The paradox of playing with gun toys
Amari is a black boy interested in playing with toy guns like his fellow white kids. Ironically, Amari is advised by his father never to play with toy guns. Amari finds it paradoxical that he is considered inferior. However, the father has good intentions because black kids are not treated equally as white kids. Amari does not comprehend that black people face prejudice from the white society at an early age.
The satire of Ashton’s racism
The reader learns that Ashton is a white boy from Connecticut, but sardonically, the boy complains of racism in his stories. The reader comprehends that racism is directed towards the people of mixed-raced races but not the whites. The shocking revelation by Ashton shows that fellow whites discriminate against even white people.
The irony of Tiago’s deportation
Tiago's parents are from Puerto Rico but currently are living in the United States of America. Tiago is an American citizen but fluently speaks Spanish and struggles with English. Sardonically, Tiago faces the threat of deportation because he cannot speak English. The reader finds it ironic that an American citizen can be instructed to return to his country of origin simply because he cannot speak fluent English.
The irony of storytelling in ARTT
When the teens first meet at ARTT to share their stories, they are nervous because they do not know what to expect. Each teen gives a different story explaining their past and current situation. Paradoxically, are the stories are linked to social injustices, racism and discrimination. Therefore, the teens’ worries turn into hope, and they promise each other that they will ensure that they secure a bright future.
