Writing Prompt #3: Shitholes and Blind Spots

A seemingly small argument that reveals how differently we all see the world

I’m part of a group of musical theater singers. Our concerts feature Broadway show tunes wrapped around a central theme. This season, our theme is friendship, a great direction for a time when we’ve never needed community and friends more.

As we rehearsed “I Don’t Need Anything But You” from Annie, our director offered some background, as he often does. We sing select songs from musicals, not the full musicals themselves, so it’s always helpful to have some context.

“Does anyone know the time period Annie took place in?” the director asked.

We all glanced around, muttering guesses. I guessed the 40s, but I was off slightly. Annie took place in the 30s, the director said. In his usual colorful storytelling style, he added that under President Hoover, the country was a “shithole.”

“It was not!” James [names changed] barked suddenly. “America was never a ‘shithole’ under Hoover!”

The director pursed his lips. “We’ll have to agree to disagree.”