Play Along

Kennedy’s story examines the many ways in which gendered expectations shape—and often warp—interactions in professional settings. The narrative therefore reflects women’s challenges in male-dominated environments, acknowledging women’s struggle for respect and recognition and the emotional toll of gender-based discrimination. To this end, Dr. Frederick’s heavy-handed misogyny is designed to highlight the impact of gender biases on women in both professional and personal spaces. Dr. Frederick exudes an air of superiority that reflects his belief in traditional power hierarchies in which men dominate and women fill subordinate roles. His dismissive attitude toward Kennedy and his determination to undermine her capabilities both reveal his refusal to recognize women as equals in a professional environment. For example, in their initial interaction, he not-so-subtly warns her to stay away from the players, clearly working on the prejudiced assumption that women in the workplace are only there to seduce men. This misogynistic attitude dismisses Kennedy’s professional qualifications and reduces her worth to that of a superficial stereotype.

Dr. Frederick’s misogyny also manifests in his manipulation of power dynamics. For example, he constantly uses his position of authority to intimidate and demean Kennedy, reinforcing the notion that her success is contingent on his approval.