Devoir de Philosophie

A look in America's past

Publié le 02/03/2012

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Some white people are entering the bus and are searching a place to sit. As Rosa Parks is not moving, the bus driver decides to come to her.

 

-          “Hello miss.”He said, in a smug manner.” I think you have something that belongs to those fine gentlemen right there. ”He declared, pointing to the white people.

 

-          “Oh really? And what’s that?” She responded.

 

-          “I don’t think you want to do that.”

 

-          “Do what? “ She asked, innocently.

 

-          “You’re obviously mocking me as you pretend not to know what’s wrong and, believe me my patience has its limits. Now hurry up, I don’t have much to do! ” He yelled.

 

-          “Sir, I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m dead serious. I’m tired after a long day of work, and I just want to go home and sleep. That’s it.” She answered.

 

-          “Really? There’s nothing wrong? You don’t see it? You don’t see that you are violating the law? You don’t see that you’re sitting in a seat that belongs to the White? Who do you think I am? An idiot?! Now, get up so that I can have those front seats!”

 

-          “Listen. I’m not going anywhere. I’m good here. “

 

-          “You’re refusing to obey?” he shouted, with anger in his voice. “That’s not a smart decision. I can call the cops at any second. And I don’t think you will like it; they won’t be nearly as good or as patient as I am. So you better make it light on yourself.” He warned her.

 

-          “I already told you, I’m not moving, and you’re not going to force me. Feel free to call them if that’s what you want. I couldn’t care less.”

 

-          “Oh! Don’t worry. I’ll do it. It’s a shame that you refuse to give up those seats. I hope you know you’re in for a lot of trouble! Rightfully so. “

 

-          “And it’s a shame that I can’t sit wherever I want. I guess you and this country don’t know what tolerance is all about. America the beautiful, huh?”

 

-          Don’t you dare badmouth our beautiful country! You’re lucky to even live here! If it were for me, you’d be gone. Now be quiet! I’m going to call the police.

He goes back to the front of the bus and calls the police.

A few minutes later:

-          “What’s the issue?” The policeman said.

 

-          “This black woman refuses to get up and leave her seat to a white man. Can you believe this? It’s unthinkable! What does she think?! “

 

-          “Oh really? Is that true? You’re refusing to obey to the laws. That’s unfortunate.  And why exactly?” He asked.

 

-          “I don’t see the point. I don’t understand why I should leave my seat. I was there before, I should be allowed to stay here. That’s just pure logic. However, we ask me to leave it, so somebody else can have it. It makes no sense whatsoever.” Rosa Parks answered.

 

-          “See how disrespectful she is? “The bus driver said.

 

-          “Well maybe you don’t see the point, but I and a lot of people across this country do. You don’t have to leave it to just anybody, but to white people. That’s the law, and the way it should be and I don’t care if you disapprove of it.  Now, you better get up as fast as you can and follow me to the station or I’ll have to use some … well, unpleasant maneuvers if you know what I mean.”The police officer explained.

 

She decides to get up, a little bit afraid by the threat of the policeman.

 

-          “Great. Was it difficult? You’re going to follow me. I think we need to talk about your behavior.”

 

-          “I hope you’re going to put her in jail. She deserves it, that’s for sure. Disrespecting our country, our laws like that. Jesus Christ… That’s so rude!”

 

-          “Don’t worry. We’re going to make things right. She will have to answer for this. I think after that, she will understand. I don’t think there’s any chance she will continue her foolish protest. Right, sweet heart?” He said, talking to Rosa Parks.

 

She remained silent.

 

-          “Yeah, you must be right. It’s not like black people are going to be listened in this country, right? That would be anarchy! Imagine if that’d be the case! Or worse! Imagine a black president! That’d be flat-out ridiculous!” The bus driver laughed with the policeman.

 

-          “You’re sure right about that sir. Now I’ll take this troublemaker. She won’t disturb you anymore, I promise. Have a nice evening.”

 

-          You shouldn’t laugh. Trust me.”Rosa Parks said. “You don’t know what the will of people can do. It’s something a lot stronger than all your ridiculous laws or your opinions. There’s about to be a change in this country. A big one, for that matter. And it’s going to come way faster than you think. You’ll see.” She said, on her way out of the bus.

 

-          “Isn’t she cute? You’re dreaming. That’s it. Come back to Earth quickly and face the harsh reality. You won’t change a thing. Now shut up. I don’t want to hear a word from you on the way to the station. Don’t make things worse on yourself. This is the last thing you want to do.”

 

 

 

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