![]() ![]() Purnsley adds that they do not appreciate their hard work. Purnsley says that the hotel takes them for granted. The head chef stairs at the plate in his hand as the others vocalise support for Purnsley. Purnsley wonders if they have ever had a raise and Otis admits that they have not. Franklin announces that he has five and others join in. Louis says that he has been their almost four years. Purnsley derisively repeats manager and asks how long they have been putting up with the poor working conditions. Purnsley asks who says so and the head chef warns that the manager will be there shortly. A buzzer sounds and the head chef says that they need to get back to work. Purnsley lists examples of the demeaning way they are spoken to and says that the manager does not have to kowtow to this. Another worker, Louis complains that the manager doesn’t have to gut fish until his hands bleed. Otis the cook adds that the manager does not have to stand over a hot stove. Purnsley complains that they work harder than the managers and looks at his fellow dishwasher Franklin as he says the manager does not clean any dishes. Purnsley complains about the low rate of pay ($15 a week) and Travis guesses that the hotel manager makes ten times as much. Support is mixed among the other workers – some shake their heads while some vocalise agreement. He counters that he is happy to get paid each week. Purnsley looks around and then asks the head chef if he is happy with the meal. ![]() The staff at the Ritz Carlton eat their lunch. When the manager is gone he tells the others to do as instructed and “eat it up.” (" Battle of the Century") Purnsley keeps silent allowing sympathy to build amongst his colleagues. The manager instructs them to finish their lunches and return to work. The manager sarcastically calls Purnsley a lord, looking around at the other workers and warns him that if he continues then he will be fired. The manager checks Purnsley’s name and Purnsley confirms it, calling the manager chief. The head chef denies an issue and Purnsley says that they are discussing their poor quality meal. The manager asks if the staff have a problem, now referring to them all as “boys”. Purnsley says that he was fed better food in prison and Elkins says that he believes Purnsley is being truthful. Purnsley ignores a warning from one of the workers that their boss is coming and his argument wins some of the workers back to his side. Purnsley recites their long hours and little free time and says that he has served easier time in prison. The older workers echo the head chef’s sentiment. His rhetoric compares the workers to loyal slaves and the head chef tells him to be thankful that he has a job. Purnsley derisively asks his colleagues to look at themselves calling them “Uncle Toms” (slang for an African American who will betray the interest of his people to maintain good standing with Caucasian masters, derived from the play Uncle Tom’s cabin). This draws a sidelong glance from the head chef, who remains quiet. Louis says that the food tastes good to him. Purnsley decries the rules as racist – they consider the workers unfit to eat the leftovers of the Caucasian customers. Purnsley’s fellow dish washer Franklin reminds him that he is the new man on the kitchen crew having been there just a week and nevertheless should know their rules. ![]() Purnsley complains about the constant influx of appealing room service leftovers that they are not allowed to eat. The chef states that he is following instructions from management. Purnsley goes on to wonder why the chef is feeding him dog food drawing a laugh from his colleagues. The chef is confused but admits that Purnsley has not. While the others eat Purnsley loudly asks the chef if he has bitten him. Purnsley looks disappointed in his food a mashed potato and vegetable slop. The workers line up next to Otis to receive their meal. The senior cook, Otis, calls for lunch reminding the staff that they have just ten minutes. Purnsley tells the manager that he has a name and the manager responds that he does not have to remember it. Purnsley clatters more china as he works and the manager reprimands him, calling him “boy”. The Caucasian kitchen manager enters and warns Purnsley to be more careful with the plates. Purnsley, still bruised from his recent incarceration and sporting a new gold front tooth to replace the one he lost, is washing dishes. On Jthe African American staff of the Ritz Carlton Hotel prepare food in the kitchen. ![]()
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