Protest by Gary Beck

Brokeback Mexican by Karen

Two young, middle-class, white women are on their way to a demonstration against impurities in lipstick.

Liz: “I can hear a commotion around the corner. That must be it.”

Sandy: “It’s very noisy. I wonder why they’re so excited.”

Liz: “Well its about time that someone got angry at the junk they put in our make-up.”

(They reach the corner and see a demonstration about immigration.)

Sandy: “Look, Liz. It’s about immigrants, not lipstick.”

Liz: “Immigrants are important. We need people to do our nails and stuff. As long

as they don’t move in next door to me.”

Sandy: “You don’t have to worry about that. They couldn’t afford the rent in your building.”

Liz: “That’s not the point. I wouldn’t mind a French or Swedish person next

door. Just not those Mexicans who talk so fast you can’t understand them.”

Sandy: That’s how you might sound to them.”

Liz: “Don’t be silly. I speak English.”

Sandy: “I see there’s no point in discussing it with you. Do you want to join this

demonstration?”

Liz: “Of course not! I’m no immigrant. Let’s go someplace nice for lunch.”

*****

Gary Beck has spent most of his adult life as a theater director, and as an art dealer when he couldn’t make a living in theater. He has 14 published chapbooks. Dogs Don’t Send Flowers and other stories will be published by Wordcatcher Publishing. His original plays and translations of Moliere, Aristophanes and Sophocles have been produced Off Broadway. His poetry, fiction and essays have appeared in hundreds of literary magazines. He currently lives in New York City