If a kid is reading a book about someone who looks like them but doesn't talk like them, we stunt their growth by dissing them.
Jason ReynoldsRead
I was eight years old when I got the talk about what to do if a police officer stops me. I was 15 when I was face-down on the curb for the first time.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the harsh reality of growing up in an environment where conversations about safety and policing are a part of youth.
In this quote, Jason Reynolds shares a personal experience that highlights the unsettling necessity for young people, particularly in marginalized communities, to receive guidance on how to navigate interactions with police. It underscores the contrast between the innocence of childhood and the harsh lessons learned about authority and the potential dangers involved, revealing a deep societal issue.
Themes
PoliceSocietyYouthSafetyExperience
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about racial profiling and youth safety in schools or communities.
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Hip-hop saved me. It gave me permission to use language in a certain way. It validated my community and my friends. It gave our slang a certain elegance.
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I try to create characters people want to sit with, even if nothing is happening.
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