This is just a little taste of what goes on inside of my head. I talk about culture, fashion, music, art, and living in NYC. Life according to moi. Enjoy what you read and hopefully I will open your mind to new things and experiences. Life should be spent living out each day as if it were the very last. I wish peace and blessings to all of my reading audience.
((this is my original work and any attempt to reprint or copy needs my written permission))
“Bourge has another great product
for you. It will make your hair
shinier and sexier”, says the alluring celebrity spokes model who holds the
bottle of shampoo up to the camera.” You cannot live without this product,
ladies. I promise you, this new
Vi-De Belle hair follicle, vitamin enriched scalp nourishment will change your
life. Trust me. I have the whole
line of Vi-de Belle hair care products and I wouldn’t trust my scalp to
anything else.” The attractive
celebrity winks at the camera and begins to massage the product into her
hair.
The celebrity spokes model, Venus
Starr, is a light skinned black woman with long, straight hair that reaches her
shoulder blades. The hair looks
like a wig, but in fact it is Venus’ own hair. Venus used to have very curly hair that fanned out around
her face when it was shorter. But
because of her contract with Vi-De Belle beauty products, she had to use what
they had to offer. And they didn’t
sell any products for women with curly hair. Curly hair was not deemed popular so all of the Vi-De Belle
products catered to women with straight hair. Hair that was straight as a pin. Hair that you would have to iron to get so arrow straight. Curly was out. Straight was in. That’s what life was like living in a
straight world. A world generated
by Bourge Corps.
Jeremy reflected on all of this as
he watched the commercial. He
hated these ads and hated the celebrity spokes models even more.
“God, I hate Venus Starr. She’s in every damn commercial
nowadays. And she has that new
talk show and apparently is the new face of Vi-de (VIDA) Belle.”
“Oh, I don’t know, she seems pretty
smart. And I think it’s cool that
a child star can have so much success.
At least she’s not washing down pills with booze or injecting heroin
between her toes like other former child stars.”
“Shit, Angela, just because she was
the darling of ‘Our Hearts’ doesn’t give her entitlement to tell everyone what
to buy and how to spend their hard earned money. What was that stupid slogan?”
Angela imitates a television
announcer. “’Home is where Our
Hearts live. America’s most
fetidly wholesome and infectiously loveable family. The Heart family lives in all of our hearts.’ Jeremy, spare
me your rant about celebrities being the balm of your existence.
“Angela, bane, not balm. They have opposite meanings. Bane is something that annoys the hell
out of you. Balm is something that
makes you relax. And did that
theme song really say ‘fetid’ and ‘wholesome’ in the same breath? Fetid is something that smells awful,
like garbage. But I guess that was
before language started changing and up became down and vise versa. Let’s see. It all started with ‘Text Speak’ and now nothing has any
original meaning anymore. Language
has been stripped of context and content.
Everything is ‘luv’ and ‘ick’ and ‘k?”
“It takes too much time to spell
everything out. Text Speak makes
it easier to communicate. And
anyway people don’t spend all their time reading yellowed Pulp like some
people. Why don’t you just get an
EZ Speak Audio Biblio-Reader? You
don’t have to read anything yourself.
It’s all audio and you can pick which celebrity voice you want to hear.”
“That’s the reason I still have old
books and newspapers around. Don’t
call it ‘pulp’. That makes it
sound worthless and unwanted. Like
pulp in juice.”
“I hate pulp in juice. You can’t even buy it anymore. They took a poll and people said they preferred
no pulp so that’s all you can get now.
I like it better that way.”
“And that’s another thing. Why is Bourge Corp taking all of these
stupid polls? If something is
voted as being unpopular, it gets discarded like yesterday’s hamburger wrapper.”
“I like the Bourge Corp polls. Oh, they have a new one out today. It asks you to name your favorite cola
drink. I like Zap Cola better than
Bolt! I hope Zap wins.”
“It probably will since Zap is made
by Soife, which is another Bourge Corps company. Bourge Corps tried to buy Bolt but Goody Cola wouldn’t
budge. So now Bourge Corps is
trying to eliminate the competition.”
Angela was busy looking at herself
in the mirror. She especially
critical about her hair. Secretly,
she wanted her hair to look as straight as Venus Starr’s. Angela had been using a different
shampoo and she made a note to switch.
As her mind was filled with these vapid thoughts, she tried to think of
a way to keep the conversation with Jeremy from going flat.
“I didn’t know all of that,
Jeremy. Are you sure Zap is a
Bourge product? I thought it was
the other way around. The Bolt
commercials are a lot better. And
their jingle is catchier.”
“That’s why Bourge Corps wanted to
buy out Goody Cola. They knew that
their product sold more units and made more money. If you can’t buy ‘em, crush ‘em. You know, that mentality started by what was it, Morbinta
Inc? They started this whole we
kill and crush the competition mentality.
That or force them into bankruptcy if they won’t be bought out. Then buy them out anyway without any
sweet under the table deal.”
“Jeremy, you’re so paranoid. If it weren’t for Morbinta, half the
country would have starved during that severe drought. They made sure that people still had
fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat.”
“You’re
so brainwashed, Angela. Morbinta
caused that draught by making a deal with the water and electric companies to
turn off generators and underground pumps for crops. They took advantage of that summer where temperatures for
most of the country were in the triple digits. Only Morbinta farms were producing, and you know that what
came out of those farms was not real food.”
“But Morbinta went out of business.
If they ruled over everything with an iron thumb, then how come they aren’t
around anymore.”
“Angela, that’s why I read as much
as I do. All of the answers are in
the pulp that people don’t look at anymore. Morbinta and Bourge Corps are one and the same. Morbinta bought out as much as it
could, pretended to go under, and then changed names and hands a few times to
confuse people.”
“It sounds like science fiction to
me, Jeremy. There’s no way the
good people of America would let all of that happen.”
“Well people only read what’s
downloadable on their EZ-Speak. If
you can even call it reading anymore.
People listen to stories about the salacious tabloids and banal courtroom
dramas.”
“Banal? Salacious? I
don’t even know what that means!
Use English.”
“Angela, it is English! Well, once it was English. No one uses words that are more than
two or three syllables. Anything
that is too complicated is just tossed aside. Language has been redefined by the masses. It’s too bad that the masses were never
that smart to begin with.”
“You’re such a snob. That’s why you don’t have any
friends. That and you don’t have a
Bourge membership. Oh, I forgot to
tell you. I just became Bourge
Elite. You know what that means,
right?”
“Sure. You get a 45% discount on all Bourge Corps products and a
year’s supply of Vi-De Belle beauty products.”
“Yea, that and I can have my bank
account linked to bourge.com. I
don’t have to do anything when I go shopping. I just buy what I want without worrying about it. The money comes straight out of my
account. All of my bank statements
are prepared for me. I don’t have
to balance my own checkbook. The
rest of the money I don’t spend gets put into another account and I don’t have
to pay interest or anything. Plus,
there’s this new automatic online banking buddy system. I don’t even have to go in person
anymore. It’s all done for me.”
“It’s another beautiful way for
Bourge Corps to do all of the thinking for you and put their hands deeper into
your pocket. And tell me, Angela,
what happens if you run low on cash.
If you’re not checking into your account, how would you know?”
“That’s the great thing about being
Bourge Elite! Everything I buy in
stores and online is connected to my account. So, when I go out to eat or shop online, I am barred from
buying anything that is too expensive and outside what my paycheck would allow
me to buy. I told you, the money
is all figured out for me.”
“So wait a minute. Let’s say you’re out to eat and you
feel like a steak instead of a hamburger?”
“The
touch screen menu will block out the steak because it’s too expensive. I’ll only be able to get the hamburger
and other items that fit within my budget.”
“Who
determines what your budget is?”
“I
told you, being a Bourge Elite member has everything figured out for me. Any day now, my Palm Tab should get a
downloaded file explaining what happens with all of my money. Let’s see, if I remember correctly,
after bills are calculated, I’m allowed 25% for clothes and 35% for food.”
“What
about the other 40%?”
“Some
of that goes toward bills. I think
the rest goes into a rainy day account.
I’m not sure. It’s all
explained in the portfolio. I’ll show
it to you when it gets downloaded on my Palm Tab. It will make sense when you see it all explained.”
“I’m
worried, Angela. If you can’t
explain it to me, it doesn’t sound like a very wise plan of action.”
“Oh,
Jeremy, you worry too much. Why don’t
you have a Go-Go Bar or a Mind Booster Shake? You haven’t eaten anything since breakfast.”
“I’ll
just have a salad and some fresh juice.”
Jeremy gets up to look inside of the refrigerator. He has all of his garden produce and
natural food marked with neon green-yellow tape. Anything unnatural, the things that Angela had been eating
lately were marked with black electrical tape. All of Angela’s food was set aside on a different
shelf. In fact, Jeremy mentioned
getting a second refrigerator because he was so worried about the chemicals in
Angela’s food. Angela stopped
thinking about the food she was eating after she started eating what Jeremy
deemed poisonous junk.
“I
don’t even know why you bother, Jeremy.
You’re like the only one in the neighborhood who has a garden. It’s so much work.”
“But
at least I know where my food comes from.
I grow it myself and can control what goes into my body. I don’t know what the hell is in that
crap Bourge Corps puts in stores.
You could be eating cancer on a stick for all you know.”
“Oh,
Jeremy. What am I going to do with
you? “
Angela takes the remote control and changes the
channel. She focuses on the
television and tunes out Jeremy’s conversation.
“Angela,
we used to have intelligent conversations about these things. But you
don’t remember. It was your idea to start the garden
and grow our own food. But you started
getting fast food because it was cheaper.
You changed out your organic soap and shampoo for a Vi-de Belle
membership. And you changed.
That’s when…”
“Shh..quiet down, my favorite show
is coming on.”
“It’s a commercial, Angela. Can’t we talk some more about this. I’m worried about you.”
Angela squeals, “Oh Jeremy, I love
this commercial. The little boy is
so adorable.
She imitates a little boy’s
voice. ‘Can I have anuhduh (another)?’”
“’Eat
a Pow Burger. They’re rich in
vitamins and nutrients. Another
great product by Meaty Delights, a property of Bourge Corps. Bourge Corps knows what America’s
children prefer.’ A little boy
eats a burger that looks like a cross between Spam and pulled pork. He gets what looks like ketchup or
barbeque sauce all over his mouth and smiles. The little boy looks up past the camera and asks, “Mom, I’m still hungry. Can I have anuhduh?” The phrase, “Can I have another”
sticks out in big red letters while the jingle for Pow Burger plays in the background. Angela hums along to the music.
“I
think I’m gonna go out and get a Pow Burger! I’ll be right back.”
“Are you sure you don’t want some salad instead? Angela, I think tonight I’ll make a
vegetarian lasagna. I’ll even make
the pasta from scratch. How about
that instead?”
“I’m really in the mood for a Pow Burger and a Mind Booster
Shake. I can get one for you
too. I still have a full food
quota.”
“Angela, I love you.
I want to make a baby with you.”
“Silly, you know we can’t have any more children. We tried once and it didn’t work
out.” Angela gives Jeremy a kiss
on the forehead and grabs her purse. “I think I’ll get some of that new Vi-De
Belle shampoo too.” Angela leaves
Jeremy sitting on the couch by himself, unaware that anything is out of the
ordinary.
Jeremy sat there in the mid-afternoon sunlight streaming
through the window and thought about Angela. They wanted children once. But Angela’s body wasn’t able to make a baby without huge
risks. So the doctor put a black x
over her medical file and that was that.
They could try to adopt but only if both of them were Bourge Corps
members. And Jeremy refused to get
even a Bourge Basic Membership.
Angela joined partially out of a glimmering hope that Jeremy would join
her and partly to save on finances in case they actually did end up being able
to adopt. Then it all
changed. Angela cared more about
material things. Then she bought
that EZ-Speak. And her language
began to change. Everything about
her was different. She looked more
and more like the celebrity spokes models on TV than the woman he married. Jeremy wondered what the future held
for them, as a couple.
Does he
still love her? Will he stay with
her?
Tune in and find out what happens tonight on ‘Love
Electric’, another original, smash series from Hunter Broadcasting, a Bourge
Corps Production.
This post follows on the heels of my last one. It is very hard to believe in today's enlightened age that homosexuality was once considered not only a sin, but a moral defect. Gay men and lesbian women had to hide in the shadows because otherwise, they would be viewed as social pariahs and misfits. Homosexuality was a mental disease, a flawed defect. We can see the attitude toward homosexuals in the above PSA. I decided to write a play centered around the viewpoint of gay people during the 50's and 60's. It wasn't until the sexual, hippie revolution of the late sixties that gays began to be viewed as people. That and the Gay Movement that was ignited by Harvey Milk in the seventies. Up until that point, gays had to pretend to love the opposite gender in an effort to 'pass' as heterosexual. The play I wrote, A Posion Tree is in three parts. 'Coming Out' is the first part of three. It is dedicated to the brave men and women who grew up in the 50's and 60's and had no choice but to live in fear and shame because of their sexuality.
A Poison Tree ((this is my original work and any attempt to reprint or copy needs my written permission))
Part I: ‘Coming Out
Characters: Betty- Younger McAdams sister, 15 years old
Barbara- Older McAdams sister, 18 years old
Lawrence- Barbara's boyfriend, 18 years old
Radio announcer- 50's/60's radio personality voice
Setting: early 1960’s (circa 1962). Bedroom scene.Debutante
Ball.
Pre-show ‘End of the World’ by Brenda Lee. As music begins, show slides showing
era of context of late 50’s/early 60’s.
This images should show women in traditional roles at the time.
Two young teenage girls are primping for a Debutante
ball. They are not in their
undergarments but rather, they are in some form of semi-dress. One girl may have on a bathrobe while
the other girl has on a t-shirt and shorts. The younger sister, Betty, has her dressed laid out on the
bed, but it is not as neatly laid out as Barbara’s, whose dress is hung
up. Barbara, the older sister, is
very neat, orderly, and perfectionist.
She likes to chide Betty for her untidiness and disorganization, much
like a mother would to a little child.
Betty hangs off of her sister’s words and tries to be more like Barbara
each day. She looks up to her as
very the definition of idealized feminine
beauty. In an age of ads
and social construct of gender, Barbara is the visual of both pin-up girl and
Comet spokeswoman.
Barbara is putting on make-up in front of the mirror
while Betty lays on the bed reading a magazine. She noisily ruffles pages and blows bubble gum while Barbara
instructs her about life from the mirror.
BARBARA
(trying to get sister’s attention but not wanting to ruin
make-up or get up) Betty! Pause BETTY!? Pause B-E-T-T-Y! Pause. Bet!? Pause. Sheesh. (Picks up brush and throws it at her sister.)
BETTY
(absorbed into her magazine and not at all aware Barbara
is even in the room) Ow! Gee wiz, Barbie, get a thicker brush
why don’t you? This one will only
leave a bruise for two days. If
you used your Webster’s Thesaurus I bet you could leave a mark until I’m
married with my own chicklettes to attend to.
BARBARA
Old maid is more like it! If any guy finds out about your smelly feet and snoring,
you’d be lucky to marry the Creature from the Black Lagoon!
BETTY
Well, one day I’m going to marry one of the Fab Four if
he’ll wait for me. I would just
die to live that life of riches and luxury. Most of all I’d die to be arm in arm with a beefcake with a
British accent. (Screaches. Holds up her magazine.) Ahhh..they’re all so dreamy.
BARBARA
(while applying eye liner) You know Betty, we only have one hour to get ready. You haven’t even showered yet!
BETTY
(smacking loudly on her gum) C’mon sis, while you’re caking up your already gorgeous face, I’m
reading all the latest gossip about Ringo so when I meet him next month at The
Paramore for their second appearance only to our quaint little town I’ll have
something interesting to say. Then
he’ll just ask me to marry him and I’ll be Mrs. Starr. (Pauses. Thinks about it. Screaches again) I think
Ringo is so dreamy I could just die!
BARBARA
Well, you will if mother ever finds out you’re not even
half-dressed yet. Pauses.
Ringo?! Bet, now c’mon. You know that all the girls in school
admire John the most. He’s the out
of sight one! Ringo doesn’t hold the band together like John does. Or, Paul who is so invested in his
music. Ringo doesn’t really do
anything.
BETTY
Well I think he’s cute. Besides, if the other girls don’t care for him then that
means the chances of having him as my own one day are way out of sight.
BARBARA
(putting on lipstick)
You’ll be out of sight if you don’t hurry up, because if you’re not dressed in
twenty minutes, you aren’t going to the ball. (Betty pouts and begins getting her clothes on but
is pulled back to her magazine.) Oh, grow up sis! You are living in a dream world. Now, get focused and get ready for
tonight.
BETTY
(mocking, under her breath) I’ll do what Barbie says because Barbie knows what’s best for all of
us.
BARBARA
I heard that. Pause Fine. If you end up with ratted hair and looking like something
the cat dragged in, Lawrence won’t take any notice of you at all.
BETTY
Lawrence is soo dreamy!
BARBARA
You think every boy is dreamy. Now, get dressed before I tell mom that our precious Betty
decided to be a square and not to come while ruining her dating life for the
next year and then you’ll be sorry. Now scram!
BETTY
Don’t flip a wig!
Pause. Tell me about what it was like when you first kissed
Lawrence?!
BARBARA
Why do you want to know that?
BETTY
Because I bet it was outta sight!
BARBARA
(half-muttering to herself) Well it was not as far out as you might think. He’s actually a pretty bad kisser. In fact, it was like kissing a cold,
dead fish.
BETTY
EW! (builds
up anticipation, says it slowly) But was it
a French Kiss?
BARBARA
Well it wasn’t an old squaresville married couple kiss if
that’s what you mean.
BETTY
(giggling) OHH! He smiles just like Dick Clark on ‘American Bandstand’.
BARBARA
Oh get
real! (throws Betty’s gloves to
her)
BETTY
I hope Donald is a better kisser than Lawrence.
BARBARA
Keep on dreaming.
Donald doesn’t even know you exist.
BETTY
He will after tonight. I’m going to make sure he notices Barbara’s baby sister.
BARBARA
Well maybe I’ll help you with your make-up and your
hair. Right now, you look like the
Bride of Frankenstein.
Barbara moves about the room looking for things to help
improve Betty’s appearance. As
Barbara does this and in the next beat, ‘Ain’t She Sweet’ by The Beatles plays.
Barbara begins helping Betty choose a hairstyle that suits her by
playing with her hair in different positions before settling on a hairdo. She also tries to begin putting make-up
on but Betty is as difficult as a fussy baby eating peas.
BARBARA
If you don’t stop moving, I’ll never get your face on
right. Now hold still.
Betty stops moving and lets Barbara put some make-up on
her.
BETTY
Hey, can I borrow your pearl necklace?
BARBARA
That was Aunt Gerdy’s and mom told both of us that it
belongs to no one.
BETTY
Then why are you getting to wear it tonight?
BARBARA
Because Einstein, I am being (affected) presented into society. That is a girl’s (mocking) most important duty to her future party guests and
prospective husband’s clientel. (Rolls
eyes)
You know mom did the same thing about eighteen years ago and grandma did
it.
BETTY
(mocked repetition)
And even dear Aunt Gerty was a debutante even though she had a hunchback and a
lazy eye.
BARBARA
(Moves over to Betty to hand her a brush.) She just had bad posture. And, it’s not her fault that one eye chose to wobble around
in place. (Laughs. Tickles Betty.) Get out of here! Go finish getting dressed.
Betty and Barbara continue getting dressed. As they dress, ‘Calandar Girl’ by
Neil Sedaka plays. Barbara is farther along and only has to
put on her shoes and gloves. She
is at the point of putting finishing touches on her ‘costumed’ demeanor. Betty leaves stage in a presumed
bathroom. She puts on her dress
and returns with her hair a mess.
Barbara sees the mess that is her sister and begins helping her look
more fitting.
BARBARA
Your hair looks like a rat’s nest! Here let me help you.
(She takes the brush away and combs Betty’s hair. She
also buttons up and smooths out her dress. Betty pretends she doesn’t appreciate the help but relishes
anything her sister does for her.)
BETTY
Ouch! That
hurts!
BARBARA
You’re such a big baby!
BETTY
Well you’re a boob and a ratfink at that!
BARBARA
Fine, I won’t help you at least look like you care about
your sister’s big moment of glory.
Go into the lavatory and finish up so at least Frankenstein will be able
to find his bride tonight!
Betty pouts and stands there. She begins trying to look for Barbara’s necklace while she
talks at her.
BARBARA
You are not getting that necklace! You insulted Aunt Gerty and besides
you’ll get to wear it one day when you’re a debutante. Pause. Which will be never if
you don’t hurry up with that polio leg of yours.
Betty storms off into the bathroom, which is
offstage. Barbara looks around to
make sure she is alone. She has
her back to the ‘bathroom’.
Barbara gets a locked jewelry box out of a closet hidden from view. She has a key hanging from inside the
mirror. She takes the key and
opens the box to take out some letters.
As she reads the letters, ‘Love Letters’ by Ketty Lester begins to
play. She begins reading them to herself and gets
overjoyed. She is so happy to read
them that she has to quiet her cooing down and looks around again to make sure
no one is watching. After spending
a beat with the letters, she takes out the pearl necklace, marvels at it, and puts
it on, puts it back into the box, and closes it. When Barbara turns back around Betty lurks back into the
‘bathroom’. Betty has been looking
out from the bathroom as soon as she hears the cooing, thinking Barbara has
gotten the pearls out. She watches
without Barbara knowing and covets the necklace.
A telephone is heard ringing. As Barbara tries to put
the key back behind the mirror her attention is diverted to the telephone and
talking to her mother, so she drops it on the floor. The key dropping to the floor should be obvious to the
audience. Betty also sees the key
drop to the floor and she now knows the location of both box and key.
BARBARA
Yes mother?
Pause. What is it? Pause. Lawrence?
Pause. Okay I’ll be there
to get the phone in a second.
Barbara makes sure to put her locked box with the
letters and pearl necklace back into its hiding spot. She has already locked the box even though the key is on the
floor. She exits.
As Betty enters and looks around the bedroom, the
Pink Panther theme by Henry Mancini plays. Betty suspiciously looks out and
looks around trying to make sure her sister has left their room. She comes out of the bathroom and goes
straight to the spot with the locked box and then the key. She takes it down, opens it up, and
puts on the pearl necklace. She
dances around but in the process bumps into the box. The letters inside fall on the floor. Betty stops, picks up the letters,
picks them up with interest, and begins reading first silently and then out
loud.
BETTY
Oh la la!
What have we hear? A secret
admirer?! I knew it. She is going steady with Lawrence but
she has her eyes set on Hank.
Ohhh! She is going to…. (Betty
slows down and her mood changes.
She begins to read the letter out loud. She is confused and really taken aback.)
Oh dearest Barbara. My love, my muse.
My only true one! I wish we
could be together, but Lawrence is so hot headed and doesn’t even like you
spending time with girlfriends so where do I fit in? We can barely sneak away to the movies or the park without
him driving around looking for you.
I fear that this cannot continue for now. Maybe next year we can both go to Wellesley or Sarah
Lawrence and then we’ll be free.
Free from the awful shackle of our small minded town. We could even move to New York City one
day. My Cousin Mable is an artist
there and knows all kinds of gay folks, and I don’t mean the common
definition. One can dream can’t
she. Oh my dear one, I dream of
the day when we can be in each other’s arms. Until that day, I’ll dream of you each night. Yours forever. Love and kisses, Judith.
BETTY
What the..?
No..it can’t be. These
lines can be ad libbed. The raw
emotion should be realistic.She looks like she has just
seen an open coffin for a motorcycle accident victim. She stands on stage for a couple beats stunned. She sits on her bed with the letters
and begins to cry. She literally
doesn’t know what to do or say.
BARBARA
(from the hallway)
Yes mom. I told her to be
ready. I’m sure she is by
now. I’ll go check.
At hearing Barbara’s voice, Betty jumps and tries to
put all the letters back in the box.
She also quickly takes the pearl necklace off but it is sticking. She is about to be caught red handed
but then the necklace unsticks.
She gets all of the box’ contents back in and puts it back in its hiding
place. She is left holding the key
when Barbara walks in.
BARBARA
Stop right there in your tracks ratfink! What were you doing while I went
downstairs to answer the telephone?
BETTY
Oh nothing.
Pause. I..uh..erm..you know
me and that pearl necklace. I just
couldn’t resist.
BARBARA
(grabbing the key from Betty) You snoop!
If you touched that necklace..I promise this will be the last debutant
presentation you ever see.
BETTY
(lying but believable)
I couldn’t find your secret hiding spot.
I mean, do you hide that necklace in an old shoe or something? (frazzled) I looked everywhere and I couldn’t find it. Maybe you put it under the
mattress. (pretends to
look)
BARBARA
Stop looking.
(partly relieved) It’s well
hidden. Beat. And now that I have
my key back it’s time for Cinderella to get ready for the ball my dear. You wouldn’t want Donald to see you
without your rouge on. Go put on
your face dearie!
BETTY
Oh Donald!
He’s so dreamy.
Betty exits again to the bathroom offstage. ‘Barbara Ann’ by the Regents (or The
Beach Boys) plays. Barbara takes the key and puts it back
behind the mirror. She looks for
the box in it’s hiding place, sees that its seemingly untouched, and gets the
key out to unlock the box for the pearl necklace. She notices that the hook gets stuck and starts to look
annoyingly toward the bathroom.
She begins to panic and looks at her letters. They seem in place so she calms down and sits down in front
of the mirror again. After
returning the box to a new part of the closet, she begins primping at the
mirror again. She looks at herself
a long time in the mirror and admires the necklace.
BETTY
(from bathroom) I’m
almost ready.
BARBARA
(lying, mimicks listening) Good because I think I hear dad getting the car started. I bet mother will be in a fit. (knocks on the door and pulls
her sister out of the bathroom to go)
As lights go up, Betty is sitting on couch/divan
contemplating a decision. She
thinks out an imaginary conversation with someone or maybe a small group of
people. As, she thinks, the people
walking by begin to stop and say certain lines to Betty.
BETTY
..and that is what I’m worried about. Pause. Oh no, it doesn’t mean
that I’m… Pause. Well, I always knew that she was… Pause. She
said that kissing boys was like kissing a cold fish. Pause. Whenever I bring up the boy topic, she
always gets nervous. Pause. I
always knew something had to be wrong with her. It’s not natural the way she acts. Pause. I saw a movie about this in science
class and they call it a disease.
Barbara is perverted and a deviant at that. Pause. Yea, they should lock her up in the
funny farm for good. Keep us all
safe. Pause. Betty,
did you ever meet the other girl?
Does she look like half-ape, half-human or what? Pause. For
real, is she a B movie experiment gone wrong? I bet she looks like the bearded lady at the circus! Pause. What does this mean Betty? What does this mean Betty? What does this mean?
What does this mean?
The people walking by repeat these lines and they leave
one by one. Then Betty repeats
these lines out loud to herself.
A very handsome, debonair but conceited young male
walks onto stage. He is wearing a
(period early 60’s) tuxedo with a rose in his lapel. He looks rushed, worried, and pressed for time.
LAWRENCE
(shushes Betty) Will you keep your voice down. You’ll wake the dead. What on earth is
the matter with you? Have you seen
Barbara anywhere?
BETTY
Oh sorry. I
guess I am being too loud out here.
LAWRENCE
Well, it’s not like you’re about to act in a Shakespearean
play for crying out loud. What in
Sam’s hill are you doing?
BETTY
I was just talking something over.
LAWRENCE
To yourself? Pause. You are
crazier than a loon. Your sister
was right when she…
BETTY
What did Barbara say about me?
LAWRENCE
Well, she always says what an imagination you have and how
you get carried away in your daydreaming but this is really taking the
cake. Laughs. (snidely) I’m sure the boys would love to hear about
this.
BETTY
You mean Donald?
You hang out with him right?
Donald Milstadt?
LAWRENCE
(laughs) Oh, you
don’t mean the boy you long for and stare at all day do you? That wasn’t obvious at all.
BETTY
What did my sister tell you?
LAWRENCE
It doesn’t take a Braniac McGee to know how much you pine
for The Donald Milstadt, number one quarter back and forward..the handsome and
suave Donald Milstadt whose mother is a close friend of my own?
BETTY
Stop teasing me.
You’re always so mean to me.
LAWRENCE
I do it because it’s easy and it’s fun.
BETTY
(muttering) Well
thank goodness it’s just temporary.
LAWRENCE
What did you say?
BETTY
Just that you being so mean to me is only temporary. Once Donald gives me his pin, you’ll be forced to change your tune.
LAWRENCE
You mean, if he gives you his pin. It’s a big if. And you better start sucking up if you
want me to do you any favors.
BETTY
I’d be doing you a huge favor by telling you what Barbara
really thinks of you.
LAWRENCE
What are you talking about? Barabara’s wild about me. I bet you didn’t even know that we’ve been to Lover’s Point.
BETTY
Ew, I don’t want to know about that. Pause. But I’m sure she really,
er, um enjoyed herself. Betty
begins laughing.
LAWRENCE
It seemed like she did.
BETTY
She probably had her mind on other…things.
LAWRENCE
What are you talking about? Is there another boy? What did she tell you exactly?
BETTY
I mean…well..erm…Barbara thinks kissing you is like
kissing a cold, dead fish.
LAWRENCE
Oh she does?
Then how come she never pushes me away?
BETTY
Your breath smells nice.
LAWRENCE
C’mon your sister Barbie thinks I’m number one. I’m the supreme hot honcho in her book.
We’re going to be married someday. No guy can ever replace me..not now..not
ever. (smoothes hands through hair.)
BETTY
(mumbles) Yea, not
a guy is right.
LAWRENCE
Didn’t Barbie ever tell you that mumbling isn’t
polite? Pause. What
did you say?
BETTY
(enjoying getting a rise out of Lawrence) Oh nothing.
(smirks) It’s fun to play the secret game
though. I love watching a big goon
like you squirm.
LAWRENCE
Who could replace me? I’ll ask you again.
Which boy is she with? Is it Scott? Is it Paul? I
knew I smelled another man’s aftershave on her letter sweater! I don’t buy that cheap stuff from the
Five and Dime. I’m too dignified
for that.
BETTY
I didn’t know they made you pay for bathing in garbage and
dead fish.
LAWRENCE
(smells himself) I
smell like a guy. Girls like the
way guys smell. Pause. Who is
it already!? I’ll beat him to a
pulp. Is it that greaser Paul?
BETTY
Paul!? (laughs
nervously) I have the key and you will never unlock the secret.
LAWRENCE
Even if it includes getting Donald Milstadt to take you
out and even ask you to go steady?
Even if it means your saga filled heart breaking ballad of a life will
at this very moment never be the same again?
BETTY
What?
LAWRENCE
I could more than guarantee Donald’s phone call late
morning tomorrow asking you to wear his pin. Maybe even his letter jacket.
BETTY
(unable to contain herself) You mean it!?
LAWRENCE
Consider it already done.
BETTY
Why should I believe a ratfink like you? I’ll never tell Barbara’s secret!
LAWRENCE
So she is keeping something eh? Pause. What if
I guaruntee you a spot on the cheerleading squad?
BETTY
How can you do that?
LAWRENCE
Duh! Because
my sister is the captain! She told
me that this year you had good moves but there is just no room for freshman
pipsqueaks like you. (mock
cries)
BETTY
Fine! You
have to promise Barbara that you never heard this from me!
LAWRENCE
Who is it?
It’s Paul right? That hood
who rides the motorcycle around town thinking he’s so bad. Well I’ll show him who’s bad.
BETTY
Not he. Pause. She.
LAWRENCE
(getting worked up, takes a minute to sink in)
He’s so tough.
I’ll be the one laughing.
He’ll be…WHAT?!
BETTY
It’s not some beefcake you have to worry about. Pause. Do you know that girl who
sits in the library reading poetry during pep rallies? The girl who is in all the school plays
and basically teaches Ms. Ray’s English class?
LAWRENCE
Judith Thompson?
(laughs maniacally)
BETTY
No. I’m
serious.
LAWRENCE
What? How
can..?? Pause. That is
disgusting. Your sister is not a
pervert. Pause. Well
that means. I’m not… No way do I like other beefcake..I mean
other boys.
BETTY
Well no one said that!
LAWRENCE
I have to stop her.
I have to warn…this is not going to bring me down. Pause. Betty, your pin. A promise is a promise.
BETTY
(hands her pin to Lawrence) So what about Donald and the cheerleading pep squad? I just know I’ll fit right in with the
other girls. I wonder if..
Lawrence thinks for a while pacing back and forth. Betty dreams up a popular fantasy life
for herself and as she does, Lawrence walks off while her back is turned and
she talks to herself.
BETTY
Lawrence? Pause.
LAWRENCE! (fearfully) Oh
no, what have I just done.
Cue music ‘You Don’t Own Me’ by Leslie Gore which
has cultural and contextual significance here. As music plays, Betty
paces through the audience looking for either Lawrence or Betty. She even asks audience members, shaking
them and asking ‘Have you seen my sister or Lawrence?’. Betty remains in wings in audience
immobilized in place as she looks at the stage in front of her. Barbara and Lawrence enter and begin
fighting.
BARBARA
Lawrence, have you gone mad? You’re making a scene!
LAWRENCE
Betty told me all about your little side squeeze.
BARBARA
Lawrence, you know you’re the only boy for me.
LAWRENCE
Did I say that you’re seeing another boy?
BARBARA
(worried but trying to mask it) Lawrence, what are you going on about? You don’t know what you’re talking
about?
LAWRENCE
I think we both know that’s not true.
BARBARA
Lawrence.
Stop this right now. We
have to present ourselves to the guests.
LAWRENCE
(Grabs Barbara’s arm)
I don’t want to be even seen with you in public. You disgust me!
BARBARA
What did I do?
You’re the only boy I’ve been going steady with.
LAWRENCE
Do you love me?
BARBARA
Of course. I
have your pin and your class ring.
I even have your letter sweater.
LAWRENCE
If I asked yout to marry me right now, would you say
‘yes’?
BARBARA
That’s a little premature don’t you think? Even more traditional women go to
college for a couple of years before getting married.
LAWRENCE
But you’re no traditional woman, are you?
BARBARA
Lawrence, you have known this whole time that I’m more of
a modern woman.
LAWRENCE
Yea, a little too modern for my taste.
BARBARA
What do you mean by that, Lawrence?
LAWRENCE
Are you and Judith just friends? Or is there more to that story?
BARBARA
Who told you that?
LAWRENCE
Is it true or not?
BARBARA
I can’t believe…Betty. (aside) She was
snooping around looking for that pearl necklace. I have been so careless. I should have been more careful.
LAWRENCE
That’s what I thought. (Puts his hand out). My pin.
Barbara gives Lawrence his pin. Lawrence gives Barbara her pin.
BARBARA
(in tears)
Lawrence, I can explain.
LAWRENCE
There’s no need for any explanation. You digust me. I can’t even look at you. You lied to me and what’s worse is that
this is all an act. You don’t
deserve to be a debutante. You’re
immoral, a disgrace to your family, to the entire town. And to think I was going to marry you
one day and have you raise our children.
You should be locked away and hidden from the world.
Barbara is beside herself. She runs away crying.
Cue music. ‘Chapel of
Love’ by the Dixie Cups begins to play as set-up changes.
At this point, the stage can be half-lit and house
lights half up to make the audience think something is amiss. Don’t go as far to make the audience
get up though. Betty can say
coaxing things like ‘No it’s okay, don’t leave.’ Lawrence has a microphone in his hand and either there is a
recording which he speaks over or the microphone actually works.
LAWRENCE
Excuse me everyone!
Ladies and gentleman. I
don’t want to alarm you but there seems to be something not quite right here. (sarcastically) Have you seen Barbara McAdams? Barbara? Oh there’s her sister Betty (points to Betty). Hi
Betty! Well everyone, I was just parlayed
some interesting juicy gossip. It
seems that we have a debutante no no, a taboo. According to (reads from document) article 35 in the Parksville Debutante and Society
Handbook that under no circumstances are debutantes to fraternize with members of
the opposite sex that come into violation of the rules of dignity, modesty, and
decency. It seems one of our
debutante’s has broken this rule. Pause. I know
what you’re all thinking. Who’s
the boy? Well it certainly isn’t
me and we’re not talking about a boy either. Now, I think you can imagine what I’m talking about. I don’t need to spell it out. We cannot allow ‘pariahs’ and ‘sexual
misfits’ to be presented out into society. Not our humble, modest society of Parksville. I won’t stand for it and neither will
either of you. Pause. On a
happier notePause. You may
continue the dance.
During this speech Betty exits. Cue music to play ‘Sunshine, Lollipops,
and Rainbows’ by Leslie Gore. She returns after Lawrence has exited/ Betty is in a state of disarray. She is barefoot. Her dress is disheveled as well as her
hair. Her make-up is running and
she is missing a glove. She is screaming and pleading with the audience,
rousing a person every now and again.
BETTY
(different volumes of whimpers and distressed screams)
Barbara?
Where is my sister? Where
is…(cries)? Where is my
sister? Have you seen my sister
anywhere? Did you see her? Barbara? Was she here just now?
Where did she go? She went
where? I don’t understand. No, Barbara, my sister.
While Betty is rousing the audience, the stage is in
darkness. Barbara creeps onto
stage without being noticed and lays down on the floor. Music should swell and come to
crescendo as lights go up and Betty notices her sister’s body.
BETTY
NO!
Barbara! What have I
done? I can’t believe… No!
RADIO
Tonight, Barbara McAdams of the prominent McAdams
enterprise in real estate has been laid to rest at St. Angelica’s Cathedral in
the west side of town. She is
survived by her parents, Mitsy and Thomas, and also by her sister, Betty. Her parents found her body hanging in
the bedroom. No note was found but
there was a brokoen pearl necklace and several shredded letters all over the
floor. Excuse me folks, this just
in. We’re getting the news as we
broadcast it to you live. It seems
that the said victim was in a lover’s spat and I guess she read too much into
that good ole’ play we know as ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Her boyfriend could not be found for comment. In other news today…(broadcast fades)
Slowly cue eerie music. ‘Poison Tree’ by Grouper
begins to play. Betty is left holding her sister’s body, cradling it in her
arms. She is crying and emoting heavily as music cues and there is an eerie
blue filtered light on both sisters.
END OF PART 1
As I said, this play has three parts. This first part takes place in the early 1960's on the East Coast and it is about the love and ultimate betrayal between two sisters, Betty and Barbara McAdams. The second part is set in the early 1970's in San Francisco and focuses on the blossoming love between a hippie white woman, Amber and a strong black man, James. The third part is set in Israel around 2007. It is about the friendship between an Israeli, Eron and a Palestinian, Fouad. All three parts are about the love and betrayal between two people. If you are interested in the entire play, please send me an email. I appreciate you reading my original material.
The below picture is mine. It was taken at the Mermaid Parade on June 22nd, 2013.
It is the NYC Gay and Lesbian Big Apple Corps Marching Band
I remember a story from when I was in graduate school in Boston. I was sitting in an English class on early American literature, and it was a mixture of graduate and undergraduate students. I, of course, having just received my BA in English thought I knew more than the peon undergrads. Most of the dialogue in class was smart but I do remember one girl who always had something asinine to say. Her comments elicited me and the other graduate students to roll our eyes. One particular day, we were discussing Walt Whitman and I brought up the fact that he was gay. This girl said, 'I don't think he was gay. If he was gay, then why would my school in a small Wisconsin town name itself after him?' I just turned around and stared at her. But this sentiment is held by many in our society. What would it mean for someone's child or friend to come out of the closet? What would it truly mean for that person? It's a selfish train of thought. Who cares how it effects you? Think about the person who just came out to you! How does that individual feel?!
I am lucky to live in NYC for the sheer fact that the majority of people who live here are pro-LGBTQ rights. Either New Yorkers identify as LGBTQ or they consider themselves allies. It is easy to forget that in the majority of the US, people do not condone a homosexual lifestyle either because of religious beliefs, sheer ignorance, hatred and bigotry, self-hatred (ie. closet homosexuals) or all of the above. This is especially true since most of the states that allow gay marriage (ME, MA, CT, NH, VT, NY, RI, DE, DC, MD) are on the east coast. However, that doesn't mean that here, on the East Coast, that we're bigot free.
I've already written other posts about gay rights and the whole religious debate saying that it's a sin. I've debunked that argument mainly due to humanity not knowing G-d's message despite claiming to be crystal clear on it. For me, G-d is a being that created all of us out of love. Not one person should be shunned and ignored purely because he or she does not fit within the confines of what most people's limited brains can understand as acceptable and tolerable.
In fact, for me it's a bigger 'sin' to cast someone out and leave him/her out in the cold. Parents who disown their children and kick them out of their homes give their children the gift of drug/alcohol abuse, homelessness, and perhaps suicide. That to me is disgusting and no one who condones that type of behavior should call themselves a G-d fearing anything.
I judge people based on character, not on what I call exterior, 'superficial' categorizations. Meaning I don't critique a person based on race, sexuality, gender identification, ethnicity, religion, etc. If a person has a good heart and a loving spirit, then I can be friends with him/her. However, if a person is lies, cheats, steals, and treats people like crap, then I want to have nothing to do with that person regardless of what box they check off. I try to surround myself with good, kindred spirited individuals. Love and positivity are the most important aspects for me in a friend. I just don't want to waste my time with negative people.
Therefore, I love and accept all of my friends who identify as LGBTQ because I know they are good, moral, loving people. That's all I ask for and expect in my friends. I do hold high standard for people, especially my friends. I think it's because I love and care about my friends so much that I expect the same love and affection back. I have been guilty of smothering friends and tapping out relationships. The only thing I'm guilty of is feeling too much; sometimes my heart aches with emotion. I know that every single one of my friends knows that each of them went through a test at the start of our relationship. If the person passes, we end up being friends for life. And, yes I have many friends who are LGBTQ.
It is for them that I marched in the NYC Gay Pride Parade both this and last year. Last year, I marched with the OFA (Obama for America) contingent and this year it was with the NYC state Governor Cuomo contingent. I could not be more proud to say that I was part of something like that. Marching in the parade is a magical thing. It doesn't matter if you're straight, gay, bi, trans, or somewhere in between. Everyone is loved and accepted at the pride parade. I also need to mention that last year, while canvassing for Jeremy, who was in charge of the NYC LGBT for Obama sub-group, I went to just about every single gay and lesbian bar/establishment in NYC. I trekked through Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and Hell's Kitchen. I made many new friends, like Roxy, a server at Cowgirl; we later hung out at The Cubby Hole (a Lesbian bar). I felt like I merged a bridge between the gay and straight world. And I want every single person to know that I will always be an ally and stand up for LGBTQ issues. I truly believe that the Gay Right's/Equal Marriage Movement is the Civil Rights Movement of today.
In fact, my FB status the day of the march was:
Today, I am marching in the NYC Pride Parade (for a 2nd year) for all of
my friends who identify as LGBTQ. I am doing it for you and to show
how we all need to fight this fight together. Gay rights is the Civil
Rights Movement of 2013! Equal rights is not a joke. Homophobia and
bigotry are things of the past. Marriage equality and acceptance of
non-heterosexual couples is the future! Ally up, America!
So, yes, I'm a major ally. I rally for my musically gifted uncle, Uncle H, who died of AIDS. I stand up for every single one of my friends who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning. I support every single one of my former students who has struggled with gender/sexuality identity. The future has no tolerance for homophobia and bigotry. Either get with the program or shut up!
I feel so strongly on the issue that after watching a documentary on PBS called 'Anyone and Everyone', a film about parents' responses to their children coming out, I wrote a letter to one of the participants. One of the women in the film, Lanette Graves, a Mormon whose son is gay, ended up melting my heart with her words and wisdom. I was so moved by what she and her husband said that I wrote to her. Below I will write out what I wrote to her and the response:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Miss Graves,
I had the pleasure of watching 'Anyone and
Everyone' on PBS World. I just wanted to take a minute to express how
connected I felt to your words and what power they held. What a
wonderful and groundbreaking film. It should be in every single school
in America as well as being part of dialogues in places of worship all
across the US. Being a Jew who is very tied to his religious tradition
and customs, it has often baffled me how religious individuals balance
religion and tolerance. However, I've realized after all this time,
that the two should not be mutually exclusive.
I'm from -------, and I grew up around a lot of
homophobia and gay bashing going to a private preparatory school there.
Peers would call each other 'fag' or 'gay' without batting an eyelash.
However, I've always been very open and tolerant; I never understood
the reason for why people go out of their way to make other people so
miserable. Then in college, my roommate was gay, and I learned a lot
from him. In fact, now he's a Rabbi in Boston; we still communicate
from time to time. Then, when moving back after college, thankfully, I
had the pleasure to attend a Modern Orthodox Synagogue that has openly
gay and trans members. Also, they have had lecturers and workshops on
LGBTQ issues only to receive hate and backlash from the rest of the
small but vocal Orthodox community there. But I cannot believe in a G-d
who supports intolerance and hatred. I just don't understand how the
deeply religious can talk about the Bible without understanding the idea
of loving each person as an extension of G-d. Within Judaism, there is
a concept that as Jews, we all represent Hebrew letters, thereby
deeming everyone important and worthy. We each resonate our own song.
The idea extends that the Torah, without any one letter, is incomplete;
it is not kosher and cannot be used in religious ritual. So I apply it
to the idea that, as humans, we all have our own illuminated value and
together, we are the most powerful. I believe that we can learn so much
from one another, especially when we are from different worlds and
contexts.
What you say in the film about religious dogma alienating and
misinterpreting is dead on. I found myself applauding your words, every
single time you opened your mouth. I took to heart what you said about
religion forcing people to live in darkness and shame or how the
purpose of religion is love. I just wanted to let you know how your
words touched me. At times I got chills or was moved to tears at
hearing the words of such an accepting and loving mother. Or, the story
of your husband, who called your son, at his coming out, just to tell
him that everything was going to be okay. I am a father of a three year
old, and I always think about if he is gay and comes out to me later in
life, how I would react. Well I know that I would embrace and love
him, which is what I have always told myself. As an educator, I have
always made it my mission to make students feel accepted and safe within
my classroom. I have taught on gay rights as human rights, and I have
had former students come out and thank me for making them feel
supported. I also have friends and family who are gay/lesbian and I
very much love and embrace them. I stand tall for LGBTQ rights as an
ally and friend; I hope that people can find a way to find a balance
between dogma and tolerance.
To me, it's a no brainer to accept people. What's important to me
is that people are good and righteous; it's not about skin color or
sexuality. There is too much negativity in the world and we need love
and light. And know that I also believe strongly in G-d and the idea
that we all have paths and plans laid out. I cannot express to you how
connected I felt to your words in the film. I felt a light and a wisdom
that I rarely get from people, and it seems that you might have a
calling to be an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights. It is uncanny the
amount of light and love that comes across in the film every time the
cameras are turned are you and your husband. I could see you lecturing
or writing a book and having roaring success with that. I haven't felt
so moved by an individual speaking about LGBTQ rights since hearing Judy
Shepard (mother of Matthew Shepard) speak when I was in college (or
reading her book). It took such courage for you son to come out to you,
and it took even more strength for how you and your husband reacted.
You put yourself on a limb and even isolated yourself from family.
Truly, you are amazing individuals who could blaze a path in the realm
of LGBTQ equality.
I wish all people were as enlightened as you and your husband. Your
son is lucky to have you as parents, and if other gay youth had that
same support, then we wouldn't have teen suicide and homelessness. So,
know that your words have deeply touched this father, teacher, husband,
activist, artist, and writer/blogger. You are one amazing individual,
and it is evident that G-d's light shines through you. If you're ever
in NYC, I would be honored to sit down and talk with you (and your
family) because I believe that we share the same values about loving
people's humanity and seeing them as individuals worth celebrating. I
wish your family many blessings and joy at the reception of this film.
You are an amazing person who I'm sure has touched many people besides
myself. Take care.
Warm Regards,
~R~
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Mr. -,
I was so moved to receive your
letter. What you could not know, of course, is that your kind words
came at a time when I very much needed them. I want to respond in
detail to your letter, but unfortunately I cannot do it right now. I
spend a good part of my time caring for grandchildren, and this morning
I'm leaving with my husband, daughter and two small grandchildren on a
cross-country (driving!) adventure from her home in ---- to -----. I cannot leave, however, without thanking you for taking the
time out of what must be a very busy life to write to me. It meant
more than you could imagine. "We each resonate our own song" you wrote,
and my song needed a bit of "tuning." Thank you for lifting my heart.
I also deeply appreciated your Torah teaching regarding the importance
of each 'individual' being an integral part of Torah, of what is
"whole." This I believe deeply. Sometimes in daily life, when
confronted with problems, challenges, or even simple irritations, I try
to stop and ask myself with what vision I am seeing (reacting,
interpreting, etc.); is it with a narrow, selfish, egoic perspective, or
is it with a "Christ mind?" It changes everything for me when I
remember that other people are not really "other," but are in fact a
glorious part of all that God created. Surely, this is true of our gay
friends and loved-ones.
We come from
different religious traditions, yet have learned the same fundamental
truth: What God is trying to teach us, and what God requires of us is
this: that we love each other. Period. As you wrote so beautifully,
" I believe that we share the same values about loving people's humanity
and seeing them as individuals worth celebrating." I stand with you in
this lovely endeavor.
To say I was touched that both the film's director and Miss Graves read my response and took it to heart is an understatement. One never knows what their words will mean to another. I have learned that speaking up and reaching out is the courageous part because many people think their words will have little effect and consequence. I, however, know better than this. This echoes back to when I had students write to Judy Shepard at The Matthew Shepard Foundation and got a warm response. I also remember when I heard Judy Shepard speak in college. I will never forget her words at saying that she is just a mother and never meant to become an 'activist'. It was her words that made me realize that I wanted to become an activist and never give up the fight to speak up for those who lack the voice or who are ignored whenever speaking up.
Activism and social justice are like breathing for me. I think it is important because of the Holocaust. See, my grandfather and great-aunt escaped with their lives, and just barely. They fled Nazi Germany and had to learn a new language and culture. My grandfather barely had an eighth grade education, but yet he made it in America. See, I think about my great-uncle and great-grandfather who both died in concentration camps. I also think of the countless number of family and friends of family who perished as well. In fact, there is family that we did not even know existed had it not been for some German Historian hobbyists. I think about the countless number of people who are 'righteous among the nations' for saving Jews and other persecuted individuals when the Nazis tried to dominate the world. However, I also think of all the people who did nothing. I do not ever want to be one of those people who do nothing. I always want to stand up and stand out for being righteous and courageous, doing the right thing at the right time.
I will leave you with this poem by Pastor Neimoller:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.
With that, I bid you adieu dear reader. I have pictures below from the Brooklyn Pride and NYC Gay Pride Parade from the past few weeks. I hope I always have the courage to speak out on the right side of history. May G-d give me the strength to help change the world and fight darkness with light.
Righteously yours,
~R~
PS: There have been many homophobic incidents around NYC (ie. Chelsea and the West Village) lately. I am going to post one incident that happened on the F train to Queens right after the Gay Pride Parade on 6-30-13. I will also post other incidents that have happened recently in NYC. Just because Governor Cuomo is trying to bring an LGBTQ tourist iniative to NYC, does not mean that everyone welcomes it. Warning: Some of these videos could have graphic material/language.
6-30-13 F-Train Incident- LGBT Subway Hate Crime
5-20-13 shooting/murder of Mark Carson, a gay man, in Greenwich Village.
5-15-13 Attack on gay man at 33rd street subway station
