How does Terkel characterize and or/question the “nature” or the “reality” of work? Keep in mind how he talks about worker’s roles, experiences, values and purposes. Include at least one human example from your selected interview.  

From my understanding Terkel views the work force as challenging in a way that can get the best of those participating in it. By this I mean that people do not always see the worth and importance of their positions, thus causing them to perform at a lower level. They say things such as “A monkey can do what I do,” and “I’m an object.” (Terkel Introduction) The nature of the work place can be seen as “humiliating” and in some ways depressing. If a worker is able to change their mindset in regard to their job there with be a plethora of positive effects. In his introduction Terkel mentions a young woman named Dolores Dante who was a waitress. Not many people would necessary categorize that as their dream job, but Dolores was not ashamed and made the best of her situation. “Yet pride in her skills helps her make it through the night.” (Terkel Introduction) This is the exact same mindset that Kitty Scanlan developed in her job as an occupational therapist.

Initially Scanlan did not see her worth as an Occupational therapist. She was constantly comparing herself to the doctors and their life saving operations. Yet despite her jealousy she still viewed the hospital as an extremely rigid and unhappy environment. She decided she was not going to conform to this mindset. While the surgeon receives immediate gratification, Scanlan receives long-term gratification. It began with her realizing how much she enjoyed helping all of her patients, as well as how much she enjoyed learning from them. After she re discovered her joy in helping struggling people she came to a realization. Scanlan stated, “I finally learned it didn’t matter what he (the doctor) though. If I believed in what I was doing I didn’t give a damn what the doctor thought.” (496 Scanlan) This was her realization of her value and the importance of her role. From that moment forward she decided she would not stand by idly and allow everyone to go about their jobs miserably. She stepped forward and made differences that otherwise would not have taken place. With her new found self-confidence and appreciation of her job she was able to help teach more students how to be the best occupational therapists that they could possibly be.