Summary

Socrates is standing in the Bounty Supermarket on Venice Boulevard, almost 14 miles from his apartment in Watts. He has come to apply for a job. There are stores closer to his home, but he knows none of those will hire him because they all know him as a man who collects old bottles and cans to sell for the recycling deposit. He has come this far because he is sure no one will recognize him. Anton Crier, the assistant manager of the market, tells Socrates there are no openings, but Socrates demands an application anyway, telling the younger man he has a right to a job. Finally, after it becomes clear Socrates isn’t going to leave, the young man leaves to speak to his boss, and returns with an application. Though he tells Socrates he can fill it out at home and mail it...