Priyanka R
15
EXPLANATORY LINES: In today's current day media, conflicts between different groups with opposing opinions fill the news. Close-mindedness breeds violence and stagnating development of society. Exteriors do not make a person who they truly are.
In this piece, Alex is the symbolization of the minority groups targeted. I've taken three issues that we are still battling today and developed my view on them.
***********************ENTRY **************************************
"The sun rose and everything fell," he paused, "blinded by your beauty."
Chuckling at him, the woman said, "Hahaha. You're funny and cute."
"Would you like to grab a coffee together then, madam," he asked while gesturing towards the coffee shop.
The woman glanced at her phone and hesitantly replied, "I'd..love to. but I'm afraid I don't have the time..." and began walking the other direction.
The teenage boy trailed behind her, "Ah..is that so? In that case, may I have your number?"
"Uhh..I have to go so um.. I can-"
Loud, pounding, elephant stomps resounded through the building, coming straight for Alex.
"HEY! Get away from her, you beast!"
Turning around, Alex was tackled to the cold, tiled floor. Hardly breathing from the impact, he noted upon the heavy mound on top of him. His assailant, luckily, got off of him quickly and stared angrily at Alex, refusing to offer any assistance.
He found himself being stared down by a slightly, chubby women wearing a superwomen tank top. She looked to be about in her twenties.
After righting himself, Alex inquired, "Why am I a beast?"
The Super women spat at him, "Because you're chasing that poor girl!!!"
He looked behind him and the girl was no where to be found. She'd probably had run off.
"She's not her anymore. Gee, thanks."
"You fiend, you don't even see that YOU made her run away!"
"I'm pretty sure YOU scared her away."
"How dare you try to blame me? All men are just devils trying to blame women for their problems," bellowed Super Women.
By now, more and more people in the mall were beginning to stare at the two arguing outside the coffee shop. People looked and tensed upon hearing the screaming.
"Hey. Hey, I'm not blaming you for my problems. If someone comes running straight at you, are you going to just stand there or are you going to run," he asked, defensively.
Pursing her lips, Super Woman placed her hands on her hips, "WELL, you were pursuing her like she was your prey! Do you think those cheesy lines will attract women?! You're underestimating women's intelligence."
"Please calm dow-" Alex attempted to interject.
Enraged, Super Woman pointed her fingers at him, "OH NO! You're trying to deceive me into letting my guard down. Men want one thing from women- SEX!"
People in the coffee shop were staring. Some customers near the door loitered, not wanting to be caught in the argument. One of the waiters that was talking on a walkie talkie. stepped out of the shop.
Unable to contain his anger, Alex defended himself, "I have PURE intentions. Do not assume you know everything. Also, do not make the mistake of interrupting others if you ever want to be listened to seriously"
Out of the corner of his eye, Alex watched the waiter whistle and a Mall Police Officer appeared in seconds. Catching Alex's gaze, the waiter winked and made hand motions for call-me. Slightly wincing, Alex continued to watch the officer.
The officer walked to Super Woman and proclaimed, "You are arrested for disrupting mall business by being excessively loud and obnoxious"
Superwomen was cuffed and then broke down into childish crying as she was escorted out the mall. Ironic was how she donned a Super Woman tank and ended up causing trouble and not saving anyone.
Now in a bad mood, Alex, ran home, all the while, remembering the rainbow board signs. He'd gotten them in support of the legalization of same sex-marriages. Upon his return home, Alex grabbed the road sign and ran outside. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his neighbor, Mrs. Winterberry and greeted her.
However, she merely responded with, "DON'T SAY 'HEY' TO YOUR ELDERS, YOU STUPID KID."
Ignoring his neighbor's antagonism, Alex, triumphantly placed the road sign on his lawn and much to his horror, heard a shriek.
"YOUNG MAN, WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING," hollered Mrs. Winterberry. She was marching to his house at a fast pace for an old lady.
"I'm supporting gay-marriage with-"
Aghast, Mrs. Winterberry, began screaming loudly, "WARNING. YOU BETTER GET RID OF THAT THING BEFORE I HURT YOU. THERE ARE CHILDREN WHO LIVE HERE. YOU'RE PROMOTING THE BREAKDOWN OF THE FAMILY. DO YOU WANT TO GO TO HELL?"
Alex simply stated, "I can't do that, Mrs. Winterberry."
Turning deathly pale, Alex's neighbor proceeded to torment him, " You teenagers are ruining this world. You all are disrespectful and ignorant of both proper tradition and manners. One last time, I'm giving you the option to atone for your sins."
"No. I refuse to remove this sign," Alex firmly proclaimed.
"Well you leave me no choice. I WILL GET MY HUSBAND TO SHOOT YOU OUT OF YOUR MISERY, YOU STUPID FOOL. YOU'RE CORRUPTING CHILDREN AND AN INCARNATION OF THE DEVIL"
Mrs.Winterberry began to scream even louder and yell more threats at Alex and going further to threaten his family. She, however, was silenced by police sirens blaring. In no time,
