Sunday, February 3, 2008

Racist Pizza: A Short Scene.

Setting: Papa Ceo Pizza
Liz walks in and asks for a slice of Margherita. She is told to sit down, it will be ready in about 5 minutes.
She watches a comedy-western on a t.v. at the back. Behind her, a table of students. To her right, a table of young boys with Indian accents. In front of her, a grumpy looking, slovenly employee smoking an illegal cigarette in the shadows.
Several minutes later, Liz heads up to pay for her slice. The group of young boys gets up and heads toward the door. One of them asks for water.
PIZZA MAN: (smiling)"I'd give you water, friend, but I ain't got no glasses. Sorry."
TEEN: "Okay."
PIZZA MAN: "Look! No glasses. I don't have anything."
silence.
PIZZA MAN: (laughing)"You can drink from the tap if you want water. But I don't have any glasses...sorry boss."
TEEN: Mumbles goodnaturedly and walks with his friends out of the store.
Liz is getting her pizza packed up and a can of Brio. She finishes the transaction.
The door closes behind the young men.
PIZZA MAN: (in singsongy Indian accent) "Do you have any vot-ter? I vould like some votter." etc.

Liz stands with Pizza in hand. She wishes this exchange had happened before she bought her pizza. She wonders what to do. She's hungry, but annoyed.
Liz walks away.

Liz gets home.
Liz eats her pizza.
Tears and grease stream down her face as she imagines cheese and bigotry mingling in her mouth she vows that this will be the last slice she ever buys there,and gets on with her night.

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