Rashad’s father tells a surprising story about his time as a police officer. What does that reveal about his relationship with Spoony and his struggle to come to terms with what happened to Rashad?

In context, the story Rashad's father tells illustrates his love for the job he once had, and his acknowledgement of how difficult the job of a police officer really is. Because his father identifies as an officer of the law, he has difficuly empathizing with Spoony's identity as a young, back man. In the end, however, Rashad's father goes to the rally to support his son, finally realizing the struggles his sons have experienced.