'At that point in my life, society had taught me to wonder whether I was making everyone around me happy before I let myself think about whether I was happy or even comfortable.'
I was 19 years old when I was first hired to work as a receptionist at a spa in an Atlantic City casino. I had been working since I was 15, but this was the first “Real Job” I had—in that it did not involve polishing silverware or folding t-shirts.
Most of the other employees were also young women. Early on, we were schooled in company protocols and procedures, but also in the spa’s distinct form of politesse—which was inherently deferential and took its cues from outdated codes of femininity: dutiful, deferential, ladylike. As a part of my employee training, I was instructed to clasp my hands behind my back and encouraged to wear heels—but was not allowed to sit down over the course of our nine-hour shifts.
I quickly came up against the limits of the language that we were instructed to use, and it became apparent that guests of the spa did not consider the need for courtesy to be mutual. Harassment was commonplace, as much a part of my days as processing payments for pedicures.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taylor Swift completely unrecognizable as 'The Man' in new video that takes on gender rolesTaylor Swift, is that you? The pop star literally becomes 'The Man' in her gender-bending new music video, which nods to her feud with Scooter Braun.
Read more »
'Equal Opportunity' Includes Equal Income'The often-cited 82-cent pay gap underestimates the true deficit. It doesn’t take into account bonuses, benefits and commissions—which accrue disproportionately to male jobs.'
Read more »
Appeals court denies tribe’s quest for casino landA federal appeals court has ruled against a Native American tribe in its long-running effort to secure a reservation for a casino in Massachusetts.
Read more »
The Palace Announces Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Final Engagements as Working RoyalsThe two's transition out of their senior royal family roles will begin on March 31.
Read more »
Black In Business: Celebrating The Legacy Of Black EntrepreneurshipAfrican-Americans have played a key role in shaping the U.S. business landscape.
Read more »