How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
It wasn't at all the way the television showed militants—that's what they called the Black Panthers. Militants, who from the newspapers were angry fist wavers with their mouths wide-open and their rifles ready for shooting. They never showed anyone like Sister Mukumbu or Sister Pat, passing out toast and teaching in classrooms. (14.3)
Before Delphine has ever met a Black Panther, she's decided the entire group is dangerous. Yep, this is partly because of the news, but it's also because she lets her prejudices get the better of her. She doesn't realize that all kinds of people are involved in the moment. Sure, some are violent, but many are peaceful and educated and invested in community building.
Quote #8
I started to think, this place is all right. […] Then I heard Crazy Kelvin say, "That's the least the racist dogs can do," and just like that, he spoiled what I thought I knew. (14.4)
Crazy Kelvin shows off prejudice at its worst. Not only is he the most vocal about how untrustworthy and deceitful he thinks the cops are, he's also a flake who goes back on his own word, perhaps revealing some prejudice against his own community. Not cool, Kelvin; not cool.
Quote #9
I didn't like having my ignorance shoved at me, especially by the likes of Eunice Ankton. But there I was. Not knowing a half-Chinese face from a half-Japanese one. I wasn't about to get a better look, so I'd know the difference. (17.23)
Okay, so no one likes finding out they are ignorant. It's easy to make snap-decisions about someone because of stereotypes about their social group or race, but it's a lot harder to acknowledge that you don't know all that much about them. On the list for Delphine? Oakland, Chinese people, Black Panthers, hippies… the list goes on.