Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why couldn't Martel meet Justyce at a coffee shop?
Why couldn't Martel meet Justyce at a coffee shop?
- He wasn't allowed to leave his house
- He was busy with other commitments
- He didn't want to meet
- He had a house arrest anklet (correct)
How does Martel's house decor align with his thoughts?
How does Martel's house decor align with his thoughts?
It shows that he cares for our people.
What made Justyce feel welcome?
What made Justyce feel welcome?
When he could open up to Martel about things he couldn't talk to other people about.
What made Justyce realize he doesn't belong there?
What made Justyce realize he doesn't belong there?
How is the media portraying Justyce?
How is the media portraying Justyce?
Why do you believe this media portrayal is happening?
Why do you believe this media portrayal is happening?
Why do you think Justyce chose to confide in SJ?
Why do you think Justyce chose to confide in SJ?
How did Justyce's talk with SJ differ from his talk with Martel?
How did Justyce's talk with SJ differ from his talk with Martel?
How were Justyce and SJ able to heal their relationship?
How were Justyce and SJ able to heal their relationship?
What happened to Garrett Tison's home?
What happened to Garrett Tison's home?
Who do you think is responsible for the burning of Garrett Tison's home?
Who do you think is responsible for the burning of Garrett Tison's home?
Why did the police come to the graduation ceremony?
Why did the police come to the graduation ceremony?
Why was Justyce expecting the police at the graduation ceremony?
Why was Justyce expecting the police at the graduation ceremony?
Do you think Justyce handled the situation with the police appropriately?
Do you think Justyce handled the situation with the police appropriately?
Did Justyce's mother handle the situation appropriately?
Did Justyce's mother handle the situation appropriately?
Why do you think the Black Jihad tried to accuse Justyce of setting the fire?
Why do you think the Black Jihad tried to accuse Justyce of setting the fire?
Explain why Justyce's mom was so upset.
Explain why Justyce's mom was so upset.
Do you believe Justyce's mom had justifiable reasons to be angry with Justyce?
Do you believe Justyce's mom had justifiable reasons to be angry with Justyce?
Summarize the main points the defense attorney used to defend Garrett Tison.
Summarize the main points the defense attorney used to defend Garrett Tison.
Do you think the defense attorney's accusations were fair?
Do you think the defense attorney's accusations were fair?
What affect did the mistrial have on Manny's family and friends?
What affect did the mistrial have on Manny's family and friends?
Why does SJ try to compare people to butterflies?
Why does SJ try to compare people to butterflies?
Describe Justyce's feelings while SJ's mom was talking on the phone.
Describe Justyce's feelings while SJ's mom was talking on the phone.
What do you think is the reason for Garrett Tison's fate?
What do you think is the reason for Garrett Tison's fate?
Explain the significance of when Justyce stopped writing to Dr. King.
Explain the significance of when Justyce stopped writing to Dr. King.
What made Justyce start writing to Dr. King again?
What made Justyce start writing to Dr. King again?
Why was Justyce out so late?
Why was Justyce out so late?
What assumptions did the officer make about Justyce?
What assumptions did the officer make about Justyce?
Compare and contrast how the officer viewed Justyce and how Justyce views himself.
Compare and contrast how the officer viewed Justyce and how Justyce views himself.
Why did Justyce think he would never be in this situation?
Why did Justyce think he would never be in this situation?
How did the incident change Justyce's thinking?
How did the incident change Justyce's thinking?
Describe Manny and his family.
Describe Manny and his family.
What effects did the video game have on Justyce?
What effects did the video game have on Justyce?
Justyce can still see the bruises on his wrists. What bruises does he have that can't be seen?
Justyce can still see the bruises on his wrists. What bruises does he have that can't be seen?
Explain Justyce and Manny's different perspectives about Justyce's relationship with Melo.
Explain Justyce and Manny's different perspectives about Justyce's relationship with Melo.
What happened to the officer that killed Shemar Carson?
What happened to the officer that killed Shemar Carson?
According to the classroom discussion, what was odd about the phrase 'all men are created equal' in the Declaration of Independence?
According to the classroom discussion, what was odd about the phrase 'all men are created equal' in the Declaration of Independence?
What is ironic about Jared bringing up Shemar Carson's arrest?
What is ironic about Jared bringing up Shemar Carson's arrest?
How does Manny feel about the conversation between his friends? Explain how you know.
How does Manny feel about the conversation between his friends? Explain how you know.
How does Justyce feel about his school?
How does Justyce feel about his school?
What was Justyce's mom's reaction to his frustrations?
What was Justyce's mom's reaction to his frustrations?
What does she say about people that make history?
What does she say about people that make history?
How does Justyce feel about Manny's friendship with Jared, Kyle, and Blake?
How does Justyce feel about Manny's friendship with Jared, Kyle, and Blake?
Why do you think Manny stays friends with Jared?
Why do you think Manny stays friends with Jared?
Why did Jared want to dress as different stereotypes for Halloween?
Why did Jared want to dress as different stereotypes for Halloween?
Why did Justyce decide to go with the boys? Do you agree with his decision?
Why did Justyce decide to go with the boys? Do you agree with his decision?
Why does the author compare Justyce's decision to go out with the boys to a train?
Why does the author compare Justyce's decision to go out with the boys to a train?
What was Justyce's immediate reaction to getting into Yale? Why does he feel guilty about his reaction?
What was Justyce's immediate reaction to getting into Yale? Why does he feel guilty about his reaction?
Describe a conflict presented in this chapter. Who is the conflict with and what is the cause?
Describe a conflict presented in this chapter. Who is the conflict with and what is the cause?
How did SJ and Melo's responses to Justyce's acceptance differ?
How did SJ and Melo's responses to Justyce's acceptance differ?
What would be an appropriate title for this chapter? Explain why.
What would be an appropriate title for this chapter? Explain why.
Did Justyce handle the situation with SJ and Melo appropriately? Justify your opinion.
Did Justyce handle the situation with SJ and Melo appropriately? Justify your opinion.
What is affirmative action and why does Jared think it is unfair?
What is affirmative action and why does Jared think it is unfair?
Did Jared think he was more qualified than Justyce because he was white? Explain your answer.
Did Jared think he was more qualified than Justyce because he was white? Explain your answer.
How did Jared's argument fall apart?
How did Jared's argument fall apart?
Manny made it clear that he doesn't like Melo? Why do you think he feels different about SJ?
Manny made it clear that he doesn't like Melo? Why do you think he feels different about SJ?
Why do you think Manny is surprised when he learns about why Justyce wants to just be friends with SJ?
Why do you think Manny is surprised when he learns about why Justyce wants to just be friends with SJ?
What is a weighty silence?
What is a weighty silence?
Give an example in Chapter 8 of how one can have stereotypes against their own race.
Give an example in Chapter 8 of how one can have stereotypes against their own race.
Why is Manny nervous about going to Morehouse?
Why is Manny nervous about going to Morehouse?
How do the opinions and preferences of their parents affect the choices Justyce and Manny make?
How do the opinions and preferences of their parents affect the choices Justyce and Manny make?
Summarize the article SJ found, 'The Myth of the Superpredator.'
Summarize the article SJ found, 'The Myth of the Superpredator.'
Why didn't Justyce want to debate about racial profiling?
Why didn't Justyce want to debate about racial profiling?
How did Justyce and SJ support their argument?
How did Justyce and SJ support their argument?
Outside of winning the tournament, how did this debate impact Justyce internally?
Outside of winning the tournament, how did this debate impact Justyce internally?
Why do you think SJ retracted from Justyce after the tournament?
Why do you think SJ retracted from Justyce after the tournament?
How is Justyce feeling in this chapter? How does he deal with those feelings and what impact does it have on his actions?
How is Justyce feeling in this chapter? How does he deal with those feelings and what impact does it have on his actions?
What are Justyce's and Manny's different perspectives on the situation? Who do you think is right?
What are Justyce's and Manny's different perspectives on the situation? Who do you think is right?
Should Justyce be remorseful? Explain why or why not.
Should Justyce be remorseful? Explain why or why not.
What does Manny's voicemail tell you about his friendship with Justyce?
What does Manny's voicemail tell you about his friendship with Justyce?
What caused Justyce to reevaluate his actions at the party?
What caused Justyce to reevaluate his actions at the party?
What is playing devil's advocate?
What is playing devil's advocate?
How did Doc explain Manny's perspective?
How did Doc explain Manny's perspective?
Evaluate Doc's advice for Justyce. Do you believe it was helpful?
Evaluate Doc's advice for Justyce. Do you believe it was helpful?
What does Manny mean when he says 'I woke up'?
What does Manny mean when he says 'I woke up'?
Why did Manny and Jared get into a fight?
Why did Manny and Jared get into a fight?
What does Mr. Julian regret?
What does Mr. Julian regret?
Why didn't Mr. Julian fire his employee?
Why didn't Mr. Julian fire his employee?
What does Justyce learn from Mr. Julian?
What does Justyce learn from Mr. Julian?
What caused the change in plans?
What caused the change in plans?
What is the cause of the conflict in this chapter?
What is the cause of the conflict in this chapter?
How did previous events in the book affect how Manny and Justyce reacted to the man in the white Suburban?
How did previous events in the book affect how Manny and Justyce reacted to the man in the white Suburban?
At what point did things take a turn for the worst in Chapter 13?
At what point did things take a turn for the worst in Chapter 13?
Why do you think the author chose to write Chapter 14 with only three words?
Why do you think the author chose to write Chapter 14 with only three words?
Why did Manny's family wait so long to have his funeral?
Why did Manny's family wait so long to have his funeral?
How did the narrative of the shooting change?
How did the narrative of the shooting change?
Describe Justyce's injuries and recovery.
Describe Justyce's injuries and recovery.
Based on what you know about SJ and Justyce, do you think they will be able to rekindle their friendship? Explain why.
Based on what you know about SJ and Justyce, do you think they will be able to rekindle their friendship? Explain why.
How do you think Mrs. McAllister would have reacted if Justyce had the chance to tell her how he feels about SJ?
How do you think Mrs. McAllister would have reacted if Justyce had the chance to tell her how he feels about SJ?
Why is Justyce going to Manny's house?
Why is Justyce going to Manny's house?
What does the third door of the garage represent?
What does the third door of the garage represent?
Why does the author use the phrase 'assaults his senses' to describe the smell of chicken cacciatore?
Why does the author use the phrase 'assaults his senses' to describe the smell of chicken cacciatore?
Describe the mood of the dinner.
Describe the mood of the dinner.
Why do you think Quan wants to see Justyce?
Why do you think Quan wants to see Justyce?
What does the conversation between Justyce and Quan reveal about the plot of the story?
What does the conversation between Justyce and Quan reveal about the plot of the story?
Why did Quan murder Officer Castillo?
Why did Quan murder Officer Castillo?
What does Quan mean by 'resistance is existence'?
What does Quan mean by 'resistance is existence'?
What events in Quan's life changed his outlook on life?
What events in Quan's life changed his outlook on life?
How does Justyce's thinking change after talking with Quan?
How does Justyce's thinking change after talking with Quan?
What did the picture say to the world?
What did the picture say to the world?
According to Doc, why do people want to justify Garrett Tison's actions?
According to Doc, why do people want to justify Garrett Tison's actions?
Why does Justyce call Jared the 'Great White Hope'?
Why does Justyce call Jared the 'Great White Hope'?
How do you think Jared feels about everything that's happened?
How do you think Jared feels about everything that's happened?
Why did Mr. Julian have to step down from his position? Do you think this was moral and ethical of his company?
Why did Mr. Julian have to step down from his position? Do you think this was moral and ethical of his company?
What is the meaning of civil disobedience? Why did Mr. Julian choose civil disobedience over his job?
What is the meaning of civil disobedience? Why did Mr. Julian choose civil disobedience over his job?
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Study Notes
Justyce's Experiences with Police and Society
- Justyce was late ensuring his drunk ex-girlfriend got home safely.
- The police officer assumed the worst about Justyce, viewing him through a racially biased lens.
- Justyce internally contrasts his self-image as a focused honor student with the officer's stereotype of him as a troublemaker.
- The incident made Justyce realize that being a good student does not protect him from racial profiling.
Friendships and Relationships
- Manny is portrayed as privileged, coming from a wealthy family with ambitions rooted in psychology.
- Justyce struggles with his toxic relationship with Melo, while Manny believes it hampers Justyce's emotional growth.
- Differences emerge in Justyce's and Manny's views on racial dynamics within their social circles.
- Justyce feels uncomfortable with Manny's choice of friends, who often make racist comments.
School and Identity Challenges
- Justyce grapples with feelings of isolation and injustice within a predominantly white school.
- His mother emphasizes resilience, arguing that people who make history often do not fit in.
- Justyce's conflicting feelings about his acceptance into Yale reveal his complex emotional landscape.
Racial Dynamics and Societal Commentary
- Jared's views on affirmative action highlight white privilege and entitlement, revealing a broader societal tension over race.
- Discussions change towards the importance of understanding systemic racism and its impacts on different groups.
- Justyce and SJ use statistics to support their arguments against racial profiling, illustrating the importance of data in social justice debates.
Violence and Its Implications
- The aftermath of Manny's shooting signifies a drastic shift, affecting both Justyce's emotional state and his relationships.
- BJ's murder of Officer Castillo reflects the extreme circumstances that shape characters' lives within a violent context.
- Justyce's injuries from the shooting are a physical manifestation of the broader social issues portrayed in the narrative.
Personal Growth and Reflection
- Manny’s awakening to the racism in his social circle signifies a crucial shift in perspective, leading to deeper conversations about race.
- Justyce learns significant lessons from Doc about responding to adversity and maintaining composure in turbulent times.
- The evolution of Justyce's relationship with SJ illustrates healing through communication and mutual understanding.
Media Portrayal and Public Perception
- The media's depiction of Justyce as a thug underscores the pervasive stereotypes that influence public opinion of Black individuals.
- Justyce's interactions with Martel and SJ reveal the complexity of his identity amidst societal expectations and personal feelings.
Conclusion and Responsibilities
- Manny's funeral marks a poignant moment of reflection for Justyce, illustrating the personal toll of systemic violence.
- The destruction of Tison's home embodies the ongoing cycle of violence within communities grappling with injustice and revenge.
Final Thoughts
- Justyce's story is a powerful narrative about racial identity, social justice, and personal resilience amid adversity, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing systemic racism in society.### Justyce and the Incident
- Justyce anticipated questioning about the fire at Tison's house, feeling a sense of inevitability since Blake had previously accused him of assault.
- Justyce managed the police interaction well, while his mother's hostile demeanor negatively impacted the situation.
Accusations and Reactions
- The Black Jihad attempted to accuse Justyce of arson due to his refusal to join their gang.
- Justyce's mother felt frustration over her son's ongoing accusations linked to his race, which she deemed unjustifiable.
Defense Strategies
- The defense attorney's main arguments highlighted Manny's aggressive behavior prior to the shooting, including a physical confrontation with Jared, framing it as a catalyst for the incident.
- Evidence presented included loud music Manny listened to, which had violent lyrics, bolstering the defense's narrative that Tison acted in self-defense.
Legal Outcomes
- The defense attorney's strategies were believed to effectively portray Justyce and Manny as dangerous, potentially swaying the jury towards viewing Tison as justified in his actions.
- The mistrial left Manny's family and friends feeling disillusioned, as they felt denied justice for his death.
Character Perspectives
- SJ's metaphor of comparing people to butterflies reflects her belief in potential harmony and connection among individuals.
- Justyce experienced stress and exhaustion from the trial's ongoing demands, particularly during interactions involving Mrs. Rentzen.
Insights on Fate and Transformation
- Garrett Tison's situation underscores a grim reality of perceived immunity for certain individuals in violent crimes against marginalized communities.
- Justyce's relationship with writing to Dr. King illustrated his struggle with hopelessness, as he initially felt that emulating the civil rights leader was futile; however, he returned to writing after reevaluating his perspective on life and its challenges.
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