Reading Log

The reading that I will be focusing on is from Week four, and is titled “Tyrant of The Shop” by Fanny Fern, who’s real name is Sara Payson Willis. She was the first female newspaper columnist and also a known supporter of woman’s rights, and this is seen in her writing. In the reading, she talks about the harsh treatment she witnesses of woman shopkeepers by their bosses. She mentions how she’s witnessed this treatment going on in the presence of other customers, and has felt like the innocent cause of it because of her decision to walk in. She makes a relatable point of how when this happens one feels almost obligated by guilt to make sure the shopkeeper is okay. Finally she mentions how the shopkeeper turns around and pretends like nothing happened and has the audacity to put up a kind and helpful facade to the customer after putting them in the awkward, uncomfortable, and unprofessional situation.
I really enjoyed reading this text, it was very entertaining, insightful, and relatable. I could feel her passion and anger as I read on through her words and style. She brought up a scenario we have all encountered and went into depth with it. The title is very appropriate with the reading. I believe she is correct by comparing the boss to a tyrant because he is taking advantage of the female storekeepers financial desperation for employment and treating her without respect due to his hubris ways and lust for power and dominance. I could really relate to this reading because I too have been put in the situation where I felt as if it was my fault a female employee got yelled at or was forced to be the witness of it. I believe the author was trying to show to the readers the role of woman in the work force and how men on top bring them down. I also believe she was trying to show how indifferent witnesses can be by mentioning how they pretend everything is alright when face to face with the boss himself.
The only problem I had with the text was how she mentioned that she didn’t do anything either. When face to face with the boss she bit her lip and waited for him 2 leave to then comfort the girl. I would assume she would speak up since she is such a popular supporter and enthusiast of woman’s rights. If I was put into the situation again I would speak up and let the boss know that his actions are unprofessional and should not and will not be tolerated. I sympathize with the poor storekeeper because I too know how it feels to have top put ones head down in order to be able to keep a job for the good and well being of others.
In conclusion, I enjoyed the reading and will most likely be willing to read more works of literature from her. I too am a supporter of woman’s rights and equality in the work place as well as respect for one another. However, I wish she could’ve mentioned another story where she let her voice be herd and stood up for the storekeeper. I would’ve liked to see her show that strong independent woman character she appears to be come out in her writing. Despite this minor flaw I would not change anything else. I believe people can learn a lot from this reading and for once be in the shoes of the victim.