It’s a Polaroid, and they’ve brought along pictures they took yesterday when I was at home, grounded. There’s one of the two of them in Harpreet’s bedroom, and one of Harpreet’s dog. “I wish I’d been there,” I say. “Your mom’s so mean, keeping you grounded,” says Harpreet. “Yeah,” I say. Sister Mary comes into the room, so Harpreet hides the camera in her desk, but not before she whispers, “Break.” After we’ve risen to sing the school song and the national anthem, Sister Mary says, “Today we’re going to talk about the elections.” Bassam’s hand shoots up. “Yes, Bassam?” Sister Mary says. “Why are we going to talk about the elections when we can’t vote?” It’s a good question, but Sister Mary turns her evil eye on Bassam and says, “It’s an historic moment, Bassam, and it will bring us back to being the Black Star of Africa.” She swivels around and picks up a piece of chalk, then writes the words Black Star on the board. Bassam puts his hand up again.
What do You think about So Much For Democracy (2014)?
