my opinion! Is it possible to have them sued for violating the terms of the National Do Not Call Registry? Another poster mentions that they don't meet the BBB's standards for a non-profit, that should make it easier.
22 - Mikel in Seattle
The number they called me from on my caller ID was 1-800-679-0336. I called back and the phone number was answered every time. First time, I told them I was calling from the International Church of Satan and had an informational survey I'd like to go over with them, and upon asking for their name and the names of their children they hung up. I called back a second time and got a recorded message which gave me the option to leave my phone number if I wanted to be removed from their call list. Third time I spoke to an operator and told her I needed information for my attorney as we were going to serve them with a subpoena for violating the National Do Not Call Registry rules. (Obviously I'm not an attorney and only have a tenuous grasp of legal terminology!) She said that D-O-V-E's Executive Director is Dave Lukens, and he can be reached at 245 S. State Street SE, Suite 104, Grand Rapids MI 49503. I actually thanked her as she was so helpful!
23 - CRS
If you want to call someone up and vent, I suggest the chairman of Dove, whose home phone is listed in the phone book (Dick Rolfe, (616) 681-0578). You can find a whole list of the directors on the financial form on the web site. I called him and he was super polite, but I guess that's part of his job: The bit about this being a front for getting around do-not-call and doing marketing for FFF is apparently true. (see the Missouri attorney general's web site for a press release on that.) And so I suppose he's making enough money on this to make it worth getting these phone calls.
24 - J-rod
hey i worked for feature films for families and we did the survay for the Dove Foundation,and i was one of many who gave the survay. basicliy yes it is an automated voice but there are live employee's listing to the conversation. we used a computer to talk to you people on a touch screen computer. and how they get your # is simple they just call different combination of #s all over the U.S. and automaticlly your name comes up or whoever lives or has lived there. and the only reason i worked at FFFF and did the survay is because i was makin some good money just to push buttons,the work was easy just put some headphones on and sit down at a touch screen computer,there were 24 set of buttons each button said a different response to your yes or no ?s or comments and if the person who was taking the survay said "how old are you" or "can i talk to a real person?" then the call is transferred to a customer service rep. there station was set up was like a regular computer set up. They had headphones too and on their keyboard every key was a response more varity than a touch screen. they also could go live to talk. yup i hope that answers some questions. and yeah i did all that touch screen/customer service. but yeah i did'nt really support them or Feature Films For Families i just did for the money to party yeah!!!!!!!!! so i laugh at all haha
25 - J-rod
The Dove Fountation and FFFF dont really want to control or censor entertainment they just want people to view there movies and see what you think. and support good family films and there family values are based upon helpnig, careing ect. and NO there not affiliated with any religon or political parties and when they talk about entertainment t.v. and movies they're just asking if you agree about it getting worse or graphic, so if you say yes they just want to call you back to sell you good films too teach children good things and they have movies for all ages. i own a few of them i dont watch them but i have seen them there quite funny and not that bad. but who cares i dont work for FFFF no more.
AND IF YOU DONT WANT A CALL BACK JUST SAY "PUT ME ON YOUR DO NOT CALL LIST" OR "IM NOT INTERESTED" OTHERWISE IF YOU JUST HANG UP THEY'LL CALL BACK AGAIN OR IF YOU JUST KEEP IGNORING THE CALL THEY'LL JUST KEEP CALLIN
ANOTHER THING DONT SAY " OH SHE/HE DOSENT LIVE HERE AND EXPECT NO MORE CALLS. NO MATTER WHAT THEY'LL KEEP CALLIN CUZ IF YOU SAY "IM NOT INTERESTED" OR "SAY THAT PERSON DIED" OR PLEASE DONT CALL BACK" EVENTUALLY THEY WILL CALL YOU BACK IN 10 TO 15 YEARS. HA HA