Pen15
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
Posh starts as a typical day in the life of Maya and Anna.
The other two laugh along, and Anna, worried shell tank their social standing, doesnt object.
Annas visibly uncomfortable, but too scared to say anything.
Though she normally relishes doing impressions, Mayas uncomfortable, too, for reasons she doesnt entirely understand.
To top things off, Shuji narcs on the cover-up of Ojichans shrine, infuriating Mayas mom.
Why are you so ashamed of being Japanese?
Im, like, barely Japanese!
While Maya turns her anger and embarrassment inward, Anna turns it on the world.
Tremblingly typing am I racist?
into Ask Jeeves, she gets her first real dose of education on privilege.
Annas storyline is utterly remarkable for the way it captures the dynamics of white guilt in miniature.
Meanwhile, Maya is heartbroken.
Shuji tries to help by inviting her into his POC-only secret clubhouse for a schoolyard consciousness-raising session.
The answer, in kid logic, is obviously a fight.
The attempt at a beatdown quickly devolves into plaintive tears.
I thought I was celebrating your heritage!
Anna tells Maya plaintively.
Thats so easy for you to say!
You dont know what its like to be me!
Anna agrees, promising to ensure that Maya can be any Spice Girl she wants in future.
They call off the fight, to the booing of the disappointed boys.
She wont be able to close it again for the rest of her life.
