Self-Review – In the Direction of Prejudice

Let’s Look at In the Direction of Prejudice

I think the idea behind In the Direction of Prejudice is a fairly decent one. But I am not so certain as to whether I executed it too terribly well.

I wrote this story during the second quarter of 2021.

Background

The original prompt was the word Easterling. And I am pretty sure that I have never actually said what the people of this society even look like. Because they are not necessarily human.

The idea behind this short story is that prejudice in real life can sometimes seem almost random. After all, humans may shun people who have darker skin tones than they do.

But at the same time, they may see similar people with tans and think—that’s attractive. Or normal, or even beautiful.

And if you stop to think about that for more than a few seconds, you should come to realize: damn, that’s nuts.

Here, the absurdity is nearly taken to the nth degree, where the direction of prejudice is essentially any way but east.

Plot for In the Direction of Prejudice

When a young girl living in a dictatorship does not spout the official party line as quickly as her teacher would prefer (and that their society requires), the girl is forced to explain why people like her are seen as being superior to others—even as she questions whether this is really the truth.

Characters

The characters are Elena, Ronald, Miss Maron, and the other students in the class. But it’s just the first three who have any screen time or lines.

Memorable Quotes

“Why don’t you stand in front of the class and tell us all about Easterling Day?”

Elena was torn. Public speaking wasn’t exactly her strong suit. But everyone knew all about Easterling Day, anyway. The talk would require virtually no preparation whatsoever. She got up and stood in front of the blackboard. “Easterling Day…”

“I can’t hear you!” yelled a boy sitting in the back.

“Ronald, one more outburst out of you, and you’re going straight to the principal’s office,” said Miss Maron. “Go on, Elena.”

“Yes, well, Easterling Day is the world’s biggest and most important celebration. This isn’t even a true school day. Today’s only subject is Easterling Day, and then we get out at noon for the big parade and the pledge.”

“Right, yes. And what does Easterling Day commemorate?” asked the teacher.

“We defeated the Westerlings, the Northlings, and the Southlings.”

Genre and Overall Mood for In the Direction of Prejudice

The genre is science fiction dystopian with something of a youth fiction overlay. The mood is mixed, with a rather depressing start but a semi-hopeful ending.

Rating

The story has a K+ rating. Elena and Ronald live in a dictatorship, and that’s none too pleasant, even though their language and actions are pretty tame.

Takeaways

I like the feeling and idea of this one, and it could stand to get some expansion. That might succeed in giving it a vibe similar to the far superior Darkness into Light.

For the direction of prejudice for these characters is very nearly completely, utterly random in nature.

Want More of my Short Stories and Novellas?

If this story resonates with you, then I hope you will check out some of my other blog posts about my shorter works.

And finally, for a complete list of my shorter works, please be sure to check out the Hub Page—Short Stories.