UNIVERSITY OF LANGAGUES AND

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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Exploring Racial Injustice Through All American Boys

Understanding Systemic Racism in Young Adult Literature

Student name : Lâm Tuấn Đạt

Course : LIT237
Date : 24/11/2024
Table of contents
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Definition of the Theme: Racial Injustice ................................................................. 3
1.2 Background: History and Current Issues .................................................................. 3
1.3 Significance of the Theme in Literature ................................................................... 3
2. Contextualisation / Literature Review ............................................................................ 4
2.1 Definition and Key Aspects of Racial Injustice ........................................................ 4
2.2 Historical, Cultural, and Social Contexts.................................................................. 4
2.3 Research on the Theme in Literature ........................................................................ 5
2.4 Cultural Variance of the Theme ................................................................................ 5
3. Summary of All American Boys..................................................................................... 6
1. Introduction
1.1 Definition of the Theme: Racial Injustice

Racial injustice refers to systemic and institutionalized practices that discriminate against
individuals based on their race or ethnicity. It manifests in various forms, such as racial
profiling, economic disparities, limited access to opportunities, and unequal treatment in
the judicial system. A prominent form of racial injustice is police brutality, which
disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly people of color. This
persistent issue continues to fuel societal debates and movements advocating for equality
and justice.

1.2 Background: History and Current Issues

The roots of racial injustice are deeply embedded in historical practices such as slavery,
segregation, and colonial exploitation. In the United States, racial inequality was
institutionalized through laws like the Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation
in public facilities, schools, and transportation. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s
sought to dismantle these systemic barriers, achieving landmark changes like the Civil
Rights Act of 1964.

However, racial inequality persists in modern society. A glaring example is police

brutality, exemplified by incidents such as the killings of George Floyd and Breonna
Taylor. These tragedies have galvanized global movements, such as Black Lives Matter,
which advocate for systemic reform and racial justice. Current data reveals that people of
color face higher rates of arrest, incarceration, and violence at the hands of law
enforcement, highlighting the ongoing struggle against systemic discrimination.

1.3 Significance of the Theme in Literature

Racial injustice has long been a significant theme in literature because it reflects society’s
most pressing issues. Writers often use their works to expose and critique these injustices,
fostering awareness and empathy among readers. For example, Harper Lee’s To Kill a
Mockingbird addresses racial prejudice through the lens of a young girl, while Angie
Thomas’s The Hate U Give explores the modern realities of police brutality.

This theme resonates deeply in literature and media due to its universality and relevance.
It appeals to young adult audiences, who are increasingly engaged in conversations about
social justice. Literature addressing racial injustice often serves as a call to action, urging
readers to confront and challenge the biases that sustain inequality.
2. Contextualisation / Literature Review
2.1 Definition and Key Aspects of Racial Injustice

Racial injustice refers to the systemic oppression and unequal treatment of individuals or
groups based on their race. It is rooted in institutionalized racism, which perpetuates
inequality in legal, economic, social, and cultural systems. Key aspects of racial injustice
include:

Racial Profiling: Targeting individuals for suspicion or action based on racial stereotypes.

Police Brutality: Excessive use of force disproportionately applied to minority

communities.

Economic Inequality: Barriers to access in employment, housing, and wealth

accumulation.

Social Disparities: Discrimination in education, healthcare, and public services.

These elements not only marginalize specific groups but also reinforce cycles of poverty
and exclusion, making racial injustice a deeply entrenched societal problem.

2.2 Historical, Cultural, and Social Contexts

Historical Context

The roots of racial injustice are longstanding, tracing back to practices such as slavery,
colonialism, and apartheid. In the United States, the transatlantic slave trade established
systemic inequalities that were perpetuated through Jim Crow laws and segregation. Even
after legal abolition, de facto discrimination persisted in the form of redlining, unequal
schooling, and workplace segregation.

Movements like the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, led by figures like Martin
Luther King Jr., marked a turning point. Legislative milestones, such as the Civil Rights
Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, sought to dismantle systemic racism.
However, these legal changes did not fully address cultural and institutional biases, which
remain evident in modern systems of policing and justice.

Cultural Context

Culturally, narratives of racial injustice are reflected in media, literature, and art, serving
as a means of both protest and education. Films like Selma and 13th highlight systemic
racism, while books like All American Boys and The Hate U Give engage younger
audiences in conversations about equity and justice. These cultural works amplify
marginalized voices and shed light on the enduring struggles against oppression.
Social Context

In contemporary society, racial injustice intersects with other social factors, such as
socioeconomic status and gender. For instance, systemic racism exacerbates income
inequality, housing discrimination, and educational disparities. Movements like Black
Lives Matter have brought these issues into mainstream discourse, advocating for reform
and equality. Social media has become a crucial platform for raising awareness,
mobilizing protests, and sharing lived experiences, as seen in the viral spread of incidents
like George Floyd's death.

2.3 Research on the Theme in Literature

Racial injustice is a prevalent theme in literature, particularly in young adult (YA) novels,
where it serves as an entry point for young readers to engage with complex societal
issues. Scholars argue that YA literature provides a safe yet impactful space for readers to
process difficult topics, build empathy, and reflect on their roles in society.

Key observations from research include:

Educational Value: YA novels like All American Boys and The Hate U Give are often
included in school curriculums to foster discussions about race, privilege, and activism.

Emotional Impact: Dual narratives, such as those in All American Boys, allow readers to
empathize with diverse perspectives, making the abstract concept of systemic racism
relatable and personal.

Catalyst for Change: Literature has historically inspired social movements, and YA books
are increasingly recognized for empowering young readers to challenge societal norms
and advocate for justice.

Researchers also highlight the role of authors from marginalized backgrounds in shaping
authentic and resonant portrayals of racial injustice. Jason Reynolds and Angie Thomas,
for example, use their works to bridge generational gaps and inspire activism among
youth.

2.4 Cultural Variance of the Theme

While racial injustice is a global issue, its manifestations and representations vary by
region:

United States: The legacy of slavery and segregation shapes discussions on racial
profiling, police brutality, and systemic inequality. Literature often focuses on Black and
Latino communities, who face significant disparities.

Other Regions:
In countries like Brazil and South Africa, the theme intersects with post-colonial
struggles and the lasting impacts of apartheid and slavery.

In South Asia, caste-based discrimination shares similarities with racial injustice, as both
involve systemic exclusion and social stratification.

In Australia and Canada, the experiences of Indigenous populations highlight issues of

displacement, cultural erasure, and police violence.

Representation in Literature

Cultural factors influence how racial injustice is portrayed in literature. In Western

contexts, stories often focus on police brutality and civil rights, while in other regions,
themes may emphasize access to education or economic mobility. Social media and
globalization have also led to cross-cultural dialogues, making works like All American
Boys relevant beyond their original settings.

3. Summary of All American Boys

All American Boys, co-written by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, is a powerful 2015
young adult novel that examines racial injustice and police brutality through the
intersecting lives of two teenage boys. The story alternates between the perspectives of
Rashad Butler, a Black teenager, and Quinn Collins, a White teenager, as they navigate
the personal and societal repercussions of a violent incident. By exploring their
experiences, the novel underscores themes of systemic racism, moral courage, and the
power of collective action.

Rashad Butler is a 16-year-old high school junior who loves art and participates in
ROTC. One evening, while buying chips at a convenience store, he accidentally drops a
bag, sparking a misunderstanding that escalates into violence. Officer Paul Galluzzo,
misinterpreting the situation as an attempted theft, brutally assaults Rashad, leaving him
hospitalized. The incident becomes a focal point for the community, dividing opinions
about whether the assault was justified or an example of systemic racism in policing.
Rashad, initially overwhelmed and uncertain about speaking out, gradually finds strength
through the support of his family, friends, and the broader community, who rally around
him as a symbol of resistance against injustice.

Quinn Collins, a classmate and star basketball player, witnesses Rashad’s assault but
initially struggles to reconcile what he saw with his relationship to Paul, who has been a
father figure to him. Quinn’s internal conflict deepens as he grapples with his privilege
and his growing awareness of racial injustice. Encouraged by his cousin Jill and inspired
by the actions of his peers, Quinn ultimately decides to stand on the side of justice, even
though it means challenging the very people who have shaped his life. His journey
represents the moral dilemmas faced by individuals who are complicit in systems of
inequality, whether actively or passively, and highlights the transformative power of self-
awareness and courage.

The narrative builds to a climactic protest organized by students, who march in solidarity
with Rashad and against systemic racism. This powerful act of youth activism
emphasizes the role of young people in fostering societal change. By intertwining
Rashad’s and Quinn’s perspectives, the authors create a nuanced exploration of how
individuals from different racial and social backgrounds experience and confront
injustice.

Ultimately, All American Boys is a call to action, urging readers to acknowledge the
reality of systemic racism and the importance of standing against it. Through its relatable
characters and compelling storytelling, the novel inspires young adults to challenge
societal norms, advocate for justice, and believe in the possibility of change.