The Skin I’m In, by Sharon G. Flake, shows that people are afraid of change but change can be good. Sometimes the people around you can force you to change. Maleeka wants to cut her hair and change. In the text it says, “I want a new look like that models have in the magazine, so that maybe people will start to see me differently and treat me differently. I tell Sweets I’m gonna cut my hair. Gonna cut it real close. People gonna see I ain’t who I used to be.” (Flake, 40) As a result Maleeka wants to change and wants people to see her differently because she is tired of being bullied about her choices in style. She wants to be treated with respect and doesn't want to get bullied over how she looks. Maleek wants buy new clothes so she can show people that she is changing. “When I get home, Momma is waiting at the door to take me downtown to buy new clothes. She says she got a bonus at work, so she has some extra cash to throw around for once.” (Flake, 25) Maleeka had to wear the clothes her mom had sewn together. At first, the clothes wouldn’t …show more content…
Maleeka doesn’t stand up for herself when she hangs out with Char. “Char’s laughing real hard. She tells me to get out of her face. I do what I’m told.” The outcome is that Maleeka doesn’t stand up for herself. Char sees that she lacks confidence and picks on her. Maleeka doesn’t want to be bullied but she knows if she does something to Char, she will get hurt physically and emotionally. Maleeka finds out if she doesn’t do anything she will get bullied even more. “Call me by my name! I am not ugly. I am not stupid. I am Maleeka Madison, and, yeah, I’m black, real black, and if you don’t like me, too bad ‘cause black is the skin I’m in!” Maleeka stands up for herself and is tired being bullied. Also, Char knows she can’t put Maleeka down because Maleeka will fight back. Since Maleeka stood up for herself people know she doesn’t tolerate bullying and have backed