Lockdown Race Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

She was small, Spanishy looking, with dark eyes that went quickly from me to Mr. Pugh. (1.9)

The first thing that Reese notes about anyone he meets is their ethnic identity. It's not a judgmental thing; it's just information… or is it? Over to you, Shmoopers.

Quote #2

"If we find out who beat up the Puerto Rican kid, we're going to have his ass on the menu for lunch," Pugh said.

"He ain't Puerto Rican," I said. (3.20-3.21)

Though Toon's family is from India, Mr. Pugh refers to him as Puerto Rican. He does not seem to be aware of ethnic identity in the same way that Reese is.

Quote #3

When Wilson marched us to dinner, there were about nine white people sitting on one side of the mess hall with Mr. Cintron. (4.32)

Most of the Progress staff, and all nine people on the facility reform committee, are white. Most of the Progress inmates are not. What do you think of this dynamic?