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| James Baldwin |
There they are. One dead, one alive. One black, one white. One male, one female. One straight, or at least married, one gay. Both have written extensively about race. Both are, let's say, bored by this super bowl party they came to as a favor for a friend. Combining the casual and theoretical, the deep and superficial, please write a dialogue between Eula Biss and James Baldwin on the occasion of their boredom during this sporty American tradition. What would they be talking about? What has happened of late in the news that they might discuss? Feel free to describe their body language, facial expressions, pauses etc.
Try to have fun with this one while simultaneously, honestly getting into some heavy commentary about race. 300 words.
The super bowl game is about to commence, but before that, the commentators reveal the presidents super bowl pick; they reveal that he picked the packers (yay! go Greenbay) as the winners of this year’s tournament. This statement strikes a somewhat interesting yet argumentative discussion between the two most observing guest at the party begin who were sitting at the back of the room. Eula Biss begins this conversation with her comment about the popularity of Barack Obama, America's first black president.
ReplyDeleteEula: it is quite fascinating that I saw this moment, the moment in which America publicly denounced the existence of inequality and impartiality.
James: (with a deep heavy sigh) you know what fascinates me?
Eula: no.
James: the blindness of this generation’s thoughts by the sugar coated façade, displayed by America
Eula: (a confused, yet inquisitive daze) exactly what does that mean?
James: well (short pause), the answer to that question is in your statement. I’m only trying to explain to you that you have subtly been deceived and enticed by the creatively painted picture of the “All-perfect America”, the America in which even a black man can become president.
Eula: (astonished) and what do u mean by that. Are you trying to indirectly call me naïve, when you don’t even know me?
James: Naïve, that’s the word I was looking for, it is baffling to me to realize how stale my brain has become as old age became my acquaintance. However, I still manage to think myself out of the deadly traps, which you just somersaulted yourself into.
Eula: And what trap might this be? From what I see, our nation has evolved over the past decades and we have finally made it into “the age of enlightenment” where a black man can proudly stand in front of all and say “I am Mr. President”
James: (with a sharp smirk) now tell me, dear, why it would be an age of enlightenment and why do you consider it so magnificent, if he is an American and was always supposed to be your equal? Your answer to that question will give you a new and profound understanding about race and equality in our country. (to be continued..)
-Rebel Flower
Biss: Hello Mr. Baldwin. You are such an inspiration to all my works; you were one of the civil movement writers that I look up to so much.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin: well thank you, nice to meet you too Ms. Bliss. I’ve read some of you essays; I must say that I am extremely impressed.
(Biss in now blushing because of the compliments, she turns red because she finds Baldwin’s intelligence extremely attractive, even though she knows he is gay.)
Biss: This party is really boring, would you like to go to the other room and talk, I’d like to hear your opinions about the recent issues concerning race in the recent years.
Baldwin: That you be great! Yes, and this party is boring, I’ve been to better ones in the 50’s.
(They move to the other room where it is a little bit quiet, as they discuss what they think about things today.)
Biss: I do not if you have noticed, but since the civil rights movement, black freedom has increased tremendously, but certain things still such as stereotypes.
Baldwin: Well there have always been stereotypes in human races, but it’s been a long way since those days of hardship for African American male. I am very happy to see that everyone is treated with equality today.
Biss: Yes, that is true, but there are things such as the media today that are still bothering with the race issue. They filter what they want to show in the news, for example, the black history month. Whenever it is that time, everyone wants to make a big deal out of it, trying to make up for the mistakes of the past.
Baldwin: I agree, black history is American history, why is there a need to separate black history into a month. We are Americans; therefore our history should be one.
Biss: I am so happy we can agree on that. Lets get back to the game!
Baldwin: GO STEELERS.
Manila06
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ReplyDeleteEula Biss sits nervously in the living room of an old classmate's, weaving different color fabrics together into what would be one blanket. It is Superbowl 45 Sunday. The game is in the second quarter with the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead by one touchdown. The Packers call for a time out and a commercial comes on for GoDaddy.com. Eula rolls her eyes. She would love to stretch her head and analyze the rhetoric of advertisements, but the only thing she sees being used are sex and the objectification of woman. Eula's nose stenches upwards as she pauses to observe the people around her. They are people in the simplest form. Her old classmate gave up on Literature as his field of study and moved to Entrepreneurship . He felt like Literature was a dead topic; there was no need to study old, boring texts to give insight to the future. Eula pitied him, he had missed the whole point of English studies, of life. His manufactured blond fiancee was on his arm. She didn't understand football, but pretended to enjoy it to please Matty. Three of Matty's friends from the business field were also at the party, into their third drink of alcohol, they would not remember who won the Superbowl game. In fact, everyone here was raging around the television in an angry, drunken state, even Terry Caruso. Terry was sober, but very into the game like the other five were. She was the most ferocious waving her long arms recklessly as her voice undulated with the plays of the game.
ReplyDeleteFinally after four knocks on Matty's wooden door, a soul enters the room. Eula sits more feverish than before. If the other five had been paying attention to Eula they would have thought negatively of her. Eula's metacognition spoke for them in their absence: "You was fine when all us young white people were in here, but now a black man's joined us and you're afraid? Don't you hate racism? I thought you got your degree for that. That's the only way it could ever be worth anything today." Eula's metacognition was fragile because this didn't reflect her feelings. She could feel the poetry in the footsteps of this man. Everything about him seemed to gush with insight. It was as if everywhere he stepped in the room was being morphed into his own world; average living room was being crushed by his own perspective. This new world he was creating must have been from Eula's own metacognition.
"What're you looking at?!" He snapped aggressively. Although articulate with exasperation his voice was droned with an unfamiliar accent.
ReplyDelete"The Packers got a touchdown," Eula blurted convincing herself that she was engaged in the game.
"Ah," the man said more to himself. He sat at a chair on the opposite side of where Eula was sitting at a table.
The clock for the second quarter ran to zero. The Pride of Arizona ran onto the field and set their first set, and stood perfectly still as the camera switched off of them and onto the commentators and the halftime discussion started. Matty, his fiancee and three friends went outside to discuss the game, but Terry Caruso sat with her eyes glued to the screen hoping they would show some of the Pride of Arizona's performance on TV.
The room was silent and motionless. Eula glanced over at the man in front of her. He gave the room energy. The old man took out a boot leg bottle from his pants and grunted "What do you want?"
Eula jumped slightly. The man was looking away, she wondered how he knew she had been staring at him. "Who are you going for?" Eula stumbled over her words, thrown off guard by his actions.
"It doesn't matter. My father had always hated the Packer's for keeping his brother from playing with them. So it doesn't matter. He was a great player my uncle was..too bad they killed him before I could play with him. My uncle wanted to play pro football, they didn't let him. Rather have him killed." The man appeared to be in a daze as he said all of this, not bothering to acknowledge Eula though obviously speaking to her.
Eula lit up inside. This was the most insightful thing she had heard today, she latched onto it, "But sir, how could you know how well your uncle was if you hadn't met him?" Eula had the gears in her head turning ready to dissect his explanation. The man turned to look at Eula. The man's glared grew angrier and louder. He looked drowned in Eula's comment. "Wrong question," Eula said to herself. "How rude of Matty, would you like something to eat or drink?" Eula urgently got up and walked frantically to the kitchen area where the refreshments and snacks were.
The man looked at Eula as if he were being tricked, "Who are you?"
"How rude of me," Eula came back with a bag of chips and cup of punch, "My name is Eula Biss. What is your name?" Eula extended her hand to shake his hand.
ReplyDeleteThe man looked at Eula's hand like it was a wild stray dog, "James Baldwin," he responded as if he had been programmed to say his name this way. He didn't take his eyes off of her hand.
"Where are you from, James?" Eula wondered why he was so reluctant to shaking her hand.
"Earth." He responded crisply. Suddenly, his voice didn't sound so sharp. He appeared more relaxed with his surroundings and with Eula.
Nevertheless, Earth was such an ambiguous answer, "Earth?" Eula questioned.
"I am a man, structured the way society wanted me to be. So I'm from Earth," James said as if he were speaking concrete.
Eula thrived on this. She was intrigued by everything James was presenting to her ,"But Mr. Baldwin, how can you be sure society is so correct in their classifications?" Eula grinned.
Finally, James was open to Eula. She had cracked his code and approached Baldwin with the right perspective. The two spoke about James' dad, and Eula's cousin, race, the media, and everything in between. It seemed like hours.
The Pride of Arizona made their last and most epic forte piano crescendo that ended their Muse show. Terry Caruso wiped a tear from under her eye, "That was amazing!" She exclaimed.
Eula lifted her head away from her conversation with James to acknowledge Matty leading the pack of people back into their initial stables in the living room. They were instantly back into their animal mode, yelling and rooting for their team in a blur of sounds. Eula looked across the table to find she was sitting at the table alone again. She smiled, and joyfully resorted back to her knitting.
It's Superbowl Sunday! That time of year when families, friends, and rivals come together to join in the festivities of this annual game! This year, the Green-Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers have made it all the way to this years forty-fifth Superbowl! This year, my family is hosting a party where we have invited many awesome guests, including Justin Bieber, Eula Biss, James Baldwin, David Beckham, Ashton Kutcher, the Spice Girls, Elton John and many more!
ReplyDeleteWhile hosting the party this evening, I found myself intrigued by a conversation I heard towards the back of the room....
Eula: Mr. Baldwin, I must admit that I find myself confused as to why you are here...? Are you a fan of football?
James: Hello Ms.Biss, to answer your question, yes, I am a fan of football! It may seem that I only enjoy writing and living in a tranquil state but I must tell you that I am a die-hard football fan!
Eula: Wow! I myself am not really a football fan but I came just to be with all of my dear friends! So, how are you, any new writings? I am a huge fan of many of your works!
James: Well thank you! I am always working on something but nothing in specific at the moment! I am also a great fan of yours Miss Biss! I love your ability to use many sources and facts (logos) to prove your original point! Not only do you use logos but as a reader, you make me feel the emotions that you want me to feel! As an author, I feel like that is the most important thing you need to do for your audiences!
Eula: Thank you! Although, I wish I could write as deep from the heart as you! Yes, I may know a thing or two about racism but I have not had the experience that you have had! I do not mean that I wish I would have experienced racism in the ways that you did but I just wish I could write more from my own personal experiences rather than those of everyone else.
James: Darling, everyone is meant to experience their own situations and the ones you have experienced are just as important as mine! As long as you write from the heart and mean what you say, it does not matter who you are, where you come from, or what experiences you have had!
Eula: It was a pleasure meeting you James. Hopefully we can see each other again someday!
James: Adios!!!!GO PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rachael is who both friends with Biss and Baldwin introduces them to each other. Biss smiles and shakes his hand while he kisses the top of her hand like he is a French man. Needless did they know that was going to more fun for them did they expect. Biss expected to see all these football crazed men but none as simple as Baldwin was. Even though she has a husband he was not into football so he just stayed at home. Baldwin was overly excited that there were mostly men until he saw Biss. He was never really into girls but Biss was so fabulous that he could not stop looking at her. For awhile Biss was okay with Baldwin staring at her but she started to get freaked out and walked away to the other side of the room.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin: Hey where are you going?
Biss: Closer to the television to watch the game.
Baldwin: Are you a football fan? What team are you going for?
Biss: The Steelers, how about you?
Baldwin: Of course the Packers.
A friend: How interesting you both pick the team that was closer to your race and/or ethnicity.
*Everyone in the room goes quiet
Baldwin: Why do you think it is that way?
Biss: I do not associate with the Steelers because they are wearing white it just happened that way. I have always been a Steelers fan.
Baldwin: Well an spectator sees the way we picked who was our team as racist.
Biss: I believe many things that are done are considered racist. I could be minding my own business and comment on something that involves a white person and a black person and they feel I should be on the white person side. I will be on the side of whoever is correct. I do not judge a book by its cover and that includes races. It is already hard enough having many different races in one place trying to be on top. Can there ever be a time where we all can be equal?
Baldwin: Never. It all came from the slavery era and how hard we had to go through things to get the civil rights movement to let alone occur.
Biss: Well I am sorry for how everything went down. My ancestors were wrong for what they did.
Baldwin: As I was growing up I had a hard time because of what your people have done to my people.
Biss: How will we ever get over this if you and your so called people are holding grudges?
A friend: We holding grudges. Do you know what my ancestors had to go through? It was hell. No question about it that we can get over it.
* A white guy laughs.
Baldwin: Is there something funny sir?
White guy: Yes! You guys were not affected from what happened to your ancestors it did not happen to you so why should it matter?
Biss: It matters because the reason for the things that happened were wrong. I did not personally do something to the African Americans but my ancestors did so basically a part of me did disrespect them and their well being. I'm truly sorry for everything that had happened.
*white man: has a disgust look on his face and begins cussing and saying how she is a disgrace to the white race
*Biss rolls her eyes and ignores him because he sounds foolish
*Everybody realizes that Biss was right and sat down to watch the rest of the Superbowl together with their differences put aside :)
-Sweets92
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ReplyDeleteAs the intoxicated Packer and Steeler fans yell with chaos in the background of downtown San Diego for the 45th Super Bowl, well known Eula Biss and James Baldwin sit dreadfully at this uninteresting event.
ReplyDeleteEula Biss comes sitting down after purchasing a Coke.
Eula: Good evening Mr. Baldwin, are you enjoying this mind-numbing gathering?
James: (Deep sigh) you know… back when I was a kid I enjoyed watching paint dry on my mother’s walls more than this monstrosity… observing the two colors of paint reunite beneath each other was not just a chore given by mother but a vision I wish come true in my community. Growing up, I was exhausted from seeing violence and separation towards us black and white folks. After burying my father during one of the most violent riots, that was when I had enough. I wished every one of every color would come together as that paint did on the walls…
Biss: That was very touching Mr. Baldwin, you know I enjoyed your reading so much as I was becoming an aspiring writer. I do not know how it feels to be black, but growing with my mother dating black men was close enough. I even had a relative that I lived with for a few months who was multi-racial. Living with her was not as bad as seeing people give me more advantages than her, only because my skin looked fairer and my hair was silkier...as opposed to that paint on your walls Mr. Baldwin, we were still divided in some way. Even though we shared the same blood that did not stop the censuses taker from seeing that, or my landlord being so kind to me instead of her.
Baldwin: That was interesting Eula, but this world is a never ending judgmental universe…I just don’t know when we all will start seeing one color.
Eula: … you are so right Mr. Baldwin, until there is no man on this earth breathing; I don’t believe any race will see each other as one
Fans cheering in the background as the packers scored.
Baldwin: (sigh) well sitting here watching these jesters rant and rave over this game is all we’re ever going to see unite as one
Biss: (laughing) yes you are so right Mr. Baldwin
Eula Biss and James Baldwin tap their drinks to each other in agreement and continue watching the football game
Baldwin: Excuse me young lady
ReplyDelete(Biss turns around to see a well-dressed man holding a martini glass upon his hand)
Baldwin: Excuse me, but I must say that my mind has been occupied with the thought of your countenance. Have I seen you somewhere before?
Biss: I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name…
Baldwin: Oh well of course. I am James…and you are?
Biss: Eula.
Baldwin: Yes, now it is coming back to me. I have read your tales and works from which I must say I have become very fond of. I myself have engorged myself within the delicacies and complications of what this generation calls racism.
Biss: Interesting to hear you say that. I, too, am constantly pondering the complexities of this modern age.
Baldwin: Yes yes, very well then. I take it you are a fan of American football?
Biss: Oh no, I have only attended this party because my friend was too shy to come alone.
Baldwin: Well now, no need to be shy. In France, we accept all with open arms…and maybe a kiss or two.
Biss: Haha. So you’re a Frenchman?
Baldwin: I may have resided within that area, yes.
Biss: Interesting. Would you like to sit down and meet my friend?
Baldwin: Oh no. That is not what interests me. What intrigues my desires is to discuss your position on modern day racism.
(The two walk to a bench which overlooks a bowl of nachos, sitting to the left an ice cooler filled with drinks.)
Biss: Well Mr. Baldwin, lucky for you, I have been writing an essay as a tribute to Black History month?
Baldwin: Black history month?
Biss: Yes, a month solely dedicated to commemorating the struggles and achievements of African American leaders during the civil rights movement.
Baldwin: Sounds like a magnificent idea. Why is it called “black” history month?
Biss: Not to be so abrasive Mr. Baldwin, but the month is a dedication to black, historical figures.
Baldwin: Yes, but what makes a “black, historical leader” different than any other leader in the past? Skin color?
Biss: Well yes….
(Awkward silence for a minute)
...
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Biss: I didn’t say I agreed with the name. I was just pointing out the current events.
(Baldwin raises his eyebrow at this statement.)
Baldwin: For a second there, I thought I was going to have to throw my glass mug at you…
He approaches her with an agitated but collective voice and says, “it’s quite something isn’t it?” the woman is confused and interested towards what he has to say so she continues the conversation with, “what might that be?” he moves in closer sitting on the chair placed in front of her and with a sharp tone he tells her “racism (pause) even as its weakened over the decades it still has enough potent to taint a man.” The woman grins extends her arm and says “it’s safe to say you’re not another crazed fanatic of sports as well, I’m Eula Biss may I ask who you are?” the man shakes her hand and replies “a friend of a friend.” Well, Eula Biss talks “said friend of friend you bring a topic near and dear to my heart as I assume it’s just as a delicate matter to you (pause) care to elaborate?” he sits further back into his chair looks at her, the game, than the people surrounding them before he begins to explain. He states. “Look around you Mrs. Biss, everyone in this room is tainted by it. (pause) or at least is subjected to it, we have our own president giving America a sense of it.” He rubs his forehead she widens her gaze and replies, “you mean the football game and the president’s choice of the green bay packers to be his pick?” the man nods Eula presses forward “you take it as it being racist?” he quickly replies, “I take it as inequality a form of racism if you will (pause, deep breath) implementing inequality into the people’s head it’s no wonder why there’s still some racism in the world today.” Eula asks “how can we be so blunt as to say there is inequality in the world?” The man stares up at her and he presents this question to Eula Biss, “than why is it that our president being black comes to such a shock to our nation if we have always been equal to each other?” on that last question he stands up nods and before leaving he says, “my name is James Baldwin, and it was a pleasure talking to you Mrs. Biss.”
ReplyDeleteThe Super Bowl is about to begin. A big party is being hosted at my house where many guests have started to arrive. Many famous people like Jackie Chan, Liam Neeson, Mel Gibson, Adriana Lima, Eva Mendez, Jessica Alba, Eula Biss, and Megan Fox are among the party guests. One of the best guest lists ever. Jackie Chan is showing off his kung-fu moves, while Liam Neeson pulls out his very realistic light saber. The evening is filled with banter about who will win the Super Bowl. Some say the Steelers, others say the Packers. (Green Bay all the way). I go out to to the local Food City to get some food for the party. I come back several minutes later, and start putting all the food on the table. At the table I overhear a conversation between Eula and someone I do not recognize. They seem to be getting very excited about their conversation.
ReplyDelete“Oh, so you are saying that you're supposed to be dead!??” - Eula
“Yup, I died in December 1, 1987. I have no idea how I am even her to tell you the truth.” James
“Well this is certainly quite an astonishing predicament we find ourselves in” - Eula
“Indeed” - James
“Hmmm well as long as your here, I have to tell you, I’m a huge fan! I have read all your works and I really enjoyed them” - Eula
“You're a huge fan, yet you do not know that I’m supposed to be dead? Pleassse”
Eula turns red from embarrassment.
“Well its just that....” - Eula
“ Save it. But its always good to meet a fellow fan....do you want me to sign something? I’m sure my autograph is worth millions by now” - James
“Actually....no. Sorry. Anyways I'll have you know that America now has a black president now!”- Eula
James give Eula a “girl quit playing” look
“That is preposterous” - James
Eula then proceeds to show James a Time magazine with an article regarding Obama.
James is baffled and a single tear streams down his cheek.
“ America has truly come a long way” - James
The two authors share a long moment of silence. Suddenly James starts to disappear. Eula and I stare in astonishment at the fading man.
“I can finally rest...” whispers James
Mist is now all that remains in James place.
Eula gives me a frightened look. He had been a ghost all along.
Baldwin: (Driving in the car) This Super Bowl party should be interesting, heard there is going to be another writer there a female writer who else has written about race.
ReplyDeleteWalks to the door sees all the other people talk enjoying themselves eating food and getting ready for the game.
Baldwin: He greets everyone. (In his head, look around the house) I wonder which of them is the writer.
Baldwin: ask is friend that he was invited by, “which one is the writer, here?”
Friend: That one rights there her name is Eula Biss.
Baldwin: Walks up to Biss, “Hi Eula Biss”
Biss: Yea, and you are…?
Baldwin: James Baldwin.
Biss: Nice to meet.
Baldwin: Nice to meet you too. So you ready for the game?
Biss: Mmm… yea I guess I am not real in to the whole sport thing.
Baldwin: Me either, but I just like the fact how different races are able to play together without any problems.
Biss: I would have to agree with you. Did you hear about that horrible event that happen down there at Tucson, Arizona?
Baldwin: (Takes a deep breath in) Ahh… yea I did, that’s horrible. It is sad how it was so easy for him to do that.
Biss: He shot a little nine year old girl.
Baldwin: I felt that if it was a black guy that everyone would have made a bigger deal about and the they would have been saying yea, “This is expected from a African American”. (Saying all of this with a more aggressive voice but them again just saying)
Biss: That is kinda true but that’s more of a stereotype thing, but maybe the world now is more understanding of situations like this and know that anything like this can come from any race.
Baldwin: I don’t know, people would expect things like that from a black man.
Biss: Black men have came to gang their respect in this world, to be able to all kinds of things. Such as play in the National Football league. So let’s watch this game.
Baldwin: Sounds good lets.
-liltunechi
Baldwin: Can't beleive we the sorry Steelers are playing in the Superbowl.
ReplyDeleteBiss: Yes i know it should of been the Patriots and packers not Steelers and Packers.(See's who she was talking to and finds out she is speaking to an idol of her's)Oh my god your James Baldwin!
Baldwin: Yes, yes i am(smiles).
Biss: Its a pleasure meeting you Mr. Baldwin.
Baldwin: same here.
Biss: so what do you think about the game mr. Baldwin?
Baldwin: Not good. Sorry I didn't catch your name.
Biss:Biss, Eula Biss.
Baldwin: Oh. Well Ms. Biss I know this doesnt have to do with the actual game but u beleive its sad how we still treat people of color different from whites.
Biss: What makes you say that?
Baldwin: Well look at the Steelers QB he has been is so much legal trouble like this past offseason being accused of raping a girl and he only got a 4 game suspension.
Biss: Well charges were not filed.
Baldwin: Still look at Micheal Vick he went to prison and missed a few years in the league when he got in trouble.
Biss: Thats true but Vick was caught and had to pay for his actions.
Baldwin: I still think that white athletes get more of an opprtunity.
Biss: You might be right to a certain point but i think the color of your race shouldnt be accounted to when it comes to sports.
Baldwin: Yes i agree but it is still there and I dont think it will go away.
Biss:(nods)Well there is alot of stereotypes that black athletes are better
Baldwin: Yes there is.
Biss: If we would put 10 man. 9 white and 1 black and we would ask them who would be your first pick to be on your sports team? Almost everyone would pick the black man.
Baldwin: You are right. Oh look the Packers are going to win it.
Biss: Yes!!!
Everyone gets prepared for the game as it is about to begin. Many are just going insane with excitement as it is finally about to start. Now this is one of the best years for super bowl as it is #45 and it is a clash between the Green Bay Packers and Steelers. Quickly looking around glaring for some action throughout the benches, all that is seen is just people shouting and jumping up as if they have been transformed into the energizer bunny. Throughout the game, two famous figures are found.
ReplyDeleteBiss-Excuse me sure, but aren’t you Baldwin?
Baldwin- Yes I am. (Starts to get mad since she is blocking his view.)
Biss- Oh my god. It is such an honor to meet a man like you in the super bowl. I’m one of your biggest fans. I like totally enjoy reading your well done pieces of writings. (White as a cloud, it is obvious she is blushing but she doesn’t even notice Baldwin is getting more furious as she keeps speaking.)
Baldwin-Lady, please can you please sit the hell down. I’m to enjoy watching the game for crying out loud. I never get have pleasure of my own and when I do, someone like you is annoying!
Bliss-Oh, okay. I understand. (She finally sits down but is heartbroken and her face looks like she about to wail.)
Baldwin-(Finally enjoying his peace, he begins to feel guilty for what he had said.) Excuse lady, after the game, maybe we can have some sort of conversation if that is okay with you. I also apologize of earlier today, I just can’t get adapt to how everything has changed so much. And even though everything has changed, I’m still tormented by the thoughts of miss-treatment and inequality.
Bliss-(Realizing why he had burst out with anger, she forgave him.) Well then, let’s enjoy this wonderful game and later we can have a better conversation.
After the game, they learned more of each other. Baldwin had learned she had gone through a difficult life just as he had but differently. As for Bliss, she learned that Baldwin had hidden too much anger within him and now is difficult to control. She is sure he regrets all he has done and wished it could be changed. Sometimes he would go in an outrage tossing whatever he could hold still today. But with proper treatment, he has slowly recovered and has adapted to this new world where everyone is considered “equal.”
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ReplyDeleteWith 39 seconds left, Big Ben worked his magic and threw a wide open 8 yards touchdown to Ward that shorten the Packers' lead to eleven points before the half-time. Eula and James both found themselves very bored. The reason is because Eula rooted for the Bears and James went for the NY Jets. During half-time, instead of watching the Black Eyed Peas confessing their true singing talents, Eula and James both found the presence of each other in the main library of my multi-million dollars mansion on a man-made island.
ReplyDeleteSeeing a familiar face, Eula came up to James...
Eula: Excuse me, are you James Baldwin, The James Baldwin? It is an honor to meet you! I am a huge fan of your works!
James: Yes James Baldwin is me, and you are?
Eula: I am Eula, I am a writer also. I write non fiction books and such.
James: oh, are you the author of the essay "Relations"?
Eula: Yes, what do you think about the essay?
James: Well to be honest, it was a little bit too long, in fact there are over 3000 words in that essay which forms about 16 pages. I could not help but dozing off a couple time before I reached the final paragraph.
Eula: *awkward* ...I meant...did you like my style? the way I brought up the race issue in today's society? Can you tell me a little bit about people's perspectives toward race in your time?
James: Oh! I am sorry about the previous remarks, as you know I am not a critic but your essay was just too long!
Eula: ....
James: anyway, I like the fact that you pointed out that there are still race issues in America today such as the way they were treat differently at the hospital that they got to hire a detective to search for their lost child. Even though Black people have more rights and they are not physically being segregated today, that doesn't mean the borderline between Black and White disappeared. Watching this football game tells me that America has realized and welcomed her native sons to the family, that Black deserves the same that White has in this country.
Eula: I couldn't agree more with you Mr. James. So what do you think about Christina Aguilera messed up the National Anthem?
James: How do you forget the lyrics of the National Anthem at the BIGGEST television event of the year?
Eula: Do you think we as the audiences should forgive her? I mean she proved that she wasn't lip syncing right?
James: If she wasn't an American then I would forgive her. It was a sacred moment and she thought it was her rehearsal time? SMH.
-Mr.T
eh... i must say that i've never really been a football fan but the game that happened yesterday was alright i guess. everyone was rooting for steelers. but when that happens, the underdogs always come out on top! same for Eula, and james! in my opinion, Eula was the steelers, and James was the packers! james kicks but and came up on top as a whole!
ReplyDeleteBefore the big game, the two sat nervously anxious to see the outcome. The extreme tension between the two could be cut with the wave of a hand.
Eula:(saying nervously) So, who do you think is going to win the super bowl today?
James: Well I'm not one to brag but I think that the steelers have a BIIIIIG shot of winning.
Eula: HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Well, everyone always goes for the team that is on top, never the one on the bottom of the food chain!
James: I've never liked the packers. For one, their color scheme is horrendous and second they just never do anything exciting!
Eula: How can you say that?
James: Say what? That you're on the Bandwagon?
Eula: Hahahaha...(Awkward silence) I guess you kinda got me there. But let me ask you this; Ok, every year when two different teams make it to the super bowl doesn't the whole nation become affected and start changing teams, buying things with the emblems of the super bowls?
James: Yes they do! My mom was one of those people! But its all for show in order to help show their support for the super bowl.
Eula: So Mr. James, are you on the Bandwagon as well?
James: If you want to say that you can! I support my favorite team out of the two that make it to the super bowl, so in a way i guess i am a member of the Bandwagon.
Eula: HAHAHAHAHA! Yes! i finally got you! I've been a beloved Packers fan since i can remember!
-TURBO
The Super Bowl was about to start and everyone is rooting for their teams. I had alot of people over at my place, but two friends of the family brought each brought a friend of theirs. They weren't really into football but decided to go out and have fun for once. They were both wearing the Steelers jersey even though they didn't know much about it they both picked the Steelers. Everyone was in the T.V room watching the game cheering except them too. They were the only ones that weren't and therefore started talking to each other.
ReplyDeleteEula: Well hello there Mr.? I see you arent cheering for your team, the Steelers.
James: Hi I am Mr. Baldwin, but you can call me James. You know there's a funny explanation as to why I am not cheering. You see I don't know much or I can even say nothing about football. A friend invited a couple days ago and I just decided to pick a team and I really liked the Steelers jersey so I got it to show some sort of interest. (He laughed)
Eula: (She laughed) Oh wow it's a pleasure to meet Mr. Baldwin, I a fan of your writings! Oh by the way I'm Eula, Eula Biss, and let me tell you that the same exact thing happened to me. I am not interested in football whatsoever, but I decided to go for the Steelers their jersey is very nice, and they same like a good team to me.
James: Why thank you Mrs. Biss. I myself have read some of your work as well, and let me tell I truely enjoy reading it. And yeah the Steelers do seem like a good team to go for. Hopefully they will win this famous Super Bowl.
Eula: Thanks, it is great hearing that coming from such a presitigous writer. (with a big smile on her face) I will have to take that as a compliment to my work. But I don't think my work will ever compare to mine, since you write with such passion that you make the reader, or at least me, get the chills when reading your work. A lot of your work comes from personal experience, which makes it much more emotional.
James: Yes dear, you should definitely take it as a compliment. You are an amazing writer too. Your work is great and eventhough it might not come from any personal experiences, you still make the reder feel emotion too and understand what it is you are trying to say. Our works are very different but similiar at the same time, since we both talk about racism.
Eula: It's amazing that I had the opportunity to meet such an amazing writer in this Super Bowl party, this was the last place I imagined such thing would happen. We should probably start cheering for our "team" the Steelers since it is already half time and we are losing. (She laughs)
James: Oh wow I hadn't even payed attention to the game. Hopefully they do better in the 3rd quarter. And I've been hearing about this halftime show, I heard it's going to be really cool.
Eula: Oh yes, I heard this famous band called Black Eyed Peas is playing and from what I've heard they are on of the greatest bands right now.
They both go grab some food and drinks to watch the half time show.
It's that time of the year again. The time to watch the Steelers play (insert opponent here) in the Superbowl. It's the time to watch the overrated commercials and hope one out of ten are actually clever.
ReplyDeleteThe usual crowd is in attendance of my Super Bowl party. My family, friends, James Baldwin, Eula Biss, and the Wu-Tang clan. Eula is typing away on her laptop about the recent riots in Egypt, while Baldwin is explaining to my friends about how the riots these days don't compare to the riots of his time. The Wu-Tang Clan is harassing my mother for alcoholic beverages.
Uninterested in the sporting event, Baldwin sits next to Biss and asks what she is writing about.
Biss replies "I'm writing about the riots in Egypt while comparing it with racism and injustice around the globe."
Baldwin laughs and wonders what this white woman knows about injustice. Biss explains her background and her experiences with intolerance, and Baldwin looks impressed. He retorts that he grew up in a family where whites were not to be trusted. They start to relate to one another, talking about how they grew up in low income families, and inner city neighborhoods. One of the members of the Wu-Tang shouts out "Get money!" and returns to the game.
As Baldwin and Biss quickly become friends, the halftime show approaches. Biss explains how she commends the Black Eyed Peas for being racially diverse, but Baldwin brings up a good point in saying their music is awful. Ol' Dirty Bastard makes an inappropriate comment about Fergie.
Biss brings up a topic of debate, gay marriage. James Baldwin explains that love should know no boundaries, especially gender. Biss says she agrees and asks "What do you think about gay marriage being illegal in most states?"
Baldwin says that, just like segregation, a long time from now, people will look back and say they were wrong. My mom and grandmother bring in amazing Turkish food and everyone forgets about racial injustice, at least for the night.
---Alp Yazirdag
It was Super Bowl Sunday, as Michael Thomas and Eula Biss were both dipping their greasy chips into a flavorful bowl of green onion dip at Michael's Super Bowl party. The Packers led the game with a six-point lead over the Steelers, but Pittsburgh fans remained hopeful their team would go for its seventh championship win (even though everyone knew Green Bay was going to win). A time-out was called and everyone filed out of the living room to get more refreshments, except for Michael and Eula, who stayed behind watching the commercials.
ReplyDelete“Black and yellow all the way!” shouted Michael, in his tacky Steelers jersey.
“It's all about the green and yellow, fool!” retorted Eula, showing off her tasteful Packers shirt.
At that moment, the screen went blank and a ghastly figure appeared. Suddenly, the figure floated out of the television and sat right between Eula and Michael. Michael gave a startled shriek and ran out of the room, leaving Eula behind with the ghost, who she immediately recognized as James Baldwin.
“So I heard you're rooting for green and yellow, Eula,” commented the mysterious figure.
“Yeah, the Packers are gonna take it all,” replied Eula, shakily.
“At what point are we in our lives where we even refer to our favorite sports teams by their colors?” inquired James's ghost.
“I'm not defining the team with green and yellow, though,” said Eula. “I don't believe a team's rank is based on its color.”
“But what if someone, instead of calling you by your name, called you white girl? The person is not defining you by the color of your skin, but is simply pointing out that that is your color,” asked the visitor.
“Ok, I see what you're, but look at the crowd of fans and the players on the teams,” said Eula, pointing at the TV screen. “Look at how multi-colored we have become, where black, white, yellow, brown, red, and any other color can unite to watch their favorite players beat the Steelers. I'm not saying racism is dead, but you have to admit we have come a long way from the 1960's.”
“You do make a good point, but I still believe we have a long way to go before racism is completely obliterated,” commented James. “Now I would love to stay and chat, but I'm afraid I paid $3.5 million dollars for only 30 seconds of air time and my time is up.”
And with that, James vanished into thin air, as Eula looked back and forth in disbelief from the TV set to the area where he had been sitting. A wary Michael inched his way into the room, supposedly with intent to protect his friend from the ghost.
“It's ok Michael, he's gone now,” said Eula, still in shock over what happened.
Michael breathed a sigh of relief as he sat back down next to her, and they both finished watching the Steelers' pathetic loss to the Packers.
-Stephanie
Baldwin: (walking up to a familiar face) Hello there. Do I know you?
ReplyDeleteBiss: (looking excitedly at this gentleman) You may have heard of me, but I know who you are though. (shaking his hand the way an extremely happy boy would shake the hand of his favorite athlete) Hi Mr. Baldwin! I'm Eula Biss. I'm very thrilled to meet you.
Baldwin: It's nice to meet you too Ms. Biss. So... You are a fan of mine?
Biss: Yes I am. A very big one to say the least. Your writings inspire my work more than any other author's work I have ever read. I'm a very big fan! (she talks with the biggest of smiles on her face and the glare in her eyes like a kid in a candy store)
Baldwin: (with a smirk on his face and the softest of voices) That's very nice to hear Eula, but I'm not a big fan of yours.
Biss: (her smile withered immediately to house a confused look on her face and thinking to herself "have I said something wrong") What? Huh?
Baldwin: (remembering what the white man had done to him) I'm overwhelmingly disgusted at the fact that you write so much about racism as if you had to go through it first hand. Have you ever experienced racism Biss? Has your family? DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE CHASED BY AN ANGRY MOB OF WHITES AND FELLING LIKE YOU ARE BREATHING YOUR LAST BREATHS SIMULTANEOUSLY? DO YOU BISS? DO YOU? (Baldwin is in a rage)
Biss: (shocked and feeling sympathy at the same time and not sure how to answer Raging Baldwin) No. I can't say that I know what it feels like to be chased by such a mob and no I don't know what it's like to have a family member lynched but I can say that I've experienced racism.
Baldwin: In what sense Biss? Through your damn doll? You DID NOT experience racism, your doll did. When you go to your mom's house again tell "Black Doll" that I know how she feels and I'm sorry that she, even in her plastic form, had to experience racism.
Biss: (now immensely baffled and deranged, but instead of saying anything regretful and seeming as ignorant as Baldwin, Biss walks away calmly) It was unpleasant meeting you. Have a great rest of the night.
Baldwin: (stands in disbelief of his actions as Biss walks away) "What in the hell have I just done?"
NO. My recent post is not how I feel about Biss. I just wanted to take a different approach to this assignment
ReplyDeleteSuperbowl Sunday, the day everyone awaits for. Family and friends gather up, cook food, play music and have a good time before the game begins. This year everyone decided to get together over at my uncles house. One of his best friends from high school decided to come down from Pittsburgh and join us on this fabulous Sunday evening to watch the game. Not only did he come by himself but also brought along his very good friend James Baldwin. He was very quiet, didn’t speak much as if he was scared to speak. He just sat on the couch making face expressions like he didn’t want to be here.
ReplyDeleteMy uncles neighbor (Eula Biss) was sitting on the kitchen table thinking about how to fit in or how to have a little fun. She decided to go make James some company. As she approached the couch she said “hello there, my name is Eula Biss”, James turned around and looked at her from head to toes and said in a very manly voice “nice to meet you, my name is James Baldwin”.
Biss: You look bored? Are you not enjoying the superbowl?
Baldwin: Well it’s a little boring, I’m not much of a football fan, but I watch it here and there.
Biss: Well in that case, that makes two of us.
Baldwin: (Looks at her and smiles)
Biss: So how about them Steelers?
Baldwin: They’re not playing as good as you would think.
Biss: You’re right two years ago when they won the superbowl now that was a good game.
Baldwin: Yes I was in shock with how they played against the Cardinals.
(There was silence for a couple of minutes)
Biss: Mr. Baldwin, did you hear about the tragedy that happened here in Tucson, Az a couple of weeks ago?
Baldwin: Yes it was horrible, and to think that it was a white man makes it even more shocking.
Biss: You’ve got that right. If it would have been a black or Mexican guy then it would have been worse than what it already is.
Baldwin: Things in this world will never change. Racism will always exist between whites and black. They seem to put more attention and make a bigger deal when a black man or woman does something wrong. They give more respect to white.
Biss: I am 100% with you on that.
Baldwin: (Takes a deep breath) agh… I can go on and on about this but for now lets just relax and enjoy the game.
Biss: Sounds good, I am going to go get a drink would you like something?
Baldwin: Yes, a Dr.Pepper would be nice.
Biss: Gotcha. (Walks away and in the background Baldwin says: Touchdown!!)
-Gilbert9
It's Super Bowl time again, and I couldn't be any less bored of it. The game isn't going to be very amusing considering that Pittsburgh and Green Bay are playing. I expect it to be a defensive game. However, I am not the only one stuck in this boat of boredom on a sea of monotony. Eula Biss and James Baldwin are feeling much the same way. They are so bored that they begin to engage in an intriguing conversation.
ReplyDeleteBiss: This game is ridiculous. Who wants to sit around and watch a bunch of rich men pound on each other?
Baldwin: It truly is sad that these men earn more than our president. The very man who runs the country!
Biss: I couldn't agree more. It's amazing to see the history that's been made with the election of our first black president.
Baldwin sighs and has a concerned look on his face.
Baldwin: It is in fact wonderful to see...that a black man can hold....such a high title. Although it is a bitter sweet victory.
Eula being thoroughly confused asks Baldwin why he feels this way.
Eula: How so?
Baldwin: It is out of ignorance that the president obtained his position. You see when it was announced that there was a black man in the running for president, many people who had never before voted, practically ran to the voting offices.
Biss: I would think that was a good thing. We want everyone to get involved with the vote.
Baldwin: Very true....however, it is because he is black that many people voted. And this is where the ignorance rears its ugly head.
Biss: I completely agree. So many years, we have tried to move away from being treated differently because of our skin color, and now we have fallen back into the abyss.
Baldwin: Now you are on my level of thinking. It goes both ways, being treated differently. Of course we do not want to be treated unfairly.....or badly. But also we should not desire to be treated better than others.
Biss: It's the same with affirmative action! We have fought all these years to be treated equally, yet we do not realize that we are putting others in our previous position by agreeing with affirmative action. Nobody should be held in a higher standard of human, over another. Sadly I fear that it will be a long time before we will truly be equal.
-Special K
Baldwin: Hi....were you ignored by everyone watching the super bowl?
ReplyDeleteEula: uuuhh...yeah..and there is nothing that I can do about it..That boaring game seems to grave their entire attention.
Baldwin: Yes almost all of the men enjoy eatching these famous sport. Only very few dont.
Eula: Apparently you are one of the few haha.
Baldwin: Darling I am totally not into sports. I have better preferences than watching the superb bowl.
Eula: Oh yeah! like what?
Baldwin: Well I really enjoy writing. It is one way that I express my thoughts into paper and further on convert them into stories that have and give scence to life.
Eula: oooohh...Wel all I ever do is go out with friends or my boyfriend. Dont you go out with any of your friends?
Baldwin: I dont have much friends and if you noticed not many men yould like to go out with me.
Eula: Well no comment to that.....
.....on Elua's mind..
(Well probably because your gay...pfff)
Baldwin: Sweety you dont have to hide it...Im GAY!! And yes many men dont like going out with a black gay....
Eula: uuuuhhh yeah....that pretty much sucks for you....
Baldwin: It seems like it... but I dont care...I have come to get used to it..though it does incomode me...after all no body likes to be the selective..Ive learned to live my life a day by day...I dont care what they say about me.
Eula: Thats tough...uumm have you ever gone through a seriously bad time because of the fact that you are a gay black guy?
Baldwin: Of course....Ive been in so many different situations and honey you would hate to be me in those moments..How about you...have you ever experienced something like that?
Eula: not really..i guess I have an okay life..
Baldwin yeah..it was to be expected...since your white and a real women..pfff lucky you..
Eula: I guess you are right...great!! the game is over...we should join them ...come on..
Baldwin: whats the use..they still look at me different....like I care...let go...
I'm not a huge fan of football, I barely understand how the game works. But that doesn't change the fact that I like a good party, and so, I took a journey to a superbowl kegger with some friends of mine to watch the packers beat the steelers 28-25. I had a great time, played some beer pong, ran around the house naked and ended up becoming deeply engrossed in an over-heard conversation between two older individuals. One seemingly, back from the dead, the other alive and well but both seemingly out of place in such a wild college environment.
ReplyDeleteBiss: "speaking to herself" This whole game is just a new-age bread and circus ploy.
Baldwin: Haha "Butting into the aside" I guess the only difference is that the people there travel hundreds of miles and spend thousands of dollars to buy into the mechanized media system.
Biss: Your right, the government of the old Roman culture just supplied the populace with enjoyment for free. Attach that same understanding to the very free television set we have in front of us currently.
Baldwin: Considering the fact that the "bread and circuses" were around to allow for the government to hide its severe internal degradation, I do not believe this modern day "comparison" suffices quite truly enough.
Biss: My names Eula, Eula Biss what's yours? It's nice to meet a fellow intellectual at this drunken college debut.
Baldwin: The names James Baldwin, I'm a writer by trade.
Biss: Aren't you dead....
Baldwin: What does it look like?
Biss: Well no I suppose you aren't right now... but USUALLY what is your status?
Baldwin: Dead.
Biss: ... Well see, now im confused, your acting as though this is some sort of normal activity to be alive when you are so blatantly dead. It is taking me off hand and I don’t necessarily know how to take the levity of the situation you are putting me in.
Baldwin: Think nothing of it, it doesn’t matter, your mind cannot comprehend what is currently going on so what you should do is ignore it. Although I would not normally condone ignorance , for this conversation to be sustainable you must put all hindering knowledge of the past behind you.
Eula, feeling a little used by Baldwins overbearing personality and his obvious sense of self-worth sits awkwardly, trying to push the fact that there is a zombie sitting next to her out of her mind.
Baldwin: May I bite your hand?
Eula: …. “Gets up and leaves”
DO NOT TRUST ZOMBIES!
Baldwin: (Talking to himself) This game is tremendously boring. If only Americans would be interested in eliminating racism in this country as they are into football.
ReplyDeleteBliss: Oh I do agree. Hello, my name is Eula
Bliss; sorry for over hearing I just couldn’t agree more.
Baldwin: Nice to meet you, Eula. I’m James Baldwin and I’m glad someone in this stadium agrees with me.
Bliss: People in this country are more focused and determined to watch a sporting event than try to end discrimination.
Baldwin: Exactly. Throughout my life I have witnessed injustice among different and same ethnic backgrounds, I have seen people belittle and humiliate people however; when it comes to sporting events I have never seen so much unity. If only people saw life as a sporting event.
Bliss: I understand what you’re saying. People are quick to judge and make sure that the minorities feel inferior to the rest. I have written countless essays depicting such behaviors. Racism has been the number one problem for this country since the times of our founding fathers. African males were held captive, enslaved and for what? For selfish intentions of the white males in the United States.
Baldwin: Well Ms. Bliss even though I agree with you I also see it as it has been a gradual improvement. This hardship should have NEVER happened and it is an embarrassment for this country to say that it enslaved people but in the years to come, some people who saw no color helped the enslavement to end, helped give minorities and women the right of suffrage, civil rights activists worked hard and protested for their unalienable rights which eventually lead to our first African American President.
Bliss: (Interrupted) That happened over the course of about two hundred years, sir. At this rate it will take another couple of years before people are tolerant of other races.
Baldwin: (frustrated) A generation that is built with an African American President will be more moderate and will be tolerant, hopefully. Today I see this injustice still going on and when I see so much unity among people in a football stadium –sure the fans are divided between two teams but the unity is in the sport not the team, they’re just here to have a good time- It makes me mad because the “sport” in life is to live peacefully and together, people should be rooting for each other.
Bliss: Well said, sir. I agree. Hopefully one day we can dissolve racists behavior and be tolerant of each other.
Baldwin: Yes, hopefully. Now let’s try and enjoy the game, (sigh) I should have stayed home and watched the commercials.
Bliss: (Laughs) You’re right again sir.
I couldn't post my comment...
ReplyDelete(In Eula's mind)
ReplyDeleteAs I sit in my room reading one of James Baldwin’s novels, I hear the guest gather downstairs for my husband’s Super Bowl Party. I tried to block it from my head, but the smell of bar-B-Q came up to my room.
Distracted I went down to investigate the party, my husband was outside still cooking what seemed like the last of the food; ribs. On the table he had the burgers, sausages, hotdogs, chips, soda-pop, dips, and my favorite potatoes salad. It was very loud, Packers fans here, Steelers fans there. It was a very diverse group, African-American, Whites, Latinos and Asian.
It reminded me of the world I use to live in, where blacks were looked down upon.
“But, how does to make you feel now, compared to your past,” James Baldwin was standing beside me.
“It confuses me, all the hatred that was in America, now seems to be played in football. But it’s not bad hatred anymore.” I said.
“I remember the first football game, in 1967. The Packers were playing, against the Chiefs. Blacks were for the Chiefs here, and there, blacks were also for the Packers, here and there. Same for white too. Had to be, one of the most socially awkward games ever.” Baldwin said. “But it turned out to be the greatest American past time game.”
“Yes, to see what a little game can do for a country is great.” I said. “But to imagine what people were thinking at the first Super Bowl game? Putting aside all the negativity and coming together as one.”
“A good friend of mine, told me how, when he was going to watched the game, at his brother house. He was dressed in his Chiefs uniform, very excited. While he was walking, he past a house, and he could hear people getting excited for the game.” He turned and grabbed a glass of water. “Then a white man noticed him and went out to his porch, ‘What you doing there?’ he said. My friend, being black, didn’t speak. ‘Come in a have a beer and some food.’ the man said. My friend was unsure what to do or what to think. Then the man said, ‘Any fan of the Chiefs is welcomed in my house.’”
“What happened next? Did your friend keep going to his brother, afraid that it was a trap or something?” I said excitedly.
“My friend went in, and watched the game with them.” Baldwin smiled. “Knowing that his brother’s were going for the Packers and he, the only Chiefs fan. Saw this as an opportunity to be with other Chiefs fans.” He took another sip of water. “He’s been friends with them ever since then, going to his house to watch the Chiefs games with them every time they play.”
“HONEY, THE GAMES ABOUT TO START!” My husband shouted up the stairs.
I jumped up, James Baldwin’s novel felt from my lap. I went down just in time to hear the last of the National Anthem.
-Lacree Freesia
(The scene opens to the ‘traditional’ food of the Superbowl with a vision of fried chicken busting out from the table with French fries and potato salad with the scent of ‘game day’ gracing the living room of Eula Bliss. Packers gear and all, she is getting ready to host her Superbowl party because her husband is a huge fan of football, especially the Packers. The door bell rings, friends and colleagues’ have all come to watch this great American game. Many of his friends come, one of his older friends brings his most recent love interest, James Baldwin, and she is surprised at this, because well, she knows who he is.)
ReplyDeleteEula Bliss: (kindly walks up to him, to introduce herself) Mr. Baldwin, wow, I cannot believe you are in my house! (She smiles) I am Eula Bliss; perhaps you have read some of my work?
James Baldwin: (takes a huge in hale) Yes, (pause) I believe I have heard of you. You are that one woman that had written, oh… what was it called… I believe it started with an “r,” oh dear…
Eula Bliss: Are you talking about Relations?
James Baldwin: Ah, yes, indeed (pause). That one caught my eye, you had such a writing style, it intrigued me. So (pause, breath), tell me how did it feel to write about a race that was not of your own?
Eula Bliss: Well, I was trying to understand these feelings that I had gotten while growing up. Having a mother that was close the African religion and painted art that was African, and family members that were at least half black. I guess you can say, I am pretty “colored blind,” and I wanted to express as a writer how it was to be African from a white person’s perspective.
James Baldwin: A white person’s perspective of what it is like to be black? Well, my dear, I believe that you have done, (pause) but why do you do this when showing the inequality of blacks? (Pauses, pushes lips together then continues). But if you are pointing out these inequalities through your perspective, are you not losing the very fiber of your argument?
Eula Bliss: Well, Mr. Baldwin… you see you have just answered your own question, in which the answer is found. (Pauses, hears the game is about to start, looks at James Baldwin, and continues) Now, let us go watch a game, shall we? (trying to lighten the mood a little) Missing this game with my husband watching it would be an inequality also.
James Baldwin: After the game though we will talk.
(Both go into living room, and loud yelling and hollers can be heard)
End.
There were food and drinks. Everyone was sitting on a couch waiting for the Super bowl to start. Eula was eating baby carrots looking at the TV screen absentmindedly, right next to James Baldwin. James was surprised how the contemporary society has changed. He watched all the African American football players playing football on the same field as white people are playing. His eyes were beginning to filled up by tearing. Then Eula asked him something.
ReplyDelete“What’s the matter?”
James breathed in and out when he was about to say something and look at the ceiling trying to be careful with his words.
“My anger… has gone. I can’t believe what is happening in front of me. I never thought this day would come to America.”
Eula just stared at him. Then she opened her lips.
“When I was in elementary school, there was this girl in my neighborhood. I never invited her to anything that I did with my friends. She was always alone, sitting by herself in the corner of the playground. I still remember her eyes. Her eyes were full of desperation, now that I think about it. I don’t understand why I didn’t invite her to hang out with us. Then one day, she was gone. It didn’t bother me that she disappeared. Maybe it was because she was different from us. She had this disease that gave her rashes all over her body. I wonder what happened to her and if I can ever go back, I want to talk to her. I want to apologize for ignoring her desperation.”
Everyone else in the room was talking among themselves and was distracted by the biggest game of the season, the Packers versus the Steelers. However, there they were, James and Eula, thinking about their conversation. They were thinking about the same thing, though James is dead, homosexual, and Black, and Eula is alive, straight, and White.
-Mihwacita
It is February 6th, super bowl Sunday, one of the most awaited days of the year for football fans all over the country. This year we will be hosting a party to root for the two teams that have played hard and successfully made their way on to the super bowl, The Green Bay Packers and The Pittsburg Steelers. We are all very excited and anxiously await the big game.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching an episode of the 100 greatest superbowl comercials, I took a moment to welcome all our guest, among our list of invites were my good friend and long term pen pal James Baldwin, and my mother's friend Eula Biss. I was surprised to see that they had striked up conversation in such little time, and that they were rather intrigued by each other. There were nods, long pauses, and burst of laughter, I couldn't help to walk a little closer, and take notice in their conversation from up close. Their conversation went a little like this.
Eula: OMG, Could it be!? James Baldwin?!
Baldwin: Yes? (looking a bit confused)
Eula: I am a huge fan of your work! many of your pieces have inspired me to write some of my best pieces. It is an honor to meet you.
Baldwin: (now blushing) ohh why thank you, I am not sure I recognize you.
Eula: my apologies, my name is Eula Biss. I am Griselda's childhood friend, and although Im not a big fan of football I decided to come anyway because she cooked some really good posole that I've been dying to try. and yourself Mr Baldwin? what brings you here?
Baldwin: Oh please, call me James. I'm Grizzly's pen pal, have been for quite some time now. A couple months ago, she let me know that her family would be hosting a party and I received an invite and now Im here.
Eula: Interesting James, and football? what team will you be rooting for today?
Baldwin: hmmm lets see, well considering the fact that the Giants are playing against the Broncos, Im thinking the New York Giants.
Eula: (smiles, looking very confused) uhmm, Mr. Baldwin, I may have to correct you on that, I believe you think this is 1987?
Baldwin: Correct,
Eula: (chuckles in a friendly manner) James, the year is 2010, you've time traveled, and the teams playing are the Packers and the Steelers. would you like to sit down and watch the game?
Baldwin: (feeling a bit embarrased) answers: no no, I am quite bored by football anyway, would you rather follow me to the kitchen so we can discuss some of our writing together?
Eula: that sounds great! maybe we can try some posole while we're there :D
to be continued ...
- grizzly
Its superbowl Sunday and surprisingly Eula Biss and James Baldwin stuck at the 2011 Superbowl. The two were given tickets because of a friend. These two were unaware of going together in plane and sitting right next to each other. They each chanted for the football team they decided to go ahead and chant for. Eula went ahead and went for the Green Bay Packers. James decided to chant for the Pittsburg Steelers. They both arrive there at the stadium realizing they have been traveling the same way as each other. They begin to talk to each other.
ReplyDeleteBaldwin: “Good afternoon.”
Eula: “Good Afternoon.”
Baldwin: “How are you ma’am”
Eula: “Very well, just was given a ticket to attend this event that seems to be very big and anticipated by us, Americans”
Baldwin: “I know what you mean. I have not really paid attention to these games, but looking at news that seem to be very important in the country.”
Eula: “I know what you mean, I thought of this being a good chance to take away of my mind in this country being un-equal.”
Baldwin: “Oh, yes! I can see that. ”
As the Superbowl began the entrance was the National Anthem. Christina Aguilera began to sing. She messed up, and the question was if she were black would they have made a big thing about it? This question ran the minds of Aula Biss and James Baldwin. At the end of the superbowl everyone expected the bigger guys to win, but yet why do the small ones get to win back on top. These questions can endeavor the minds of everyone. Such as asking,
“They are losers, they were never seen.”
“Mind them, but they got lucky.”
Many questions go through people’s minds. The smallest always have the big thing. I recall what my grandfather told my mom once.
“Big things come in small packages.”
Eula and James had a great time at the superbowl. Not expecting anything but went with an open mind. They got to see some answers they always asked themselves in their writings. They get to see more of what they needed to know outside of the eyes of the big in America.
Its in the first quarter of the game when Eula goes to get a glass of punch. At the punch bowl stands James hi-fiving Tony Shalhoub (a fellow Packer's fan).
ReplyDeleteJames: Sweet a touch down, did ya see that?
Eula:Yea, yea unfortunately!
James: Aww don't be mad that your over confident Steelers are gonna lose this one!
-B.O.M.B.
Eula: Okayy, whatever, sports were better pre-segregation.
James: What?! How do you figure that?
Eula: Because, the best players were all on one team and weren't cheaply paid by whites.
James: Well the Steelers make it painfully obvious that all blacks aren't good players.
Eula: Oh shut James, i know I'm just upset over this game.
James: Well i hate to hear the nonsense you spew out when the Steelers lose! HA!!
Eula: Ugh,we'll see about that!
James:That we shall...
Eula and James part ways and continue eagerly watching the game.
There are chips, dips, and about all the booze you can imagine. From Four Locos to Vodka, the tables are covered with enough alcohol to have limited rounds of beer pong and shots galore! Everyone is crowed around the small living room, eyes glued to the television. Eula Biss sits in agony watching the parade of half naked woman on the GoDaddy commercial and after about 45 seconds, she'd had enough. She gets up from the couch and makes her way to the kitchen table in hopes of catching a breath of fresh air. Upon entering the kitchen, she spots on the tray, one last chocolate chip cookie. She had previously ate four warm cookies and knew only too well what pleasure she was about to encounter. As Eula was about to grab the last cookie off the tray, she noticed another hand making a grab for it...
ReplyDeleteEula: Excuse me, I was going to get that.
James: Oh really? *with a puzzled look*
Eula: Yes, I...*goes to grab cookie*
James: *Snatches the cookie* Sorry, this belongs to me. I got here before you did. I saw it before you did and most unfortunately for you, I grabbed it before you. Your people are so used to taking things. Always, always taking things. I suppose you believe that you are entitled to this don't you? Well I am here to tell you that you are not.
Eula: *Shocked* You are about the meanest man I ever did meet!*Angry she walks away*
The two eventually find their way back to the living room and in front on the television set. Baldwin is semi-interested in the game while Eula is steadily cheering on the Steelers. A commercial for Herbal Essence comes on and we see a skinny blonde shaking her long shiny hair and “Doing the Herbal”. Eula watches with interests and Baldwin speaks up....
James: I hate these commercials. All these commercials. They always glorify being white. When was the last time Herbal Essence or Pantene or Garnier placed a BLACK woman in their commercial? Why must it always be certain people, white people who's culture we are forced to see? Who's looks we are forced to conform to? *Turns to Eula* What is my daughter to gain from these commercials other than hatred and disdain of her curly dark brown hair?
PART 2:
ReplyDeleteEula: I suppose you might be right
James: Oh I am right. White privilege is so damn dominant in this country! A country that wasn't even originally yours.
Eula: Sir...
James: You watch television, you see white faces. You open up a magazine, you see white faces. Everything everywhere...YOUR culture. The textbooks teach your culture. The holidays, your culture.
Eula: That is not necessarily true sir. We are in February and this month is dedicated to Black History.
James: Ohh, do not get me started on “Black History Month”! Black History Month, February, the shortest month of the year. Ha! History my ass. This supposed celebratory month started and endorsed by the oppressor to ease their conscience. Why should my people's history be limited to a month? After decades of slavery, I am suddenly supposed to be okay with Black History Month? The agony of separation and mistreatment can never be eased because the scars run so deep.
Eula: That was another generation, surely you can't continue to be mad over what happened in the past? What our ancestors and great-grandmothers did? How can this generation be blamed for the mistakes of another?
James: Because even though legally segregation is not going on, there is still a spilt in treatment of whites and blacks. Whites receive better health care. Whites don't have to worry about driving while black, or shopping while black. The oppression that occurred back then and all the racism is still evident today. Passive racism exist in all stages. If you listened to and don't stop someone from telling a racist joke, you are helping the institutions that make it possible for the mistreatment of certain folks and the elevation of others. Am I making sense?
Eula: You are. Even though we may not be actively racist, not fighting for a change or bettering ourselves makes us passively racist?
James: Yes.
Eula: So in order to have this equality, we must work together and work at treating people equally without favoritism in all aspects of life...we must....
*Screams and yells around them* “The Packers won! The Packers won!” Echos bodies from the tiny living room...
James: * whispers to himself* Damn I can't stand the Packers, Wisconsin is one of the most racist places I ever had the displeasure to travel to. Ahh but Pennsylvania sucks too. The Cardinals should have been in the Superbowl, Oh how I love that Larry Fitzgerald....although...Arizona is pretty crappy with their racial policies as well.
Even though we all know that James Baldwin is pretty old, a friend from the superbowl party that he was invited to catch him up to date and let him know what football is and what has happened in the world since his time. Some people were trying to tell him to go for the Steelers and other people were trying to tell him to go for GREEN BAY, but he is looking at them like “WHO ARE THESE TEAMS?” Well he was getting tired of people trying to tell him what to do, so he went in another room where he found Eula Biss reading a book, and went and sat next to her in the room.
ReplyDeleteEula Biss: Hey aren’t you the famous writer James Baldwin? I love your work.
James Baldwin: Well thank you, but sadly to say I do not know who you are lil lady!
Biss: Oh sorry! Forgot to introduce myself! I’m Eula Biss, a known writer also. I like to focus most of my topics on race also, but as you can see I’m a small bit lighter than most people would believe for people who write about race.
Baldwin: Well that’s fine. Why would you have to be a certain way to write about something you’re passionate about?
Biss: That’s a GOOD question. But I know what I feel and how I want to go about my own writing, but thank you!! But a better question is, why are we at the superbowl party? I don’t even like football that much.
Baldwin: Hmmmmmmm I really don’t know I was invited by a man who was invited by the sister of the host. I truly don’t know the why people throw parties to watch a game. It’s just another game.
Biss: Well at least we agree on more than one thing at the moment. But I wanted to ask you how you came about writing with so much passion?
Baldwin: It’s a fact of what you feel and you take what you believe and make your own story around it. Just as I am shedding a light on you, you can shed a light on someone else.
And from their he left the room, and left her with the last thought of what he said.
Eula is sitting at comfortably on a brown silky sofa at her friends, Paul, who was out side trying to barbecue some chicken for the guest who where coming over for the super bowl party.
ReplyDelete...While Eula was sitting on the sofa enjoying the comfort of it and sipping the champagne that Paul had given to her, a black gentle man walked in, no smile, no frown....just a straight wrinkled face.
In a very deep but smooth voice, he says "Hi, there"
Eula looks up to acknowledge the greeting, lo and behold, it was James Baldwin.
Eula: Mr James Baldwin. How are you doing today sir?
James: (Smiles) I'm doing very good ma'am. It's been what, (sarcastically) a century...
They both burst out laughing and give each other warm hugs.
Eula: So how have you been up to?
James: Nothing much, just been very calm and trying to write a book but at the same time its black history month, and....
...Eula interrupts...
Eula: OMG! are you for real?! I completely forgot, so what are you going to do? Are u going to give a speech? Write a story? What exactly are you doing?
James: You know what?! I really do not know what i should do yet. Because i have been asked to come talk to a group of black people. But nothing has really inspired me yet.
Eula: I know what you should talk about, you should talk about racism and racial profiling...
James: Uhhh (gasps) thats a good one. Yes thats what i should talk about.
You are the best...
He give her a hug and goes over to help Paul. She leans back into the sofa and sips her champagne...and smiles like she had accomplished something.
-FresshDWizzy