Overview
- Female: 2
- Male: 0
Context
Samantha Morgan is a lingerie designer who is struggling to be accepted and promoted for her talent in a fashion company where men hold all the top positions. She has come up with a great idea for a new range of lingerie, but her co-worker, Al, has taken her idea and presented it to their boss himself. Samantha and Bernice, her secretary, both despair over the state of the company and the misogyny they encounter every day. BERNICE I cannot believe it!
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SAMANTHA What, Bernice?
BERNICE I assume you didn’t hear.
SAMANTHA Hear what? I was thinking. I always think before I draw. It saves an enormous amount of time.
BERNICE Al just told Jack about your new idea.
SAMANTHA You’ve got to be kidding.
BERNICE No. And he specifically mentioned the name you gave it.
SAMANTHA Stylish Suzy?
BERNICE Yes, and in a way that made it look as if both of you had come up with it.
SAMANTHA I can’t stand it.
BERNICE You know what I think? I think he’s angling to become the head of design.
SAMANTHA I think we both know that. What else is new?
BERNICE Well, what are you going to do about it? He’s always pressing Mr. Winkle about the promotion. But you’re the one with the real design talent.
SAMANTHA I don’t know what I’m even doing, working in this silly, male-dominated company?
BERNICE Well, you have to do something. Mr. Winkle could make a decision at any time. And, if anybody should be the head of design, it’s you.
SAMANTHA Thank you, Bernice. But a woman, the head of a department in this company? Not as likely as a wish. Every time I try to jump as high as I can, I hit the glass.
BERNICE Do you think you would you be happy working for Al? I do half the time. And let me tell you, it’s no picnic.
SAMANTHA I really don’t know if I could stand it.
BERNICE Then you’ve got to do something. I don’t want to lose you. You’re my nice boss. Besides, I like you very much.
SAMANTHA Thank you, Bernice. I like you, too. What can I say? I can only do my best..
BERNICE You have to try something different. Here’s a flyer that just came in the mail.
SAMANTHA What kind of flyer?
BERNICE It’s about a businesswomen’s conference on feminine leadership.
SAMANTHA Oh, I used to go to those. That’s how I got as far as I have.
BERNICE But this one sounds really great. Look. (hands her flyer) The featured speaker is Kelly Driscoll.
SAMANTHA Kelly? Oh, I think so much of her. She’s so successful -- and she seems like such a great person.
BERNICE And look. The first twenty-five people who sign up get to have a private conference with her about their careers. Maybe she can help you navigate this place. I’d sign up right away if I were you, especially given the politics you’re dealing with.
SAMANTHA You know, I think you’re right. You’re so smart, Bernice. Please, call and book a reservation for me asap.
BERNICE Great! I’ll do it right now. (takes back flyer) You’ll have to let me know how you do.
SAMANTHA I will. Oh, and don’t put it on the company card. (reaches for purse) Put it on one of mine. No sense letting the powers that be think I’m too ambitious.
BERNICE Will do. (takes credit card) I’ll let you know if you get in on the private meeting.
SAMANTHA Thanks. I’d love it.
Tom Attea. Samantha and the Glass Ceiling. pp.14-17
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