Photography by Chia Chong
Words and Styling by Libbie Summers
Scene 1: In the studio
Libbie: Why do I have to go? You’re the Asian one.
Chia: I thought you wanted to go?
Libbie: I don’t even know what Lotus Root looks like.
Chia: Google it.
Libbie: It’s a tuber right?
Chia: Google it. And, don’t go to that store at night. It’s in a bad neighborhood.
Libbie: Perfect.
Scene2 : In the walk-in cooler at the Asian Market
Libbie (talking to an Asian guy holding a 50lb. bag of rice): Sir, could you help me, all these cases have Chinese characters on them. I can’t find the lotus root?
Asian Guy Shopping: (no response)
Libbie: Thank you, you’ve been a big help.
Libbie (holding up what she thinks is lotus root like a treasure): Don’t worry, I found it!
Scene 3: At the check-out in the Asian Market
Libbie: Just to be clear, are these lotus root?
Asian Store Owner: (in a condescending tone) Oh NOOOOOO. You want lotus root? You buy white yam here.
Asian Store Owner to all other shoppers: (saying something in Chinese and pointing to Libbie)
All Other Asian Shoppers: (laughing and looking away)
Scene 3: Back at the Studio Three Days Later
Chia: I heard you were at the Asian Market.
Libbie: Don’t start.
