Conversation On Feminism

INT. Dining room table (some sort of meal time)

Three people are sitting at a table, one man, and two women

Camera, on dolly, is slowly rolling around table

DANNY - Husband

Holly - Wife

Asha - Holly’s Mother

DANNY, is taking large bites of his food, not looking up, but talking to HOLLY:

“So, how’s school? You should almost be done by now, yea?”

HOLLY:

“Eh, school’s fine, I mean, I have a semester to go, but I’m not sure, ya know, if my old credits will transfer over or if I’ll have to retake those classes…”

ASHA:

(interjecting) “hell?..not sure?!?! You took them classes, they count, boo boo. I transferred units from the 70s when I was getting my first degree.”

HOLLY:

“Yea, that’s what I’m thinking. You know, I just get nervous about it sometimes, like, I just want it to be done, but I’m sure it’ll all be ok.”

Silverware and plates are clinking and clanking as they eat…

(Mouth full of food..)Danny:

“So, what classes, you takin’”

Holly:

“Umm, Global Studies…”

Danny (not sure what the hell that is..):

“Uh..ok..”

Holly:

“Umm, a creative writing class...I think it’s like ‘English 34’ or something, and..”

Danny:

“I love creative writing…”

ASHA:

“yes!”

Holly:

“--And, uh, oh yea, Women's’ Studies 10.”

ASHA:

(interested)

“Ohhhhhhhh, Women’s Studies, that sounds fun!”

Danny:

“-Yea, for women..”

Holly and ASHA exchange a resentful stare

Danny:

“I mean, like, what, is it like a “history of women” thing? or like a ‘girl power’ thing? (trying to be funny) So, is it like a feminists type deal?”

ASHA:

(sarcastic) “feminists type deal...”

Danny:
(nervous laugh)

“I get it, I get it…”

Holly:

(aggitated) “No, you don’t get it. Women’s studies, global studies, all of this material, including Feminism is a part of my major. It’s not just some girl thing or some simple concept. I almost wish you’d take the class, so you’d know a little more on the subject before just blurting out your opinions…”

ASHA:

“oop”

Danny:

“hey, i never said I was an expert on feminism, or that I think the issues women face aren’t serious or important, but now since I haven’t read the book or taken your class, I can’t have an opinion?”

Holly says nothing, shaking her head

Danny:

“Look, I think feminism is cool.”

Holly:

“Cool?”

Danny:

“Look, you know what I mean, I mean, hell, I’m a feminist…--supporter---, like, I’m all for equal pay, and equal stuff, but, like I also still believe in traditional roles of men and women, you know, not like i’m better, but i’m a man, you’re a woman. When things go bump in the night, we all know who’s gotta get up and go check it out..”

ASHA:

“So, a woman can’t get up and check on a “bump in the night”?”

Danny:

“I mean, sure..but”

ASHA:

“maybe you should take the class..and read the book”

Danny:

“Ok, ok ok, I agree that maybe I need a little education on feminism and women’s studies, but I think a lot of feminists are more like gatekeepers of feminism, not ambassadors of feminism..”

Holly:

“thats ridiculous.”

Danny:

“Let me explain.”

ASHA:

“Oh, please do.”

Danny:

“So, there was this comedy show that I heard about through a friend, and I wasn’t doing anything that night, so I decided to go and try to get a spot on it. It was at a coffee shop on the westside, so I knew it was like ‘hippie’ or ‘progressive’ or whatever you call it when white people have a cause..anyway, so I show up and find out its a (airquotes) “Feminist” show. Hmmm. So, I’m like, OK, i’ve done Black shows, Spanish shows, gay shows, Jewish shows, so a Womens show should be fun.

(continues)

“So, i approach this lady who’s in charge of the show and ask her if I’d be able to get up and do a few minutes on the show. She lets me know its a feminist show and I assure her that my material isn’t offensive to women or children. She says ok, but I have to ask you one question. I say ok..she says ‘are you a feminist?’ I had to think for a second, like was this a trick question, like how can I be a feminist if im a man? So, I tell her, to be honest, I AM NOT a Feminist, but I do support the cause, I mean, it is a comedy show, right? ANd I’m a comic, so what’s the problem.

(getting gradually upset)

Well, she had a huge problem with it! She told me I couldn’t be on the show because Im not a feminist. In that moment, she had the opportunity to enlighten me, as to what a feminist even is, to perhap school me, but in that moment, she shut the door on me, and I walked away having a feeling like Feminism is some club where if you don’t have the membership card, you can’t even be at the table.”

ASHA:

“Interesting.”