I think this book truly has revealed the stereotypes long ingrained into society about these boys' lives and how these boys are tired. Tired of not ever being given a chance to prove themselves, tired of not being good enough for their own community, and just tired of constantly having to worry about facing the criminal justice system. I think everything they have to go through makes it tough to move forward with a healthy or positive mindset about what their lives "could" look like. #so345

@purplepuppy52 I agree and think that this is very intense to hear. It reveals how society seeks this change in marginalized communities to end violence, yet this is the same society that only ever treats these boys as criminals. They are treated like a rope being pulled from both sides that eventually gets torn apart. #so345

It is interesting to think about expectation and reality when it comes how people perceive what is and isn't criminal behavior. It seems that there is this conflicting persona with non-delinquents because the criminal roles they are "expected" to have conflict with how they truly want to be deep down. But the societal barrier of being loyal and also trying to stay out of trouble is what makes this a harsh reality. #so345

The idea of a masculine identity is truly revealing of how society pushes certain norms so much, that when it comes to these marginalized groups it can turn on them so easily. These boys are pushed into "manly" roles or responsibilities to try and fit in and conform, but when faced with the justice system it turns that identity into something negative and puts them in the wrong. This creates an infinite whirlpool of oppression that they can't seem to escape. #so345

To fit in with society, and to truly find a place of belonging, these boys had to use the only resources around them that they had to try and achieve the "cookie-cutter" look that society wanted them to have, but even still when they tried to do so they still were rejected. #so345

It is so appalling to hear Ronny's interview story. He was prepared and dressed just as well as the other male who got interviewed after he was done, but the only difference was the attention the manager gave. Ronny wasn't getting any fair treatment specifically because he was being stereotyped by the manager who judged his qualities externally and took nothing else about his characteristics and preparation into consideration. #so345