How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I had been at Wayne County Jail for six weeks, following my arrest and conviction for second-degree murder. In those six weeks, I had witnessed everything from rape and robbery to murder, and this was one more reminder that inmates had no shortage of creativity when it came to inflicting harm on other men. Little did I know, this was just beginning my education in the true meaning of violence. (1.22)
Even after a few years of working with violent drug dealers, Shaka learns a lot more about violence in the prison system. Are other prisoners also learning more about violence in the very system that is supposed to help solve stop violence in society?
Quote #2
That's what you did in the 'hood, jail, and the prison yard. If you and another male exchanged glances, you'd better be up to the challenge, or you would be considered weak. And in our world, the weak became prey.(2.16)
Masculinity and conflict go together in a lot of Shaka's experience. We can't help but wonder if one reason he's eventually able to shake this expectation is his own father's example of love, respect, and responsibility.
Quote #3
This kind of thinking is common among marginalized Black and Latino males. In the 'hood, the villain is the hero, the guy people look up to. So we hang out in front of liquor stores with plastic bags in our boxers and semiautomatics tucked into our waistbands, living out our version of the American dream.(2.19)
This quote raises the question, "Just what is the American dream?" What version of the American dream would actually help people who feel left out of the standard story about American identity?