Because Paperboy is set in the segregated South, there are a lot of race issues simmering below the surface. Victor is just a boy and doesn't notice a lot of the rules that separate white people from black people in his town, but as he starts to grow up and think about the world critically, Victor is really bothered by how unfair things are. He hates that Mam is only allowed to ride at the back of the bus and visit the zoo if she's with him. And when Rat's parents discuss moving so they don't have to send him to integrated schools, Victor finds the whole idea stupid—why would you be so against having people of different races at the same school?
Questions About Race
- When does Victor start becoming aware of racial tensions in his town? Why is this the moment?
- What kinds of restrictions are placed on Mam because she's black? Try to find every single one you can, both explicit and implicit.
- Why doesn't Rat's mom want him to go to an integrated school? How does this compare to Victor's family?
Chew on This
When Victor is just a little kid, he doesn't pay too much attention to how people treat race in his town. But as he grows older, he starts to see the injustices in the ways that black people like Mam are treated—and finds that he is bothered by how unfair things are.
Because Victor grows up seeing Mam as a family member and best friend instead of just as a family employee, he develops a great deal of compassion for her and doesn't just see her by the color of her skin.