This women seems to have lots of "attitude" - maybe too much - turn down the steam a little.  She keeps talking about being able to talk "upper middle class" whatever that means.... Status really seems to count a lot in her world. She buys a new suit and leather briefcase and everyone is to assume she is now an "associate"... and takes great offence if they don't know that... She should be happy that they ask and she can take pride informing them of her associate position...! Her father lecturing her about racism and telling her she has to be better than everyone and it will make people upset..... Maybe it's just about being a "smart ..." .....