Written By: Kyle Marx
What is justice? By dictionary definition, it is: “the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness”. Some may say that it is the act of being fair and equal to all. On the contrary, these same people judge and discriminate against certain groups based on their race. This is seen in Dear Martin by Nic Stone as Justyce McAllister faces the struggles of being a black teenager in 1983. In society, racism often occurs regardless of age or gender and results in unjust acts. Throughout Dear Martin, character Justyce McAllister fails to be treated with said moral rightness.
Dear Martin, written by Nic Stone, tells the story of a black teenager by the name of Justyce McAllister. Justyce is a prestigious student at Braselton Preparatory Academy. He is not only the captain of the debate team but is expected to go to an Ivy League school in the fall. When his ex-girlfriend (Melo) is drunk, alone, and attempting to drive, Justyce rushes over to prevent her from inflicting any harm. Due to her intoxicated state, she screams and shouts which unfortunately catches the attention of a nearby police officer. This officer approaches Justyce and says: “‘Don’t you say sh*t to me, you son of a b*tch. I knew your punk a** was up to no good when I saw you walking down the road with that goddamn hood on’”. This exemplifies how justice is not served because of Justyce’s appearance. He is not given time to explain his situation to the officer and is brutally beaten and verbally assaulted whenever he attempts to speak. Afraid of harsher punishments, he keeps quiet and complies with the officer’s commands. He is later released without charges, but the incident shows to us readers a simple glimpse of the life of a black teenager today. As a coping mechanism, Justyce starts writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Even though fifteen years have passed since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Justyce acts as if he is still alive. Justyce uses these letters to speak his mind freely without repercussions. Shocked by what has happened he writes : “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” (13-14). Through Justyce’s letter, Stone shows us, readers, that although civil rights laws have been placed, racism can still transpire despite the time period.
Throughout the book, Stone not only teaches us the importance of justice but incorporates a sense of humor which blends in with the messages of the story. Through Justyce’s actions, this humor is conveyed: “She squeezes his bicep and kisses him in the little nook where his jawbone meets his neck. ‘Bye, Jus'. Jus doesn’t say a word. Just stares at Melo’s butt as she saunters off” (57). Stone adds this type of commentary to allow the readers to see from the point of view of Justyce. By effectively adding the sense of how the average teenager thinks, it not only makes it relatable but makes the readers want to continue reading.
I would highly recommend this book to people interested in social sciences, movements, and historically civil disobedient figures. The novel illustrates a vivid image of police brutality that gives readers an idea of what it is like to be a victim of racism. On a scale of one to ten, I would confidently give this book a definite ten. As a black teenager, I found it incredibly easy to relate to some of the things Justyce had been experiencing. However, regardless of one's race, this book is enlightening and educational to all. Nic Stone’s-Dear Martin-provides an invigorating and eye-opening story of a young man's struggle for JUSTYCE.
Dear Martin, written by Nic Stone, tells the story of a black teenager by the name of Justyce McAllister. Justyce is a prestigious student at Braselton Preparatory Academy. He is not only the captain of the debate team but is expected to go to an Ivy League school in the fall. When his ex-girlfriend (Melo) is drunk, alone, and attempting to drive, Justyce rushes over to prevent her from inflicting any harm. Due to her intoxicated state, she screams and shouts which unfortunately catches the attention of a nearby police officer. This officer approaches Justyce and says: “‘Don’t you say sh*t to me, you son of a b*tch. I knew your punk a** was up to no good when I saw you walking down the road with that goddamn hood on’”. This exemplifies how justice is not served because of Justyce’s appearance. He is not given time to explain his situation to the officer and is brutally beaten and verbally assaulted whenever he attempts to speak. Afraid of harsher punishments, he keeps quiet and complies with the officer’s commands. He is later released without charges, but the incident shows to us readers a simple glimpse of the life of a black teenager today. As a coping mechanism, Justyce starts writing letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Even though fifteen years have passed since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Justyce acts as if he is still alive. Justyce uses these letters to speak his mind freely without repercussions. Shocked by what has happened he writes : “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” (13-14). Through Justyce’s letter, Stone shows us, readers, that although civil rights laws have been placed, racism can still transpire despite the time period.
Throughout the book, Stone not only teaches us the importance of justice but incorporates a sense of humor which blends in with the messages of the story. Through Justyce’s actions, this humor is conveyed: “She squeezes his bicep and kisses him in the little nook where his jawbone meets his neck. ‘Bye, Jus'. Jus doesn’t say a word. Just stares at Melo’s butt as she saunters off” (57). Stone adds this type of commentary to allow the readers to see from the point of view of Justyce. By effectively adding the sense of how the average teenager thinks, it not only makes it relatable but makes the readers want to continue reading.
I would highly recommend this book to people interested in social sciences, movements, and historically civil disobedient figures. The novel illustrates a vivid image of police brutality that gives readers an idea of what it is like to be a victim of racism. On a scale of one to ten, I would confidently give this book a definite ten. As a black teenager, I found it incredibly easy to relate to some of the things Justyce had been experiencing. However, regardless of one's race, this book is enlightening and educational to all. Nic Stone’s-Dear Martin-provides an invigorating and eye-opening story of a young man's struggle for JUSTYCE.
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