The Hate U Give, written by Angie Thomas, is a book that delves into the subject of race in America through the perspective of Starr Carter, the main character. Starr is a young black girl who resides in the impoverished area of Garden Heights but attends a predominantly white school called Williamson Prep. This places her in the challenging position of belonging to two contrasting and opposing worlds. She becomes fully immersed in the struggle present in America, as highlighted by the movements “Black Lives Matter” and “Police Lives Matter.” Racial discrimination and the harsh realities of living in a neighborhood plagued by drug and gun violence deeply affect Starr and her family. These experiences drastically differ from those of her white friends, causing internal conflict and shaping her relationships and choices as she navigates both environments simultaneously.
Starr faces limitations in The Hate U Give due to her social status and race, as she navigates her identity at two contrasting environments – the wealthier, mostly white Williamson Prep and the financially disadvantaged, predominantly black Garden Heights. This unique circumstance forces Starr to adapt her persona in order to fit in, leading to conflicts with her school friends. Starr acknowledges early on that, “I’m automatically considered cool here because I’m one of the few black students. In Garden Heights, coolness must be earned, which is more challenging than purchasing limited edition retro Jordans.”
In her neighborhood, race does not define her. She observes that her friends appreciate aspects of black culture, such as fun experiences, but ignore its problems like violence and poverty. The irony is that white kids enjoy embracing blackness until they have to confront its challenges. At Williamson, Starr unconsciously modifies her speech to fit in with her white friends. However, when she returns to her neighborhood, she faces scrutiny based on the company she keeps at school.
Starr is faced with the harsh reality of racial inequality when she is pulled over by a police officer after escaping violence at a party with her childhood friend, Khalil. She recalls her father’s advice: “Star-Starr, you must obey their commands, keep your hands visible, and avoid sudden movements. Only speak when spoken to.” This guidance is crucial as it could have determined whether Khalil lived or died. Unfortunately, Starr is no stranger to racial injustice and police brutality. She personally witnesses the unfair and deadly shooting of Khalil solely because of his race. She becomes firsthand evidence that black individuals must behave differently from whites in order to decrease their chances of being fatally harmed, as if the choice is to comply or face death. Khalil’s death exemplifies how one’s appearance, rather than actions, can lead to their demise.
Starr continues to grapple with the tension between her two worlds as she tries to navigate her relationship with Chris, her white boyfriend. While holding hands with Chris, Starr has a flashback where she remembers kneeling beside her deceased friend on the street, with her hands raised, and a white cop, similar to Chris, pointing a gun at her. The memory causes Starr to recoil and pull away from Chris. The death of Khalil, as well as Chris’s race and wealth, create trust issues and conflicts in their relationship. It is challenging for Starr to accept the fact that the cop who killed Khalil because he was black shares the same skin color as Chris.
She acknowledges that his wealth and race afford him a more secure and comfortable existence than her own, and that he may never comprehend her struggle. When Chris avoids Starr, he inquires about what is happening. Starr responds, stating, “You are white, I am black. You are affluent, I am not.” Chris attempts to clarify, saying “those aspects don’t matter,” but Starr insists that “those aspects are a part of who I am.” Starr worries that their differences will hinder the progression of their relationship, while Chris remains more hopeful about their chances of staying together. Chris is making a sincere effort to understand Starr and her experiences, while Starr is striving to reconcile her dual identities.
Ultimately, Starr’s life is forever changed by her brutal experiences. She undergoes a transformation from being quiet and unsure to becoming passionate about speaking out and fighting for justice in the black community. Even though she may not be able to immediately resolve racial injustices, Starr is determined to never forget, give up, or remain silent. People are becoming more aware and taking action through shouting, marching, and demanding change. Starr’s struggle teaches her to confront and speak up against inequalities, as well as seek common ground in her relationships. She straddles two different worlds – one of poverty and limited opportunities, and another of privilege. The conflict between racial injustice and socioeconomic status permeates her life, influencing her choices and ultimately shaping her identity.
