“Homeboy” Comprehension Questions
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1. How does Malcolm describe Ella? Do you think he admires her? Why or why not?
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2. What neighborhood in Boston is Malcolm living in when he stays with Ella?
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3. How does Malcolm describe the negroes living in Roxbury? How are they different than
those from Lansing?
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4. What does Malcolm claim about 80% of the Black workers in Roxbury did for a living?
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5. Why does Malcolm claim that “so many Negroes, then and now” are self-deluded?
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6. Why does Malcolm prefer the “ghetto” to the Hill?
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7. What do Malcolm and Shorty have in common?
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8. Why do you think Shorty calls a job a slave?
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9. Where does Malcolm get a job? Why is he excited about taking this job?
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10. What is the main advice Freddie gives Malcolm?
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11. What does Malcolm say is his first big step toward self-degradation? What is the ultimate
motivation behind getting a conk?
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12. The chapter concludes by Malcolm explaining great shame in attempting to change his
appearance to be “white,” how is this an example of internalized racism?
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Internalized racism – the mental illness that occurs when black people believe European
cultural traits and physical features are superior to non-European physical features and cultural
traits. This causes black people to hate themselves and feel that they deserve to be treated as
less than human due to their race.