Fences, Oedipus, and Macbeth have all been taught at AFHS. Although some may have enjoyed reading about death, incest, and stupidity, the majority of students see no benefits from reading the required books. Unfortunately, students have no opinion on what they read at school. Long story short, they should.
As young adults who spend most of their time on technology, anything they read - especially in school - should have a positive impact. For example, while reading Oedipus, a 10th grade English text, many felt as if the book had been pointless and inappropriate. Emma Hopkins (11), a student at AFHS, says “the book was absolutely horrible. There was no point in reading it; none of us learned anything.” Oedipus explored the topics of death, incest, and murder, none of which taught a valuable lesson, because teenagers cannot relate to the book.
The Hate U Give (THUG) by Angie Thomas blew away readers. For those who have read both Oedipus and THUG, the difference between the two can be seen from a mile away. Thomas writes something that everyone - not just teenagers- can relate to. The book follows Starr Carter, a 16-year-old black girl who struggles to face reality when she watches her childhood friend, Khalil, get shot by the police. Khalil’s death, being a young unarmed black man, caused an uprising in her neighborhood. Starr comes to the realization that racial injustice happens everyday, and that she has the power to make a difference if she chooses to speak out against discrimination not only for Kahlil, but black people everywhere.
The issue of race plays a huge role in the novel. The world -especially America- has been divided into those who have white skin, and those who do not. In The Hate U Give, Thomas gives readers many heartbreaking and thoughtful quotes about discrimination to leave them thinking. For instance, Thomas writes, “I can’t change where I come from or what I’ve been through, so what should I be ashamed of what makes me, me?” Thomas addresses the fact that so much racial discrimination happens in the world, and although high school students may be young, they still have the power to raise their voice and make a difference.
Angie Thomas creates such a smart, informative, and life changing story that should undoubtedly be taught in schools. If not taught, it should at least be discussed. The Hate U Give promotes such an impactful message that should be shared through schools.
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