Homework 2

Laurie Hall

Walden University

In late 1980, Dolly Parton wrote and released one (of many) hit song call “9 to 5”.  This song was written for the film 9 to 5 which featured Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lilly Tomlin who played three office secretaries who decide to seek revenge on their boss who is very sexist towards women.  The one secretary, played by Lilly Tomlin, was passed over for a promotion because she was a woman.  The ladies kidnap their boss and lock in him a room while they figure out a way to blackmail him.  With many crazy twist and turns, the ladies find out their boss has been embezzling money and gather evidence towards the case.  In the end, the secretary who was first passed up for the promotion becomes the new boss of the company. 

The song “9 to 5” reflects on how women on how in the 70s, and 80s women worked under a man’s authority and were only thought of as secretaries and never given the chance to be more in the working world.  And when you hear and read the lyrics Dolly Parton hits on this subject.

            “Workin’ 9 to 5, What a way to make a livin’.  Barely gettin’ by, It’s all takin’ and no givin’. They just use your mind, and they never give you credit.  It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it.” “9 to 5, for service and devotion.  You would think that I would deserve a fat promotion.  Want to move ahead, but the boss won’t seem to let me.  I swear sometimes that man is out to get me.  They let you dream, just to watch’em shatter.  Your’re just a step on the boss-mans ladder.  But you got dreams, he’ll never take away.  You’re in the same boat with a lotta your friends.  Waitin’ for the day your ship’ll come in, N the tide’s gonna turn and it’s all gonna roll your way.”

Unfortunately, in some workplaces even today, this same situation continues to happen.  Some individuals continue to hold the mindset that women who have families with children cannot take a lead or executive roll in a company over a man because they feel women have less ambition towards their job and put more energy towards their families.  Also women are more likely to begin a job at entry level and continue to work that same job for years, while men move from these position, up the ladder more quickly.  Gender equality is improving.  Companies are instituting trainings to help employees learn about what gender bias is and how to combat it.  Men and women alike can be guilty of this, but making them aware that this issue exist is a step in the right direction.