The Double Standard That Doesn’t Apply To Leroy
By Chloe Bohne · May 26, 2010
Oh Leroy, I’m sorry you were subjected to steamy scenes of elderly porn and had to deal with an epileptic episode on the 405, but I think that’s the case when you move to LA with the naivete of a sweet, Midwestern male. Now I don’t mean to sound condescending – my stories seem like walks in the park on a sunny day in comparison to yours, but there is an unfortunate double standard (for you) at play here: female interns are never put – or never allow themselves to be put – in such scenarios.
Lets take your apartment and house gigs for example. No rational young lady would ever walk into a job interview in a home! Who knows what the hell is lurking behind that door? My assumption would probably be a) some C list actor who wants to rape some chick with huge tits, or b) some snuff set where my role would be that of the victim. Ummm, no thank you. I did not grow up in LA myself, but I have heard the horror stories. Especially in this industry, I mean shit, Leroy, you’re lucky you didn’t walk in on the filming of the elderly porn! Talk about not sleeping.
How about your eavesdropping story? First off, had you encompassed the characteristics of a Ninja, you would not have been caught up in that whole sticky situation to begin with – I’m just saying. But also, you’re a male! Important dudes don’t dig it when inferiors (like interns), laugh at them – even their jokes. As per the double standard, I can play the role of the adorable little girl who thinks Mr. Boss Man is just so funny, and what is he gonna do: nothing, except maybe smile back. Hey, I dont make the rules, I just play by them. But hey, kudos on getting him to remember you and your dick.
And last but finally not least, a young girl would most likely never be asked to ride alone with a questionable male, but if on the occasion that she does, she most likely will not have to take that ride. In fact, I do have a similar story here myself…
A few weeks ago, one of the higher-ups had come in much like your dick-in-ass boss did: pretty fucked up. But, I think this guy was seriously on drugs, or at least coming down from them. I have no idea how he had managed to get to work, but he obviously drove. He came in blurting out that he had just participated in a crazy three-way with a couple of twenty-something year olds and how he stayed up all night with them doing cocaine. Anyway, he mentions that his tire is flat and that Wendi needs to have the car towed in order to get it repaired. After hearing all this, I decide it’s best not to make any sudden movements in case he wants to discuss this any further. I mean, he was seriously FUBAR. Anyway, he goes to his office and sobers up for about an hour before I hear him ranting again.
“Wendi, is my car fixed yet?”
“Yes, it just needs to be picked up.”
“Okay, so who wants to give me a ride?” Yes, there was an emphasis on ride. And yes, he is standing right behind me. “How about you, little lady?”
Now see here Leroy, you totally would have gotten sucked into this one. Yes, this episode is slightly more perverted than your seizure, but no one getting paid would step up to the plate for you on this one. But, because of the unspoken double standard that we all know exists, but don’t really wanna talk about because women are supposed to be treated equally and all, which I support, but not wholeheartedly because of situations like these – one of the younger dwellers, who also heard this man’s drugged out escapade, sees the look of horror on my face. Yes, I am still an intern and this guy is still a higher up, but the safety of a younger, female in the presence of this crackhead, comes first. Younger dweller #43 offered to take him instead. And bless his little soul for offering when he did because I would have flat out said no.
Now I know that my stories haven’t put me in such deplorable situations as yours Leroy, but I still have a right to bitch. And frankly, you and I both have put ourselves in these situations. But, being a male, you do get screwed way more than I ever will. (That’s what she said!) Young girls with a brain in their head are quite the liability in this town. Sexual harassment and equal treatment have really lightened my load, so to speak. Although I am still subjected to the slaveries of interning, they will always pale in comparison to a young man’s, especially one of you hopeful, Midwestern boys. But, like I said, this is one double standard that I am abusing til the sun goes down.
