How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"About twenty to twenty-five years ago, social activists started a campaign to get rid of unfair, negative racial stereotypes. That's when we first started hearing the phrases, 'Black is beautiful' and 'Say it loud, I'm black and I'm proud!'" (19.50)
As Andy and his classmates think about examples of black being positive, their teacher explains some of the racial history behind the terms. We can't help but notice that this is one of the only moments in the book where being black is associated with something positive.
Quote #8
"Well, times have changed. Stereotypes of color, race, and gender are slowly disappearing. It's up to you people to make a world that is better." (19.55)
The teacher says that times have changed, but have they in Andy's world? It seems like he's still dealing with a lot of racial issues and stereotypes, even if they are bubbling up under the surface most of the time.
Quote #9
"Black kids are tough. They see a lot in life that we never experience. For example, that kid Gerald Nickelby, whose stepfather beats him up. Everybody knows about it. […] Like I said, they're tough. A white kid would have cracked under the pressure that Andy went through." (29.6)
During break one day, two teachers talk about Andy and everything he's been through, when one comments that he can handle it because of his skin color. What's even more disappointing about this racist attitude is that it comes from a teacher who should be helping the students achieve and steer clear of these stereotypes out there. Ugh.