Unjust Repercussions In Dear Martin By Nic Stone

Abouzeid, Berry
ENG 2DR
Johnston
5 April,
Tolerate it or Die
Tolerance; it means to have the capacity to endure continued subjection to something without adversity.Throughout history, Black people have been forced to endure systemic racism and discrimination, often without any recourse or means of self-defense. When they finally stand up for themselves and demand equality, they are met with unjust repercussions and violence, as seen in the novel Dear Martin by Nic Stone. The author examines the unjust repercussions faced by Black individuals who challenge the status quo and speak out against racism and police brutality. Through the character of Justyce McAllister, Stone sheds light on the dangers faced by Black youth who advocate for social

Dear Martin offers a poignant and timely portrayal of the struggles and sacrifices required to effect change in a society that resists it. This is firstly shown in the book when Justyce is at Blake’s birthday party and decides he has had enough, this is demonstrated again when Manny for once stands up for himself and gets shot, and finally when Manny’s parents join a protest for their son.The debut novel of Nic Stone, Dear Martin, portrays how when POC challenge the status quo they will undoubtedly face bigoted repercussions. One of the key moments in Dear Martin that exemplifies the consequences of challenging the status quo is when Justyce McAllister attends Blake Benson’s birthday party and decides to stand up to him. For weeks, Blake has been making racially charged comments and jokes at Justyce's expense, despite their supposed friendship. Immediately when Justyce is inside Bensons’s house he is uncomfortable with the uncanny amount of black face posters. Blake asks for Manny and Justyce’s help in using a Black girl for sexual

While driving with Justyce to blow off some steam, Manny gets into an altercation with a white male - Garett Tison - over the volume of music. Due to earlier events where Manny finally wakes up from this ignorance towards tolerating orders from white peopleand he does not comply with the white man. Tison becomes aggressive and vociferated, “ ‘YOU WORTHLESS N-WORD SONS OF BITCHES!’ ”(Stone 89) While Justyce knows the safe way to deal with this blasphemous behaviour is to comply and turn the other way, Manny who used to let anyone walk over him and his people decides he is done tolerating racist behaviour. For the first time in his life Manny cannot bear it any longer and screams, " ‘Hey, fuck you, man!’ he shouts out the window, giving the guy the finger." (Stone 89). This is also the last time Manny will be able to fight back as he is shot and murdered by who we later learn is a police officer. This scene illustrates the tragic consequences of challenging the status quo, as Manny's act of self-assertion is met with lethal force. The police officer's actions reflect the systemic racism and violence that Black individuals face on a daily basis, and underscore the urgent need for systemic change and social