Narrative:
Though they tried to discriminate against me, I held my ground. Though they judged me, I fought back. All because I fought for my rights and refused a simple pay cut, I am currently jobless, nearly homeless and completely alone. This is the story of how I got here; this is a story of riches to rags.
Flashback to one year ago, 1927. I was a thriving flapper who America had fallen in love with. People rushed into the theater to see my films; I was desired by the men, worshiped by the young girls, and especially pleased by my contract with fox.
Life was brilliant; I was blooming and full of knowledge, talent and passion. This beautiful life was too good to be true, as I used to think. And so it was; it seemed to have slipped away from me before I could completely grasp it. This easy life started slipping the moment I sat down in the president of Fox’s office for a meeting he had scheduled. My first thought was that we were going to either praise my last film’s success or talk about my newest ideas for parts. But, I had an inkling that this meeting wasn't going to be as pleasant as I had hoped. The men in similar black suits rushed into the room and took their seats. Following them was the president of the corporation who had deep brown hair and an expressionless face that made me cringe. He slowly sat down, cleared his throat and with what seemed like pleasure, announced that I was receiving a pay cut. Just me; none of the other actors. So many questions and accusations clouded my mind and made it so I couldn't even think straight. I was the best actress they have ever had. I brought them so much business throughout the past year. So many contracts have been signed through me, and not to mention all the money I have provided them. I should be getting a raise!
Growing up, my mother taught me to be kind and lady-like. She told me to “respect all men, whether they deserve it or not”. But I am not my mother, I am a flapper. So, I did what any self-respecting flapper would do and let out some of my inner anger. As the men prepared to leave the room, pleasantly surprised with my blank reaction, I got up from my seat, stomped over toward him and strongly made my statement. “How dare you. You have said before that I am the best thing that has ever happened to this business. Fox’s ratings are through the roof! Who do you think brought that on? It sure wasn't you, sitting in your reclining chair all day long, collecting money and recognition you don’t deserve! I have worked harder than anyone to be here. Is it because I’m a woman? Is it because I’m a flapper? Or maybe is it because you’re intimidated by my success? Well, whatever the reason for your sudden lack of intelligence, let me help you out. You give me a raise or you lose the best thing that has happened to this company.”
His eyes showed his startled emotions only for a moment, then he quickly masked his feelings. His chapped lips curled up in a smirk and calmly he said, “ Collect your belongings and leave immediately, Mrs. Borden. We are terminating your contract with us because of your temperament and stubbornness. Good working with you.”
And just like that, my career was over. Fox had made it sure that every agency knew about my “unwillingness to work”, just to be sure I could never get another acting job again.
I may not have much, but now I have a story; it took losing my career along with my fame for me to understand fully who I am and what I stand for. I am a flapper. Not because of my hair, not because of the clothes I wear. I believe that women should refuse to fit into stereotypes and they should be respected for it. If I didn't stand up for myself, I wouldn't be considered a flapper. I would simply be an actress who wore short dresses and had bobbed hair. A flapper isn't defined by her appearance; she is defined by her willingness to mark a time in history and altar the future.
Flashback to one year ago, 1927. I was a thriving flapper who America had fallen in love with. People rushed into the theater to see my films; I was desired by the men, worshiped by the young girls, and especially pleased by my contract with fox.
Life was brilliant; I was blooming and full of knowledge, talent and passion. This beautiful life was too good to be true, as I used to think. And so it was; it seemed to have slipped away from me before I could completely grasp it. This easy life started slipping the moment I sat down in the president of Fox’s office for a meeting he had scheduled. My first thought was that we were going to either praise my last film’s success or talk about my newest ideas for parts. But, I had an inkling that this meeting wasn't going to be as pleasant as I had hoped. The men in similar black suits rushed into the room and took their seats. Following them was the president of the corporation who had deep brown hair and an expressionless face that made me cringe. He slowly sat down, cleared his throat and with what seemed like pleasure, announced that I was receiving a pay cut. Just me; none of the other actors. So many questions and accusations clouded my mind and made it so I couldn't even think straight. I was the best actress they have ever had. I brought them so much business throughout the past year. So many contracts have been signed through me, and not to mention all the money I have provided them. I should be getting a raise!
Growing up, my mother taught me to be kind and lady-like. She told me to “respect all men, whether they deserve it or not”. But I am not my mother, I am a flapper. So, I did what any self-respecting flapper would do and let out some of my inner anger. As the men prepared to leave the room, pleasantly surprised with my blank reaction, I got up from my seat, stomped over toward him and strongly made my statement. “How dare you. You have said before that I am the best thing that has ever happened to this business. Fox’s ratings are through the roof! Who do you think brought that on? It sure wasn't you, sitting in your reclining chair all day long, collecting money and recognition you don’t deserve! I have worked harder than anyone to be here. Is it because I’m a woman? Is it because I’m a flapper? Or maybe is it because you’re intimidated by my success? Well, whatever the reason for your sudden lack of intelligence, let me help you out. You give me a raise or you lose the best thing that has happened to this company.”
His eyes showed his startled emotions only for a moment, then he quickly masked his feelings. His chapped lips curled up in a smirk and calmly he said, “ Collect your belongings and leave immediately, Mrs. Borden. We are terminating your contract with us because of your temperament and stubbornness. Good working with you.”
And just like that, my career was over. Fox had made it sure that every agency knew about my “unwillingness to work”, just to be sure I could never get another acting job again.
I may not have much, but now I have a story; it took losing my career along with my fame for me to understand fully who I am and what I stand for. I am a flapper. Not because of my hair, not because of the clothes I wear. I believe that women should refuse to fit into stereotypes and they should be respected for it. If I didn't stand up for myself, I wouldn't be considered a flapper. I would simply be an actress who wore short dresses and had bobbed hair. A flapper isn't defined by her appearance; she is defined by her willingness to mark a time in history and altar the future.