Ebony: It’s a man’s world

After graduating from college, Ebony went on to get her Master of Arts Degree and her Ph.D.; she is now on her journey to find a job. Now for those of us who have been there and done that, we know that this process is no walk in the park, especially for a young, educated Black woman.  While on this journey, Ebony meets Jorge who is a pretty playboy and a smooth talker, but he is also a part of the company that will be interviewing Ebony for a position she is she is interested in.

Let’s learn a little more about Jorge.

One evening Jorge returns home and a beautiful woman follows. The two are well dressed; they arrive at Jorge’s home and Jorge tells the woman, “come on inside. Let’s talk about the possibility of you working as a business associate for B&J Associates.” The woman Monique says, “I guess I can come inside for a second; especially if it means I have the job.” Monique walks inside the living room and takes off her jacket. Jorge hurries to grab Monique’s jacket and admires Monique’s shapely body. “Wow,” says Jorge. Monique asks, “What is it?” “You are a fine beautiful dark skin creature. You know dark skin girls usually don’t look that good,” said Jorge. Monique replies, “I guess beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I have always been a beautiful woman.” Jorge hands Monique a glass of wine, which Monique hurries to drink. “You’re right! There are all kinds of beautiful women in the world, but dark skin girls are usually on the down side when it comes to this subject,” says Jorge. Monique replies, “So even though my body is flawless, my hair is beautiful, my teeth are all straight, and the fact that I’m brilliant doesn’t make me a productive woman because my skin color is dark?” Jorge looks at her smiling, “look, I didn’t make the rules!” Jorge is standing there trying to explain himself now. Monique sits on the couch continuing to challenge him. “No, you didn’t, but you’re one out of a million men who think this way.” At this point, Jorge regrets even making the statement, “look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. But let’s admit it. It is a man’s world, especially at B&J Associates. Most women that work in male dominated fields make a third of what men make. Our company gives a little more to “today’s” lady. B&J is a very powerful company and fits well on any woman’s resume.” Monique is sitting just looking at Jorge and says, “I understand that, but you say that to say what? Boy this is some good wine.” Jorge looks at her with this strange look in his eyes. “I know how bad you want to be part of the company. This job would build you to be a very powerful black woman. But, you do know everything in life comes with a price tag.” Jorge pulls in real close to Monique as he talks. Monique sits there for now entertaining Jorge. Monique asks, “So what will this job cost me?” Jorge’s face is now touching Monique’s face. Monique was a little afraid and jumps up from the couch. Jorge answers her question, “a price that is suitable for you, and very satisfying for the both of us.” Monique looked shocked and started to stumble. Jorge grabs her and tries to kiss her. “Wait! I can’t do this!” Monique pulls away and is looking dizzy. Jorge looks at her and says, “why? I thought everything was going well.” Monique is feeling strange, “what’s wrong with me? Why do I feel this way?” Jorge looks at her—“don’t fight it baby. Just let it do its thing!” Monique passes out and Jorge catches her while staring into her eyes.

The next morning Ebony will meet Jorge.

Ebony walks inside the huge building of B&J Associates and takes the elevator up to the main office where she has an interview. She looks very sophisticated and professional in her outfit. Ebony enters a room and sees the front desk secretary. “Hi my name is Dr. Ebony Ambrose. I’m here for an interview for the Executive Marketing position.” “Good morning Dr. Ambrose! I will let Jorge know you’re here. You can sit with the rest of the interviewees,” says the secretary.  Ebony turns to the crowd of people also interviewing. There was a lot of competition inside the office. The majority of the people were light skinned women and men; Ebony was the only dark skinned African American in the room. Ebony has a seat just as a 6’2 well-dressed white man comes from a back room.

“Hi my name is Jorge! Welcome to B&J Associates, one of the biggest business firms in America. I am the Executive manager of marketing. I will be the one conducting your interviews today. I’m the man you want to impress and that’s hard to do! When it comes to marketing I have done and seen it all, so I have a keen eye for greatness and for those who can deliver what I am looking for! As you can see the room is full, which means I don’t have room for mediocre people. So don’t be offended if during your interview I ask you to stop and leave, because we are not interested in you. Okay, without further delay let us get this show on the road.”

The interviews go on and it seems like all day has passed. While the interviewees await their turn, another interviewee, Michael thought he should let everyone, especially Ebony, know exactly who he is.

“Hi, my name is Michael Turner. I have retained my business degree from one of the best institutions in this country. I can look around the room and see there is little competition, especially when compared to my credentials and experience and not to add the fact that I’m white!” He then looks at Ebony. “You are interesting. You are the only dark skinned woman here. Either you’re a really smart woman they are interested in or you could be just a body that fills the spot of an African American. You know a company gets looked down on when they don’t have “diversity” in their company. I think that’s why “your” type is here today.”

Ebony looks at him keeping her composure. “Good morning Michael, says Ebony. The school you obtained your doctorate from didn’t teach you that people are not “types?” Besides, I don’t want to be given anything. The position I get today I will earn, because I’m the better fit and quite frankly after hearing you speak—I’m more qualified! I will fit the demographic of being a black woman in a successful diverse marketing company—period. While a brilliant man, like yourself, will hopefully have a career to go to.” Michael looks at Ebony and says, “I see your attitude matches your Race!” Ebony replies, “I can see your ignorance matches your Race and clearly precedes you.” Ebony has avoided the annoying Michael and his attempt to discourage her.

The interview process has gone on for over eight hours and Ebony has not been seen yet. Ebony is now hungry, frustrated, and nervous that they won’t get to her. Even Michael was seen. The secretary then walks into the waiting room an says, “I would like to apologize to those of you who have been waiting, but the interview process is over.” Michael walks out of an office followed by Jorge who winks his eye at Ebony. Everyone who has not been interviewed yell, “aww man! We have been waiting all day.” The secretary lets everyone know that she understands the frustration and that those who were not interviewed will receive a voucher for their time. There were only a few people left in the waiting room, including Ebony who was disappointed and wanted to speak to someone. Ebony was the last person in line to get her voucher when Jorge appeared. She stops him and says, “Excuse me Jorge. May I please have a minute of your time?” Jorge looks at her and says, “I’m sorry, but the interviews are over. If you get with my secretary she will take care of you.” “With all due respect sir, but you can keep your Twenty-Five Dollar check,” says Ebony. Jorge replies, “Well the checks are actually Two Hundred Fifty Dollars. “Really? I can use that money,” said Ebony.

Jorge looks at her smiling, “good!” “No! I won’t take the money. I need a fair shot like everyone else who had an interview today,” said Ebony. Now Jorge is looking at Ebony in an attractive manner and says, “Okay! Maybe I can do one more interview, but it won’t be here. I’m famished; I must eat. If you want this interview it will be over dinner.” Ebony hesitantly looks at him, “yes of course and I will pay.” Jorge replies, “you will?” “Yes, as soon as I get this check from your secretary,” said Ebony. Jorge laughs while Ebony waits on her check.

Instead of dinner at a restaurant, Jorge invites Ebony to his home for food and drinks and she accepts. As Ebony and Jorge enter his home Jorge says, “come on inside. Let’s talk about you becoming a business associate at B&J Associates.” Ebony says, “Wow this is a nice apartment.” “Thanks! And it’s a condo not an apartment. There’s a difference you know,” says Jorge. “Of course I do. I was just testing you,” said Ebony.

Ebony hits herself in the head while Jorge wasn’t looking and wonders what she has gotten herself into.

To find out what happens to Ebony, be sure to visit Atlanta Free Speech next week.