Ethnicity

In a world divided by race and class, "Ethnicity" follows the lives of several characters as they navigate their prejudices and beliefs. The story begins with Benny, a young Chaldean man, who is asked by his father Samir to manage the family gas station during his absence. This act of responsibility sets the stage for Benny's encounters with racial prejudice and his stand against it, underscored by his father's immigrant struggles and their shared resolve to protect what they've built. Meanwhile, Timothy, a young boy, grapples with his brother Matthew's prejudiced views against black people, highlighting the generational and cultural divides within families. Matthew's prejudiced beliefs are challenged when he encounters Clarence, a black county sheriff, in a restaurant. This confrontation leads to Matthew's arrest and a shift in his perspective on race and identity. Ricky and Hubert, two African American men, navigate their own biases and external perceptions. Their story takes a violent turn when they confront Benny at the gas station, leading to a tragic confrontation that forces them to reflect on their actions and beliefs. The screenplay also explores the relationship between Kyle and Maria, an interracial couple facing opposition from Kyle's mother Elizabeth, whose deep-seated racism creates familial strife. Their story is marked by love and tragedy, underscoring the destructive impact of racial intolerance. When Maria is killed in a confrontation with a black man, Kyle is left devastated and ultimately takes his own life. As the narratives of Benny, Timothy and Matthew, Ricky and Hubert, and Kyle and Maria intersect, the story builds towards a climactic confrontation at the gas station. This confrontation forces the characters to confront their prejudices and the consequences of their actions. The resolution of "Ethnicity" is bittersweet and tragic, reflecting the lingering effects of racial divides and the personal costs of hatred and violence. Through its exploration of race, class, and identity, "Ethnicity" offers a powerful commentary on the destructive impact of prejudice and the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming societal divides. The story's non-linear structure and diverse cast of characters enrich its portrayal of these themes, making it a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of contemporary social issues.