Chapters 1-3

SATs and ACTs

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests that students hoping to attend a college or university in the United States take in their last two years of high school. SAT and ACT scores are typically used for college admissions decisions and to award merit-based scholarships at those colleges. The highest possible SAT score is 1600, and the highest possible ACT score is 36. Not many students typically achieve the highest possible scores for these tests, making it a notable achievement when a student does.

Source: https://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act

“I’m ranked fourth in my graduating class of 83, I’m the captain of the debate team, I scored a 1560 and a 34 on my SATs and ACTs respectively, and despite growing up in a ‘bad’ area (not too far from your old stomping grounds), i have a future ahead of me that will likely include an Ivy League education, an eventual law degree, and a career in public policy.” (Dear Martin, p. 10)

“Jared: Dude, I got a fifteen-eighty on the SAT. Manny: What did you get, Jus? Justyce: Fifteen-sixty. Jared: See? SJ: What about the ACT? Jared: Thirty-three. SJ: Jus? Justyce: Thirty-four.” (Dear Martin, p. 59)

“‘We’ve heard about his grades, SAT scores, and admission to an Ivy League school,’ the anchor says, ‘but a picture speaks a thousand words.’” (Dear Martin, p. 148)

Thug / Thuggish / Thugged-out

Defined by Merriam-Webster as “a violent or brutish criminal or bully,” the word thug has evolved in American culture to carry racial connotation. However, this racial connotation and meaning of the word is thought to be different between white and Black individuals. When said by a white individual, the word thug is seen as a “polite” way of modernizing the n-word, suggesting that a thug is a Black individual who is unwelcome or ruining society. When said by a Black individual, thug refers to the dictionary definition of “a violent or brutish criminal or bully,” but with some affection attached. A thug to a Black individual is someone who is displaying a kind of resilience or countercultural narrative to racism through their actions.

Sources: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thug

https://www.npr.org/2015/04/30/403362626/the-racially-charged-meaning-behind-the-word-thug

“I’ve seen some pictures of Shemar Carson, and he did have kind of a thuggish appearance.” (Dear Martin, p. 12)

“Jus is the Thug, naturally: pants belted around his thighs with boxers exposed, Thug Life t-shirt, thick gold chain with a huge medallion, fitted flat-billed baseball cap.” (Dear Martin, p. 39)

“The next thing he knows, there’s a group of genuinely thugged-out black dudes - and one white guy - standing in front of the Equity Brigade, looking like they wanna break ALL of their stereotype faces.” (Dear Martin, p. 42)

“‘The man was defending himself from thugs,’ said Tison’s neighbor April Henry.” (Dear Martin, p. 131)

“It shows Justyce McAllister as Thug Extraordinaire.” (Dear Martin, p. 148)

“‘You know what they say, Steven: you can remove the kid from the thug life… But ya can’t remove the thug life from the kid.” (Dear Martin, p. 148)

“And he was right: not twelve hours after news broke that the fire at Garrett Tison’s house was set by someone outside it, the same newspeople who instigated ‘Thug-Gate’ were speculating about Justyce’s ‘involvement in the arson plot.’” (Dear Martin, p. 175)

“I keep coming back to something Doc said during ‘Thug-Gate’: If nothing ever changes, what type of man am I gonna be?” (Dear Martin, p. 201)

Colored Water Fountains

Under the Jim Crow system of segregation, several American facilities were labeled “whites only” and “colored.” If labeled “whites only,” Black individuals could not enter or use the facility. One of these facilities was water fountains. A “colored” water fountain is a water fountain that was meant solely for Black individuals. Typically, “colored” water fountains were not as updated or well-maintained as water fountains meant for “whites only.”

Source: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/the-gilded-age/south-after-civil-war/a/jim-crow

“Yeah, there are no more ‘colored’ water fountains, and it’s supposed to be illegal to discriminate, but if i can be forced to sit on the concrete in too-tight cuffs when I’ve done nothing wrong, it’s clear there’s an issue.” (Dear Martin, p. 12)

Color-Blind

The word color-blind refers to someone who “does not see race.” The original goal of this term was that by not seeing skin color, racial harmony would be promoted. However, the term “color-blind” actually works to promote discrimination. By not recognizing race, color-blind thinking also does not recognize oppression. Instead, it serves as a way to erase the identity of Black folks and people of color.

Source: https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/fall-2009/colorblindness-the-new-racism

“Jared: America’s a pretty color-blind place now.” (Dear Martin, p. 24)

“Jared: Exactly! This is a color-blind society, my brethren… people are judged by the content of their character instead of the color of their skin.” (Dear Martin, p. 32)

“See how color-blind we are? You’re not really black to me.” (Dear Martin, p. 158)

Welfare

Welfare programs in the United States are government subsidies for low-income families and individuals. Recipients of welfare must prove their income falls below a specific dollar amount that is some percentage of the federal poverty level. Some people in the United States that recipients of welfare take advantage of the programs, and don’t actually need government financial support.

Source: https://www.thebalance.com/welfare-programs-definition-and-list-3305759

“Jared: Whatever. There are people on welfare strutting around in Air Jordans, so there’s obviously some footwear money coming from somewhere.” (Dear Martin, p. 25)

Chapters 4-6

The Hood

“The hood” can be defined in many ways. In its most simple definition, “the hood” is a shortened version of the word neighborhood. In the 1970s with the help of popular culture references, “the hood” evolved to define and refer to inner-city Black neighborhoods. “Hood” can also be used as an adjective to reflect attitude and style that emerges from hip-hop and rap culture. Because of this context, when said by a white individual, “the hood” can also be used in a derogatory way, suggesting that “the hood” is a bad or unsafe place to be full of poverty and crime.

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-08-27/nabe-or-hood-a-brief-history-of-shortening-neighborhood

“I just got back to school after an impromptu trip to the hood,” (Dear Martin, p. 34)

“Jared: (Laughs.) Better watch out, B. You know Justyce grew up in the hood. He’s gonna call up his gangsta homies to ride through on your ass and bust some ca-” (Dear Martin, p. 92)

“‘Every day I woke up in my hood coulda been my last.’” (Dear Martin, p. 143)

Jim Crow Laws

Check out our resources on systemic racism.

“‘I did the math when I got back to my room: there were 192 years between the Declaration of Independence and the end of all that Jim Crow stuff.’” (Dear Martin, p. 35)

Blackface

Blackface is a cultural practice that emerged in 19th century America. White performers would paint their skin with polish and cork to make their skin darker, and exaggerate their features in an effort to make themselves look stereotypically “black.” This practice was used for performers who mimicked and mocked Black people and slaves through archetypes such as lazy, ignorant, cowardly, or hypersexual. These performers were meant to create comical shows for white people, who did not have an interest in seeing Black people as anything other than foolish. In modern times, some people have also dressed in blackface for plays and Halloween and claim that it is okay because they are “playing a character,” but it is always harmful, offensive, and never okay.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/02/us/racist-origins-of-blackface/index.html

“Jared: Whatever. It was the most important part, and I remember all of it. They put brown makeup on me and everything.” (Dear Martin, p. 32)

“(Who puts a little kid in blackface!?)” (Dear Martin, p. 35)

“‘Ya boy’s got racist lawn gnomes and white people in blackface hanging on the walls, now he pulls this shit, and you want me to chill?” (Dear Martin, p. 91)

Token

Tokenism is the practice of doing something such as hiring or befriending someone who is a person of color for the purpose of avoiding criticism and giving the appearance that discrimination is non-existent. Tokenism is rooted in performance, not action. To be a token, is to be the one person of color in a group. Manny’s Halloween costume of a “cable-knit sweater draped over his shoulders and tied loosely at the chest” symbolizes the “Token Black Guy” because it shows that he is a Black individual existing within a white way of being.

Source: https://business.vanderbilt.edu/news/2018/02/26/tokenism-in-the-workplace/

“Manny’s the Token Black Guy: khakis, loafers, and polo with a cable-knit sweater draped over his shoulders and tied loosely at the chest.” (Dear Martin, p. 40)

Redneck

Redneck is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a white member of the Southern rural laboring class,” but it has come to also represent a white individual of the rural working class that has deeply conservative political views and rowdy, unsophisticated behavior. The “redneck” term originated from striking coal miners that tied red bandanas around their necks in the 20th century.

Sources: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rednecks

https://www.wvpublic.org/news/2015-05-18/do-you-know-where-the-word-redneck-comes-from-mine-wars-museum-opens-revives-lost-labor-history

“Kyle went with the Redneck: woodland camouflage shirt, overalls, trucker hat with a Confederate flag patch, dingy cowboy boots.” (Dear Martin, p. 40)

Klansman / KKK

The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) is a white supremacist terror group that was formed originally in the 19th century American South and later again in the 20th century that targeted the Black population through violence and intimidation. The white robes and hoods worn by Klansmen originated as a tactic to frighten the Black community and prevent identification from law enforcement.

Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ku-Klux-Klan

“He’s dressed as a Klansman. He’s got on the hite robe with the circular red and white cross patch on the chest, and he even has the pointed hood with the eyeholes cut out.” (Dear Martin, p. 40)

“Of course everyone else - Blake the Klansman included - has been cropped out of the version making national news.” (Dear Martin, p. 148)

“‘Says his dad is calling some people so they'll show the entire shot, Blake’s Klan idiocy included.’” (Dear Martin, p. 152)

“‘Brad, that’s the fool you punched at that Halloween party, right? With the KKK shit on?’ Gun Guy asks.” (Dear Martin, p. 163)

“Since Blake’s ‘Justyce assaulted me’ stunt fell flat - even the pundits were smart enough to ignore a kid in a KKK robe - Jus figured it was only a matter of time before he got accused of something else.” (Dear Martin, p. 175)

“Niggas” / “N-word” / “Nigger”

“Nigger” is a derogatory term for a Black person. It stems from the Latin word for black, “niger.” The word has a history that is deeply rooted in practices and beliefs of slavery, white supremacy, and racism. When said by a white individual, the word is absolutely meant to be demeaning or an indicator of cultural appropriation, however, the Black community has taken back the word for themselves and sometimes use it in a social context with each other. Because the word has such a painful history, many people don’t feel that it is appropriate to say it at all, and opt for using the phrase “n-word” instead.

Source: https://theundefeated.com/features/if-you-truly-knew-what-the-n-word-meant-to-our-ancestors-youd-never-use-it/

“‘These white boys might be standing here next to y’all, but y’all still ain’t nothin’ but niggas to them, ya heard me?’ he says.” (Dear Martin, p. 44)

“Trey: Bruh, you know these niggas don’t wanna chill with us.” (Dear Martin, p. 44)

“Me: What if Trey is right? What if, no matter what i do, the only thing white people will ever see me as is a nig - an “n-word”?” (Dear Martin, p. 49)

“‘Niggas gettin’ shot for carrying candy and cellphones and shit.” (Dear Martin, p. 89)

“‘Homegirl’s got the fattest ass i’ve ever seen, and I think if she meets my niggas, I’ll have a good chance of getting her upstairs. You feel me, dogs?’” (Dear Martin, p. 90)

“‘That’s not to mention you tossin’ the n-word around like you own it.” (Dear Martin, p. 91)

“I mean, I punched a guy for using the n-word recently, didn’t I?” (Dear Martin, p. 114)

“YOU WORTHLESS NIGGER SONS OF BITCHES” (Dear Martin, p. 118)

“‘Have a seat, my nigga. Have a seat.” (Dear Martin, p. 140)

“‘Get wit some niggas wo hon’t turn on you and y’all do whatever it takes to stay at the top, you feel me?’” (Dear Martin, p. 143)

Chapters 7-9

Affirmative Action

Check out our resources on systemic racism.

“Jared: I’d like to discuss how affirmative action discriminates against members of the majority.” (Dear Martin, p. 59)

“SJ: You said affirmative action ‘discriminates against members of the majority,’ and you cited Jus’s acceptance to Yale and your lack thereof as supporting evidence for that assertion.” (Dear Martin, p. 60)

“Jared: I deserved to get in too! Affirmative action is bullshit.” (Dear Martin, p. 61)

Morehouse / Spelman

Morehouse College and Spelman College are historically Black colleges and university (HBCU) institutions in close proximity to each other in Atlanta, Georgia. They are part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, which is the world’s oldest and largest consortium of historically Black colleges and universities. Morehouse College is an all men’s college, and Spelman an all women’s college, meaning the two often partner and come together for community events.

Source: https://aucenter.edu/about-us/

“My folks are all excited about me going to Morehouse next year, but I’m nervous as hell.” (Dear Martin, p. 73)

“‘I’m sure there’ll be plenty of dudes you’ll vibe with at Morehouse just like you vibe with me.” (Dear Martin, p. 73)

“It’s Spelman I’m really worried about.” (Dear Martin, p. 73)

“The only reason I’m even going to Morehouse is because it’s been my ‘SpelHouse’ alumni parents’ dream for me since they found out I was a boy.” (Dear Martin, p. 73)

Racial Profiling

Check out our resources on systemic racism.

“With her final sentence - ‘We are here to argue that racial disparities in the US criminal justice system are largely due to racial profiling’ - a murmur trickles through the audience.” (Dear Martin, p. 80)

Chapters 10-12

Minstrel Shows / Minstrelsy

Minstrel shows were shows put on by white performers in blackface in the 19th century. Minstrel shows were performed for white audiences, and were often the only depiction of Black like that white audiences saw. Minstrel shows used character archetypes to center Black slaves as comedic material to help desensitize white Americans from the horrors of slavery. These performances also worked to support white people’s thinking about white supremacy through the offensive Black character archetypes.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/02/us/racist-origins-of-blackface/index.html

“There’s a good chance that if he’d ‘slowed down’ when Manny told him to, he wouldn’t feel fury when he sees that the wall behind the bar in Blake’s basement is lined with posters from ‘William H. West’s Big Minstrel Jubilee.’” (Dear Martin, p. 90)

African Diaspora / Transatlantic Travel

The African Diaspora is the movement (voluntary and involuntary) of Africans and their descendants from their home countries to various parts of the world during the modern and pre-modern periods. Part of the Diaspora involved transatlantic travel from Africa to the Americas in packed ships with inhumane living conditions. Transatlantic travel often lasted months.

Sources: https://las.depaul.edu/centers-and-institutes/center-for-black-diaspora/about/Pages/defining-diaspora.aspx

“‘People across the diaspora have been treated as inferior for so long, most of us have habituated to the lie of white superiority. But never forget,’ Martel goes on, ‘your ancestors survived a transatlantic journey, built this nation from the ground up, and maintained a semblance of humanity, even when the very conditions of their existence suggested they were less than human.’” (Dear Martin, p. 161)