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Jordan and Drew create an interesting contrast of character. They are both in pretty much the exact situation, right? Of course there are some differences. Drew lives with his grandma, but is far more athletic, less creative, but more more academically talented. A pretty big difference between them is how they have handled the some of the racial stereotyping. Jordan seems to brush it off more, probably because he has his notebook and creative outlet. Because he can put his frustrations into drawing, he might be better to handle some more uncomfortable moments. But Drew is a little less interested in letting things slide. He is quicker to vocalize or draw attention to different treatment based on racial/financial reasons.
Some people’s first thought might be, well, why doesn’t he just find a better way to handle his feelings or work a little harder to fit in. Certainly their homeroom teacher would say so. But as we come to see with the cafeteria scene, standing up for an injustice takes a lot of bravery. Not only that, it requires the unity and support of peers and a community to come together. A squabble during lunch forces Jordan into a choice, and everyone else for that matter. Stay silent and fit in, or speak up and defend?
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