Superbelle
I don’t like the furniture in here.
Waite
It was all handmade by Christian Dillon. He’s a furniture designer from Australia, now living in London. He’s quite talented. This entire set took two years to assemble and ship.
Superbelle
It looks like poor people’s old things. Belongs in the garbage or something. Back to what you were saying about media literacy.
Waite
Yes, I’m a journalist, so naturally I advocate for this.
Superbelle
Yeah, I know, I know. I may sound like a pessimist, but I object in calling media literacy as the approach to modern education. Education for me has also something to do with the learning and teaching and formation of values, as corny as I may sound.
Waite
I see. So you’re saying that media literacy is not necessary because we can’t learn values from it? You were humming a Justin Beiber song just now. It seems that a media literate person would refuse to support his antisocial behaviour, which would mean not buying, downloading or listening to his music.
Superbelle
Yes, I know I’m ignorant. I like being ignorant.
Waite
I’m not saying you’re ignorant…
Superbelle
I don’t want to hear anything negative about Justin. I was going to say that media literacy cannot police plagiarism.
Waite
You realise that media literacy has nothing to do with plagiarism, which was rampant ages ago? Education on morals and values would discourage or stop plagiarism. Also, online tools exist to catch people who do this, so technically, policing exists.
Superbelle
Alright, alright. What?! Did I hurt your feelings.
Waite
I’m a bit confused. I thought we were having a discussion.
Superbelle
It’s just that you were elaborating too much.
Waite
I’m not sure I understand, but… ahh… have you considered presenting your opinion at a conference on media literacy? I’m scheduled to chair one later this year.
Superbelle
No. I don’t have time for that.
Waite
Okay. And what would you like to do?
Superbelle
I am going to be a literature professor. I want to specialise in poetry. First, I am planning on getting my master’s degree.
Waite
Well, you’re thirty years old now, and you finished your first degree when you were twenty three. What are you waiting for? If it’s money, I am happy to pay. No strings attached of course. I assume you’re going to pursue studies in …?
Superbelle
No. I don’t want anything from you. I am satisfied with what I have. That’s using people. I just have some writer’s block.
Waite
It would be a completely up front scholarship grant from my non profit foundation. You’d have to apply, and we would interview you.
Superbelle
What do you mean… foundation? You’re not a celebrity.
Waite
That’s nice of you to say. Thank you.
Superbelle
I wasn’t offering a compliment.
Waite
Thank you, anyway. What was I saying? I feel that if a person has a natural talent for writing, the inspiration will always find its way to them. I also like to think of people as thinkers with varying degrees of confidence and various styles of expression. There’s too much pressure to “write something” if you call yourself a “writer.” Don’t you think?
Superbelle
Not following.
Waite
Okay, so … Alright. I’d like to hear one of your poems.
Superbelle
Can I borrow your iPad? This one was published on a website. It’s called “Mama.”
Perhaps, it would be better for you to make peace with the ghosts of your past, than for me to let you see that I often go to church, that I have high grades, that I do not go partying, that I do not have a boyfriend so that I will not be your ragged doll, who bears all the lashes of your revenge
Waite
It sounds really personal. Do you have a strained…
Superbelle
What are those?!
Waite
What?
Superbelle
Why do you have celebrity photos on your wall?! This one looks photoshopped.
Waite
You don’t recognise him? It’s Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al Gaddafi.
Super Belle
Are you a terrorist?!!
Waite
He let me photograph him when I met him in Paris. I’m still bitter about the way he was executed.
Superbelle
Sounds like you are one of those … persons. This looks like your degree certificate on here.
Waite
No. I never hang that up.
Super Belle
It doesn’t go with the celebrity pictures. It’s just so plain. You should throw it out. But, it says Columbia University. And you just said you don’t hang that up.
Waite
It’s not a degree certificate.
Superbelle
What’s a “Pull it Sir” Prize? Are you a comedian?
Waite
Well, that’s debatable…
Saint Joan (Creative Studio) 