Unfortunately, there's no way to transition from leaf-peeping to anything except to point out your lack of transition, which is what I've just done. Judge for yourself the success.
I've been watching "Fixer Upper" while writing this entry, so I feel inspired to show a transformation of space. Ainsley is assigned an office in the West Wing (although an area that Leo is surprised to find exists) that also happens to serve as the "Steam Pipe Trunk Distribution Center." This little wrinkle was based on David Gergen, who had previously worked for the Reagan and Nixon Administration. When he joined the Clinton White House, his office was the space formerly used as a barbershop- complete with the barber's chair. Ainsley's office (the Steam Pipe Trunk Distribution Center) gets a makeover at the end of the episode, themed on Gilbert and Sullivan's Operetta (which are, for the record, more often about Social Class than duty, but whatever).
BEFORE:
AFTER:
We've got posters for "H.M.S. Pinafore," "Pirates of Penzance," "Yeoman of the Guard," "The Sorcerer," and (I think) "Ruddigore." But, I'm pretty sure it's the rug that really brings the room together. Not pictured in this after-shot is Toby, who hides very successfully in this scene. I'm pretty sure he didn't learn "He is an Englishman" from "H.M.S. Pinafore."
Now, on to the focus of the blog... there are four different plot lines in this episode:
- Ainsley's first days at her new job.
- CJ clashing with a soon-to-retire three star General.
- The president being pronounced healthy enough for marital relations (and a radio address- though not at the same time).
- The possibility of Josh suing the KKK.
The moral of this episode's story is presented in the final scene, where the President gives a radio address about some of the less appreciated female figures in American History, who are woefully underrepresented in National Monuments (and then he gets to go have a special meeting of the government with Mrs. Bartlet). Certainly an idea we can all get behind. That's not the only type of inequity shown, though. After Ainsley saves their butt, two jerks send her dead flowers with a card that says "bitch" on it. Sam fires these two morons, but should also probably contact the florist. CJ, in her conversation with the retiring General (and Chief of Staff of the Army) is called "lady" and my personal favorite: "kitten."
Obviously, these are all alarming and overt examples of sexism, and it's fantastic that it is featured in an episode of what was (and is) such a popular show. However, it is worth noting that there are so many different forms of sexism that are more subtle and can be more damaging; opportunities that aren't presented, salary differences and so much more. CJ demonstrates the type of sexism I'm referring to at the start of the episode:
TOBY- By the way, you are a beautiful woman. And no one around here has ever assumed you were either ambitious or stupid.
C.J.- Toby.
TOBY- Yeah.
C.J.- Took two years.
** Full Disclosure: I am a man, and as such, am speaking not as an expert but rather with the hope of demonstrating empathy and understanding.
Obviously, these are all alarming and overt examples of sexism, and it's fantastic that it is featured in an episode of what was (and is) such a popular show. However, it is worth noting that there are so many different forms of sexism that are more subtle and can be more damaging; opportunities that aren't presented, salary differences and so much more. CJ demonstrates the type of sexism I'm referring to at the start of the episode:
TOBY- By the way, you are a beautiful woman. And no one around here has ever assumed you were either ambitious or stupid.
C.J.- Toby.
TOBY- Yeah.
C.J.- Took two years.
** Full Disclosure: I am a man, and as such, am speaking not as an expert but rather with the hope of demonstrating empathy and understanding.
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