The Power of Fiction As humans, our vision is often clouded and we do not fully comprehend what is occurring around us. Fiction helps to take us away and learn to manage these harsh realities through fiction. In the novel All American Boys, the authors, Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, give a grand display of misconception. By the first chapter of the book, the theme is unmistakably known. The main character, Rashad, is brutally beaten by an officer by the name of Paul Galluzzo. Throughout the novel, numerous lessons are taught through the basic theme of inequality. Although the school board has recently developed a distaste for the works fiction provides, fiction enlightens readers with knowledge of prominent social injustices. There
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Police brutality has often been overlooked as on July 17, 2014 when “police officers tried to arrest Eric Garner….for selling illegal cigarettes.”(“Police Brutality” 5). Rodney King was an African American beaten unlawfully as was Rashad in All American Boys. “I mean, I hadn’t done anything. Nothing at all.” (45). The author wanted to show that Rashad had not understood why he was beaten. Rashad was beaten merely because of speculation of robbery because of his race. Without fiction, one may not comprehend what occurs to others because of nonfiction bias. This was a quote stated by Rashad while being beaten, “ ..only one thought at the same time- please don’t kill me.”(45). The authors use this quote to emphasis the fear the officer instilled into Rashad. This fear is likely comparable to the fear Rodney King during his altercation with the police. In our society, police brutality is growing at a rapid rate. Although, the correct implications of justice are still necessary to be carried out for a peaceful …show more content…
Fiction teaches how to understand police brutality, to learn not to discriminate against race, as well as to not discriminate against cops. Police brutality should be a more recognized issue because it has killed dozens of innocent people such as the young man by the name of Trayvon Martin. Cases like his show the worst of our police officers countrywide. Without learning to realize right from wrong, people may not get the whole picture as in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. To Kill a Mockingbird was yet another piece of fiction in which helped to spread powerful messages that must be heard. The final issue I want to address is discrimination of police officers. Police officers have to deal with some of the harshest people as well as put their lives on the line, so why ridicule the innocent? Although seemingly contradicting by bringing forth the subject, without fiction I wouldn't have realized how easily people will accuse cops without knowing the full story. We are all human and must see as well as comprehend messages in daily life. Life is full of social injustices and fiction helps bring these injustices to reality. Fiction may not be real, yet it provides valid points to help guide people through real-life
Police brutality has often been overlooked as on July 17, 2014 when “police officers tried to arrest Eric Garner….for selling illegal cigarettes.”(“Police Brutality” 5). Rodney King was an African American beaten unlawfully as was Rashad in All American Boys. “I mean, I hadn’t done anything. Nothing at all.” (45). The author wanted to show that Rashad had not understood why he was beaten. Rashad was beaten merely because of speculation of robbery because of his race. Without fiction, one may not comprehend what occurs to others because of nonfiction bias. This was a quote stated by Rashad while being beaten, “ ..only one thought at the same time- please don’t kill me.”(45). The authors use this quote to emphasis the fear the officer instilled into Rashad. This fear is likely comparable to the fear Rodney King during his altercation with the police. In our society, police brutality is growing at a rapid rate. Although, the correct implications of justice are still necessary to be carried out for a peaceful …show more content…
Fiction teaches how to understand police brutality, to learn not to discriminate against race, as well as to not discriminate against cops. Police brutality should be a more recognized issue because it has killed dozens of innocent people such as the young man by the name of Trayvon Martin. Cases like his show the worst of our police officers countrywide. Without learning to realize right from wrong, people may not get the whole picture as in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. To Kill a Mockingbird was yet another piece of fiction in which helped to spread powerful messages that must be heard. The final issue I want to address is discrimination of police officers. Police officers have to deal with some of the harshest people as well as put their lives on the line, so why ridicule the innocent? Although seemingly contradicting by bringing forth the subject, without fiction I wouldn't have realized how easily people will accuse cops without knowing the full story. We are all human and must see as well as comprehend messages in daily life. Life is full of social injustices and fiction helps bring these injustices to reality. Fiction may not be real, yet it provides valid points to help guide people through real-life