Ghost Boys Essay Questions

What role does the concept of systemic racism play in Ghost Boys?

As one of the novel's major themes, systemic racism plays a significant role in Ghost Boys. Defined as the unjust or harmful treatment of racialized individuals due to a society's policies and practices, systemic racism is most directly depicted through the premise of a white police officer facing no charges for fatally shooting a twelve-year-old Black boy while his back was turned. Officer Moore defends his actions by claiming that Jerome appeared large and threatening, but his unconscious racial bias is exposed when it is revealed that Jerome is no larger than Moore's daughter. If Jerome were white, statistics indicate that the police would have approached the situation with greater adherence to proper procedure, such as identifying themselves as law enforcement, ordering Jerome to drop the weapon, and providing medical assistance. The issue of systemic racism is also explored in the sections concerning Emmett Till. Despite substantial evidence against them, the two white men who abducted, tortured, and lynched the fourteen-year-old Black boy in Mississippi were acquitted by an all-white jury. These two cases serve as stark examples of how racist sentiments are deeply rooted within the American law enforcement and justice systems, where Black lives are often perceived as having lesser value than white lives.

How does Rhodes explore inequality in Ghost Boys?

In Ghost Boys, social and economic inequality is a major theme. Early in the novel, Jerome speaks of the poverty, neglect, and danger prevalent in his Chicago neighborhood, which is full of abandoned brick houses and lacks green space. On his way to school, Jerome passes the aftermath of a meth lab explosion and avoids a corner known for open-air drug transactions. The neighborhood's association with crime plays a vital role as Officer Moore, policing the troubled area, responds with fear and misjudgment during the emergency call. Perceiving the neighborhood as "rough," Moore reacts impulsively, mistakenly assuming that Jerome, a child, poses a genuine threat with a firearm. The theme of inequality also emerges when Jerome visits Sarah's house and witnesses the visible signs of privilege surrounding her. Initially feeling disconnected from her because of the stark contrast between their lives, Jerome eventually realizes the importance of bridging the gap of inequality through meaningful communication.

What is the significance of Officer Moore misestimating Jerome's size?

Officer Moore's misjudgment of Jerome's physicality is significant because it serves as a symbol of unconscious racial bias. In his initial testimony, Moore characterizes Jerome as "hulking" and "scary," implying that the boy's apparent size led him to assume Jerome was a mentally unstable adult armed with a real firearm. However, during the court proceedings, the prosecutor exposes the truth to Moore and the courtroom: Jerome, a twelve-year-old weighing ninety pounds and standing at a height of five feet, is no bigger than Moore's twelve-year-old daughter. By highlighting the disparity between Moore's perception and the objective reality of Jerome's small stature, the prosecutor underscores how Moore's unconscious fear of Black men influenced him to perceive Jerome as bigger and more menacing than he was.

What is the symbolic significance of the toy gun Carlos gives Jerome?

The toy gun Carlos gives Jerome symbolizes differences in perception. Initially, when Carlos unveils the gun, both Jerome and the bullies perceive it as a genuine weapon. However, Jerome's perception changes when Carlos reveals that it is actually a plastic gun, leading to laughter among the boys. Despite sensing a hint of danger associated with the toy, Jerome accepts it at Carlos's insistence. For Jerome, the toy gun becomes a means of engaging his imagination, as he pretends to shoot enemies in an abandoned lot, reminiscent of a video game. However, a stranger observing the same scene perceives Jerome as a potential threat, uncertain of whether the gun is real or not. When the police respond to the incident, they perceive the gun as authentic and swiftly disarm Jerome with two fatal shots, without hesitation. With the gun's evolving significance throughout the story, Rhodes portrays how the significance of the toy gun is subjective, dependent on the assumptions and biases each person brings to it.

What role does support play in Ghost Boys?

Support is a central theme in Ghost Boys. Rhodes establishes this theme early on as Jerome describes how his family structure depends on mutual material and emotional support. In their small apartment, three generations pitch in together: Grandma cares for the children, Pop and Ma provide financial support, and Jerome comforts his grandmother. Kim also offers emotional support to Jerome, who is friendless and targeted by bullies. Jerome hesitates to be friends with Carlos due to the risk of any allegiance, but when bullies assault Carlos, Jerome jumps to defend him. After Jerome's death, Carlos walks Kim home and introduces the Rogers family to his Day of the Dead tradition. Jerome supports Sarah on her journey to enlightenment about social issues, while Emmett helps Jerome find his purpose in the afterlife. In all, Rhodes portrays the interconnectedness of characters, highlighting the importance of a strong and mutually beneficial support network.