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Cotillion Research Paper

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In the 6th grade, most of the Jewish students at Kenter Canyon Elementary were forced to participate in a time honored tradition called Cotillion. It was held at University Synagogue on Sunset Blvd in Brentwood. Joining us were other unfortunates from nearby grammar schools whose parents (mothers) felt it this, shall we say “tradition,” was one of the important steps needed in to assure that we would become loyal Americans and efficacious adults. The other ‘musts’ were Bar Mitzvahs (Bot Mitzvahs were voluntary for girls), college degrees, standing under a chuppah, and providing grandchildren. Preferably in that order. Very few of us were members of the congregation, but the synagogue wasn’t too proud to accept our money. Like …show more content…

Many also brought the reek of Patchouli oil, incense, marijuana and strummed acoustic guitars making an effort to sound as ‘deep’ as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Laura Nero, Woody Guthrie and others. Why did such a metamorphosis occur in such a short period of time? For one thing, many a spoiled brat, especially those whose family had managed to acquire a draft deferment, primarily related to their student status. It wasn’t much of a sacrifice because they had always been college bound. Once out of their element (posh neighborhoods), they were suddenly face to face with people from other backgrounds. Not just socio-economic backgrounds but, up close and personal with progeny of the people they’d never encountered in anything other than a subservient role. Rapport began within shared classroom space, then moved to dorm room space, and as friendships developed, many transitioned into ‘bed space,’ all in a remarkably small amount of time. I surmised those whose roots only went back as far as their classy zip codes experienced a sense of shock to discover that the “other” within their age group shared similar feelings about parents, school, love and concern for the …show more content…

Sexual harassment. Those of us who desired the same type of jobs men always filled were caught in this demoralizing quandary. Once tearing up our membership cards to the “Love Generation,” we expected our decorum, practices, and sometimes reckless behavior to recede in memories, along with our college persona (s). But new bosses, still 97% heterosexual male assumed, generally by virtue of our age would willing trade sex for a little bump up the corporate ladder. I recall once I was promoted to “Account Manager,” the task of entertaining big clients was just part of the job. Males in with the same job title had expense accounts to cover “business” lunches/dinners, just like I did/ But the biggest difference was they were allotted funds for “Girly Bars,” and prostitutes under the heading of “entertainment.” I was not. When I asked if I could take clients to a play or event as a means of entertainment, I thought my boss was going to laugh himself into a stroke! Hey! YOU wanted the job, so YOU can entertain them! Somehow this was just not the future, I dreamed

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