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| Joined: | Wed Jul 12th, 2006 |
| Location: | New York, New York USA |
| Posts: | 10 |
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At rise: JAKE and MANDEE are in the busy section of downtown holding up signs. One sign reads “PROTEST” while the other one reads “ JUSTICE”
MANDEE
You think we’re being ignored?
JAKE
Yeah. Why is that?
MANDEE
I don’t know. Perhaps it’s in our message.
JAKE
(Looks at their signs) What’s wrong with it?
MANDEE
Perhaps we’re not clear in conveying it to the populous.
JAKE
(Looks at signs again) I can’t see how. What more can we say? I think we’re being right to the point.
MANDEE
Point of what?
JAKE
You can’t see it?!
MANDEE
It doesn’t matter whether I can. What matters is reaching the consciousness of the people. And so far, none of them seem to care.
JAKE
Then what should we do, take our clothes off?
MANDEE
That would be the antithesis of our mission.
JAKE
It only goes to show, in the scheme of life, where people’s mindsets are generally.
MANDEE
What are you saying?
JAKE
I’m saying that the masses are asses.
MANDEE
(referring to him) Just like an arrogant, totalitarian fascist.
JAKE
More like a pragmatist, I’d say.
MANDEE
How can you stand there holding that sign and having condescending thoughts of the people we’re here to protect?
JAKE
Huh! Look who’s calling the kettle metal. Will you listen to yourself? Who made you the arc angel of society? Has it ever occurred to you that they don’t need you? Maybe, they’re fully aware of the issue at hand and don’t need some left, pinko commie telling them what to care or not care about.
MANDEE
There you go again with your conjectural labels, painting a broad brush from your perception or lack of on people you would soon dismiss before giving any thought or credence to.
JAKE
I’m just being for real, that’s all.
MANDEE
Okay. Alright. Since we’re all about truth. When was the last time you voted?
JAKE
What?
MANDEE
You heard me.
JAKE
What does it matter? Both parties are corrupt. The bottom line is power. And money breeds it. That’s why you have these multi-millionaires running for political office so they can extort us with their oppressive tax laws.
MANDEE
What a cop out! If anything’s going to change it has to come from the grassroots controlling government.
JAKE
God help us all if that happens.
MANDEE
What?!
JAKE
How do you expect to improve the conditions of this society when there’s a great gap in the number of people who are functionally illiterate? You can’t without the majority seeking knowledge and being educated. Which comes back to the masses being asses.
MANDEE
I find you repulsive, you know that? I mean, I don’t know why the hell I’m here with you but I can’t be so selfish and not see the bigger picture.
JAKE
Which is?
MANDEE
The “cause,” you asshole!
JAKE
You know, you’re beginning to piss me off.
MANDEE
Good! You need to get mad enough and get off your decrepit, high horse of a soap box and make things happen, instead of spouting useless ideologies that don’t fly with these proletariats.
JAKE
Oh yeah?! Well what if I told you I was held hostage for carrying out what I believe in?
MANDEE
(Begins to show interest) Who were they?!
JAKE
I don’t know. All I know was I was slapping posters for the anti-war rally when, all of a sudden, I was bitch slapped from behind and blind folded.
MANDEE
Well, how did you get freed?
JAKE
A homeless dude saw me in the alley and uncovered my eyes.
MANDEE
You were mugged, stupid.
JAKE
(Getting upset ) You know, you know… you have a misguided concept of why you’re here.
MANDEE
I know why I’m here. You, on the other hand, are clueless.
JAKE
Like if I really give a shit!
MANDEE
See what I mean?
JAKE
Wait a minute, wait a minute! Aren’t we suppose to be doing this for the same reasons?
MANDEE
So I thought.
JAKE
Then what’s your problem?
MANDEE
My problem?
JAKE
I’m looking here at you and you know what I see? I see someone who talks about fair treatment to all but is wearing a $125 Oscar de la Renta T-shirt that’s been bought in Bloomingdales or perhaps Walmart –
MANDEE
Walmart?!
JAKE
While millions of people are enslaved in those gruesome factories in China or India to see that you look good for today. Ever gave any thought to that or are you just “dismissing” it because it’s not a priority in your evangelical mission?
MANDEE
(smirks) Now, I know where this hostility’s coming from. You’re still being supported by your folks, aren’t you? What happened? (teasingly)Big Daddy took you off the dole?
JAKE
Daaa! Like that makes any difference? I’m my own person.
MANDEE
(sarcastically) Right. As usual, you must’ve botched up your grades this past semester.
JAKE
(defensive) What’s it to you?!
MANDEE
Humph! Nothing.
JAKE
I got three C’s and a D. What more does he want? College is bogus, man. It’s not about learning. It’s all about capitalism and the creative ways to exploit students. I refuse to be a hypocrite about it. I’m quitting school.
MANDEE
(somewhat surprised) He stopped paying your living expenses?
JAKE
Can you believe that shit?! He is what’s wrong with this country. And you know what? I can do without him. I don’t need his money. I NEED A FUCKIN’ JOB!!! Christ!
Frustrated, he rips his sign in half.
MANDEE
What are you doing?!
JAKE
I need another way to support myself or else I’ll lose my apartment, my self-esteem and my life, if I don’t pay back the ounce of pot I owe this dude.
MANDEE
You’re pathetic.
JAKE
Oh yeah, oh yeah?! Well, what would you do?
MANDEE
I’d be a man.
JAKE
You fuckin’ sexist!
MANDEE
Hello! We are in a revolution, you know. And as you said, it’s hypocritical of you to only think about your material loses.
JAKE
Oh yeah?
MANDEE
Yeah!
JAKE
Ok! Ok! Well then since we’re talking the same language, how about giving up your protective, suburban lifestyle and live on the streets like I’m about to?
MANDEE
And what point will that prove?
JAKE
That your ass stinks just as bad as mine. You know, damn well, you wouldn’t give up the things you have already.
MANDEE
You’re forgetting the cause.
JAKE
I AM THE CAUSE, GODDAMMIT! Now, I’ll have to go on food stamps. Wait on cheese lines and soup kitchens. Who knows what kind of shelter I’ll be in? It could–
MANDEE
Yeah, yeah whatever! (Getting annoyed) You know what? You’re really giving me bad karma. I need you out of my space.
JAKE stares at her and then grabs her sign and walks off.
MANDEE
HEY! YOU FORGET I PAID FOR THOSE SIGNS, NOT TO MENTION THE CARFARE TO BRING YOU DOWN HERE…(Slight pause) CHEAPSKATE!!!
Blackout