How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I went around behind the counter and I saw Mr. Nesbitt on the floor—there was blood everywhere—and the cash register was open. A lot of cigarettes were missing, too. Maybe 5 cartons. (2.85)
That would be a terrifying scene to walk in on. And all for some petty cash and a few smokes.
Quote #2
I'll get me an Uzi and blow his brains out. (2.182)
Um… a little dramatic, perhaps? Steve's friend got shoved around by another guy, but really? Blow his brains out? What does this show us about the culture of violence in Steve's community?
Quote #3
All they talk about in here is hurting people. If you look at somebody, they say, "What you looking at me for?! I'll mess you up!" (3.1)
And we thought five-year-old girls were sensitive. Holy moley.
Quote #4
We hear the sounds of fists methodically punching someone as the camera goes slowly down the corridor, almost seeming to look for the source of the hitting. We see two inmates silhouetted, beating a third. Another inmate is on lookout. (4.61)
Perhaps this is a parallel moment. Yeah, the lookout isn't directly involved, but he's still guilty. Sound familiar?
Quote #5
OSVALDO (softly, timidly)
So Bobo said to me if I didn't help him, he'd cut me up. […] He said he would cut me up and get my moms, too. I was, like, really scared of him. (6.98,101)
Check back in the text. We're calling Osvaldo's bluff on this whole timid and meek shtick, but do you agree?
Quote #6
They do things to you in jail. You can't scare somebody with a look in here. (7.23)
"Fists and knees can break on me but looks will never hurt, fool." Or something like that.
Quote #7
I didn't do nothing! I didn't do nothing! But everybody is just messed up with the pain. (9.1)
That's the thing with violent acts—there is always a ripple effect. In this way, violence fosters more violence… though it also fosters other things too, like fear and anxiety and sadness.
Quote #8
I ain't shocked. People getting killed and everything and it ain't right but I ain't shocked none. (10.26)
Violence is becoming so commonplace in our society. Do you think this quote applies to life outside prison walls too sometimes?
Quote #9
Violence in here is always happening or just about ready to happen. I think these guys like it—they want it to be normal because that's what they're used to dealing with. (13.23)
If something is hard and you're told it's exceptional, it's harder to tell yourself there isn't a problem. When something hard is presented as the norm, though—like violence inside prison walls—it becomes a heck of a lot easier not to think about or be bothered by.