10:10 PM PDT
Family Ties Universe
As Marty looked at the cover of the Back to the Future video, he nearly fainted. He saw that the pictures on the cover looked so real, just that they were so professional looking. What had shocked Marty most of all, though, was when he saw the name of the actor who played him. The actor was none other than Michael J Fox! He then saw that Doc was played by Christopher Lloyd. He knew that Doc loved watching Taxi, which Christopher Lloyd acted in. Other than the differences in hair colour, they did look very much alike.
"Want to watch the movie, now?" asked Jennifer, smiling.
"I guess I'll watch with you guys," Alex added, smiling.
"Ugh, you guys are a bunch of losers," groaned Mallory, as she rolled her eyes.
"Shut up, Mallory!" snapped Alex. "You know what? You're just being a poseur Republican! I can't believe how intolerant you've become lately. Why don't you just go to your room - and leave the rest of us alone, okay?"
"Fine, whatever," sighed Mallory, as she stalked off to her room.
"Sometimes I really don't like Mallory," Jennifer complained to Marty.
"Well, I don't believe in hating anybody," Alex said, softly. "In fact, I can't even say that I dislike anyone. I will always love Mallory - but I'm just real disappointed in the latest phase she's going through. I'm pretty sure it's just a phase, though. She had a crush on a guy from Canada earlier this summer - and when he rejected her, she unfortunately decided to take her anger out on all Canadians."
"Well, that's just not right," Marty said, sighing sadly. "You cannot blame an entire country for the actions of one person, you know. That's so smallminded and ignorant."
"It is," Alex agreed, nodding, "but I can't be too angry with her, though. Mostly I feel so sad for her, that she's carrying all this bitterness inside herself. I mean, it can't be healthy for her."
"Let's watch Back to the Future, now," Jennifer interjected, smiling at Marty and Alex.
oooooooooo
When the movie was over, Alex turned to Marty and asked, "Should we go into my room for awhile?"
"Sure, I guess," replied Marty. "You really are a nice person, Alex. It's so nice meeting you."
"So, Marty, what kind of music do you listen to?" Alex asked, as Marty had followed him into his bedroom.
"I know we're going to disagree here," Marty said, quietly. "I listen to rock and roll - and I like some pop."
"Oh, I see," replied Alex, as he sat on his bed. "Well, I don't really like rock music. I listen mostly to the type of music that existed before rock music."
"Yeah, well, no offence," said Marty, "but I really don't like too much that came out before rock. I guess I just find it to be rather boring."
"Boring?" Alex asked, incredulously. "Please tell me, Marty, why does the older types of music bore you?"
"Uh, well, because the older music doesn't have a beat," replied Marty. "I guess I like my music to have a beat. I like listening to music that motivates me and makes me feel happy."
"So is that all music is to you?" Alex asked, shaking his head. "A mood enhancer?"
"Look, Alex," Marty said, "I really do not feel like arguing right now. I think we should simply just agree to disagree on the topic of musical tastes. After all, the important thing is that we both listen to what we enjoy, right?"
"Well, to me, music is more than just something I enjoy," Alex protested, "but, okay, I guess you're right. Most of my friends are like you, anyway. I just wish there were more people who appreciated the fine art and culture of music. So, where do you stand politically? Are you a Republican or a Democrat?"
"Well, actually, I'm neither," explained Marty. "I'm more of a political moderate. There are some troubles I have with both ends of the political spectrum. I'm really not one to like discussing politics, though. In my opinion, I think politics can be rather divisive. I'd rather everyone in the whole world just get along, and that we can all live in peace and harmony with one another."
"Well, I would also love to see peace and harmony in this world," insisted Alex. "It's just that I really disagree with the way that the Democrats would go about it. I don't understand why my sister is currently going through a phase where she hates Canadians. I believe that the Canadians are friends of ours, and I also agree that we are all human first. I think some people confuse patriotism with nationalism, though. I do not believe that Americans are superior to people from any other country. I do, however, believe that we should defend our country from attacks - and that is when patriotism can be important."
"What about American who choose to move to Canada, or any other country?" asked Marty. "Do you consider them to be traitors to this country, or do you think people have a right to live wherever they'd like?"
"I think people have a right to live wherever they'd like," replied Alex. "I do have a problem, though, with people who choose to leave the country simply because they don't like our government. If you just happen to be interested in another country's culture, that's one thing. However, people should not just leave the country, because they are discontented with the government. I mean, what if you are suddenly discontented with the government of the country you move to? Do you see what I mean?"
"Yeah, I guess so," replied Marty. "It's just that, overall, I see myself as a human being first - rather than an American. I'm not ashamed to be an American, or anything - but I just think that we are all human, first and foremost. After all, none of us really choose the country that we're born into. I would hope to be able to visit another country - and not have people assume that I'm arrogant or ignorant, just because I'm an American citizen."
"I understand you, Marty," Alex said softly. "Our family has travelled abroad a few times before - and I never felt that we were made to feel unwelcome or unwanted, just because we're American citizens. I'm sure most people in the world would not judge you by where you come from. Some people around the world may disagree with our country's policies, but they wouldn't hold it against us the average people. I am sometimes ashamed of my fellow Republicans who feel the need to bash Democratics. I think we can all get along, even if we may disagree on political views."
"Right, exactly," said Marty, nodding. "To be fair, there are also Democrats who feel the need to bash Republicans. I don't think that's right, either."
"You know, Marty," Alex said, laughing, "we may disagree on quite a few things - and, in many other ways, we are so much alike!"
"I hear ya, buddy!" Marty said, smiling. Then Marty leaned over to hug Alex. Alex had returned the hugs.
"You know," Alex said, warmly, "I'd almost think we're twins separated at birth."
"Uh, actually, Alex," stammered Marty. "There is something I would like to show you. Can you come with me?"
"Yeah, sure, I guess so," replied Alex, as he stood up.