The Bar Code Tattoo

The peppermint gum that Mfumbe offers to Kayla whenever she is upset symbolizes an act of true empathy that is not feigned. The connection between the gum and Mfumbe, a resilient bar code resister, drives home the idea that bar code sympathizers are playing directly into the hands of the apathetic Global-1 corporation and adopting the same social disconnect and insensitive behaviors.

Mfumbe’s first gift of peppermint gum follows Kayla’s devastating conversation with her uncaring school counselor, Mr. Kerr, an avid supporter of the bar code tattoo. When he delivers world-shattering news to Kayla about art school, his tone is direct and unsympathetic, and his faux-pitying smile makes a mockery of empathy. Later, when Kayla tries Mfumbe’s gum, she realizes that the peppermint “did make her feel better, but maybe it was his concern that worked the trick” (11). This juxtaposition between Mfumbe’s genuine display of concern and Mr. Kerr’s contrived emotions demonstrates the negative impact that the bar code tattoo—and more generally, Global-1—has on the world.

Mfumbe once again offers peppermint gum to Kayla in the days following her father’s death by suicide. While her best friend, Amber is only concerned with Kayla’s upcoming 17th birthday and is eager for Kayla to get the bar code tattoo, Mfumbe is the only person to offer Kayla comfort after her father’s death.