John, a Korean American sophomore in college, and Will, a Chinese American junior in college know each other through friends and have talked briefly before at Asian American functions on campus. They are friendly to each other, but do not know too much about each other. Both have classes at 9am from Monday to Thursday, and they both like to grab a Starbucks coffee before heading to class. They usually exchanged just greetings each morning, but as of late, they have begun talking to each other as they wait on line.
November 12th, 2002
Will: Hey John, you try the bubble tea at that new place?
John: Yeah, but I'm not a big bubble tea fan. Don't you Chinese cats have that stuff everyday?
Will: Haha. I wish. But it's pretty expensive, like $3.00 a pop.
John: And getting Starbucks everyday is any different?
Will: Well, coming to Starbucks is more of a statement, you know? That I'm a follower and in tune with what's mainstream.
John: Haha, and thus going against the grain of what college is "supposed" to be?
Will: Yeah. Sometimes it feels like the world's too big to make a difference you know? That's why I don't vote - one vote doesn't make a difference.
John: Well, with that attitude, I guess nothing makes a difference. But yeah, sometimes it seems so pretentious the way college kids get all "involved." Like those freaking war protesters yesterday holding up signs about not going to war with Iraq. As if they had any control.
Will: I admit they're annoying, but maybe they have a point. Is it worth killing like 200,000 people so we can topple what we, as a "democratic" nation, believe to be an "illegitimate, oppressive dictatorship?"
John: Whatever man. You know the rule. Like one American life is worth at least 400 to 500 Arab lives. I know it sounds wrong, but that's just how history has worked.
Will: Yeah, but think about this - as Asian American, you think the government would give a crap about you if you were stranded in Iraq? If it was a white boy, they'd probably send like a thousand troops to rescue him, but you? They'd probably ask the Korean government or something!
John: Haha, you're right. The other day, I went to watch a football game and I was just taking some pictures and this super patriotic white guy - with a volunteer fire fighter shirt and all - was like "look, we got some Japanese tourists here! Hey, there's a Godzilla for you!" I thought it was messed up, but then I looked around the stands and saw that I was like the only non-white, non-black person there.
Will: Hmm. That sucks. No matter how "American" we may be inside, we're still the slanted-eyed, yellow-skinned smart boys who make cool electronics.
John: Man, what's taking them so long today? I need to get to class.
Will: Yeah, me too.
Vendor: Double shot espresso?
Will: Haha, that's me. I need a boost real bad. See you later, man.
Will takes cup and leaves.
