Our Kind
A sorority interviewing committee works to find someone who will fit in.
Diversity’s quite the buzzword now. Some view it as vital for a healthy society. Other pundits treat DEI as the ultimate threat – a nightmare word that conjures up the existential fear that someone, somewhere’s up to no good.
But whichever side of the political “fence” you ride, there’s one point on which left and right can bond. Colleges are where diversity thrives most, right?
Well, except for fraternities and sororities.
‘Cause, remember, frat houses are the ultimate closed door cliques. If they meet the Houses’ criteria, candidates are welcomed like family. But if they DON’T blend into the group – no appeal is possible. End of story. Abandon hope. You’re rejected - frozen out.
Have things changed since National Lampoon made Animal House? Well, not entirely.
Certainly, the sorority depicted in Richard Russell’s Our Kind has much more class. Other aspects are quite different, too.
Meet Candace, Tamika, and Siemone: pretty, intellectual women of color (and style.) Three might be a crowd – but as Our Kind Opens – this trio’s judge, jury, and social executioners, too.
...of candidate Ebony. Pretty and attractive, Ebony’s fabulous by almost every metric there is.
EBONY
As a member of the university
soccer team, I understand the
importance of teamwork. My first
semester GPA was three point seven,
and I’m on track to repeat that
performance. I can augment the
already impressive house average.
Socially, I helped organize the
dorm float for homecoming, and I
worked on the Christmas gala
committee. And I do know a number
of male athletes.
Ebony smiles, and the others smile back.
But pleasantries don’t equal access. Cautioning Ebony that decisions require a full house vote, the sisters smoothly thank her for time… and send her on her way.
But as soon as the door closes, Candace and Siemone speak the truth:
CANDACE
A worthy candidate...but....
SIEMONE
She’s not our kind.
Ebony might have looked good on paper, but somehow, something… didn’t click. (Or is that clique?)
But the sisters aren’t finished yet. For today, there’s ONE more candidate on the list. Haley.
And wow, when Haley walks in… record scratch. She’s blonde, leggy, smiling way too wide. And absolutely, positively, odd girl out in the sorority’s overall vibe.
Pretty quickly, things get testy:
SIEMONE
This is not an offer to join.
It’s merely exploratory.
CANDACE
Do you understand?
HALEY
Sure. You want me for a sister.
SIEMONE
We ‘might’ want you for a sister.
TAMIKA
This interview will determine that.
HALEY
Oh, you’ll want me.
The three trade looks.
And as Haley’s Bona Fide are discussed, the prospect of picking her for the team grows more and more remote.
Haley’s HOME SCHOOLED. Can’t tell dimples from pimples on golf balls. She even thinks the moon landing was FAKED…
Then the girls find out Haley’s GPA: 2.6.
If Ebony can’t make the grade, there’s just no way Barbie – that is, Haley - is gonna get in… right?
But you never know unless you try. And until you read Our Kind and find out.
Needing only five actresses, Our Kind is the “kind” of short that’s easy to shoot. And no matter what side of the “diversity” fence you pledge on, it’s got some wicked, fun points to make!