Don't Believe Everything You Assume...

    The novel, The Hate U Give, touches on racial issues that are all too pertinent in America today. The Hate U Give gives insight into stereotypes and how they reinforce outdated ideas that prevent us from achieving social equity. The novel provides some compelling and thought-provoking ways to combat stereotypes. The novel also points out how easy it is to unintentionally give in to stereotypes of races and cultures different from our own. 

    An example that captures unintentional belief in stereotypes in the novel is when Chris asks "Why do black people give their kids odd names?" (Thomas, 401). Chris, who is white, does not understand the validity and meaning behind names in a culture different than his due to the institutionalized stereotype that "black people have weird names." The novel further examines the stereotype around black names by calling to question the validity and truth surrounding the stereotype. Seven calls into question "What makes his [DeVante] name or our names any less normal than yours? Who or what defines 'normal' to you? If my pops were here, he'd say you've fallen into the trap of the white standard" (Thomas, 401). Seven attempts to overcome the stereotype by explaining that names are all about perspective. Seven brings attention to the fact that no name is more or less important than another name. This allows the reader to realize that just because they do not understand a certain aspect of a culture does not mean they should fill in their ignorance with assumptions.

    Another example of The Hate U Give bringing attention to the damaging stereotypes is when Haley absent-mindedly tells Starr "Hustle! Pretend the ball is some fried chicken. Bet you'll stay on it then" (Thomas, 111), and when Haley asks Maya "if [her] family ate a cat for Thanksgiving?" (Thomas, 251). Oftentimes, these kinds of comments are made without thinking and as "jokes." However, the novel reveals these kinds of comments are not funny to the people they are being made to. These kinds of stereotypes are hurtful and linger with the victim of the comment. The novel shows how hurtful these assumptions about people of different cultures can be through the reactions of Starr and Maya. Starr even informs Haley of her dislike of Haley's racist comment, but that ultimately fails to change Haley's feelings toward her statement. Haley makes the comment about Maya three years prior to the events of the novel taking place and the comment still hurt Maya's feelings. The novel makes readers realize that "You can say something racist and not be a racist" (Thomas, 112). Through using these examples the novel encourages readers to learn and grow so that they can overcome stereotypes. 

    Another stereotype addressed by the novel is the idea that people sell drugs because they want to. The novel addresses the never-ending cycle in crime-ridden and drug-ridden neighborhoods. Starr's father is quick to point out the lack of opportunities that drives many young black men and women into a life of illegal activity by stating "Corporate America don't bring jobs to our communities, and they damn sure ain't quick to hire us. Then, shit, even if you do have a high school diploma, so many of the schools in our neighborhoods don't prepare us well enough" (Thomas, 169). Starr's father works to break down the stereotype that black people make bad decisions that lead them to poverty, when the reality is, society has been against them from day one. They are stuck in neighborhoods with no jobs and no education. Devante even points out the fact that "Nobody likes selling drugs...but I hated seeing my momma and my sisters go hungry" (238). The sad reality is that so many minorities in our country with society stacked against them they are forced between going hungry or engaging in illegal activities to survive. The novel encourages readers to think beyond the stereotypes associated with different cultures and to understand some of the motives of the individual instead of just labeling them a "criminal' or "thug."

    The Hate U Give uses examples of stereotypes to help show the importance of overcoming making assumptions about people based on their racial identity. The novel allows readers to learn from the mistakes and assumptions of characters so that they may improve their own outlook of stereotypes in regard to racial identity. I know on a personal level this novel has been extremely insightful for me personally as I try to educate myself on the issues faced by minorities in this country.