I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment.  Not only have I had to endure sexism and racism in the workplace, I was employed in an industry where good looks are more valuable than knowledge and experience.

As a broadcast journalist for more than twenty-five years, I've certainly seen alot of changes.  Most notably is the age group and appearance of the people who come into our homes night after night to tell us what's been happening in our communities.  Somewhere along the way, I believe some television stations started focusing more on the look rather than the content.  If what you're looking at is visually appealing, then you just might overlook grammatical errors and lack of substance.  The more youthful, vibrant and attractive you are makes you a star on the rise. 

Well, the only thing on the rise in my career at midlife is my blood pressure and m tempter.  You see, I never had a lot of patience and respect for the young journalists who flaunted their "I'm being groomed for greatness" arrogance.  I have even less tolerance for the ones who acted as if they'd achieved some type of celebrity status.

One time while working as an Assignment Editor, I had a young reporter call my phone and demand that I find the assistant news director and put her through to him right away.  I didn't waste any time.  Without saying a word, I hung right up on her!  She called back thinking we had a bad connection.  We had a bad connection all right. 

Once she realized I wasn't going to tolerate her "I need it now" prima donna disposition, she calmed down and eventually apologized for her temperament.  It was too late.  the damage had been done.  She ended up on my "You Done Gone and Messed with the Wrong One This Time" list and once your name goes there, it takes an act of Congress to remove it.