Essay Questions

What is the root cause of the protests that are taking place in America?

The protests around the USA titled 'I Can't Breathe' are due to the killing of George Floyd by the police. During his arrest, Floyd is mishandled and mistreated. Floyd cries 'I can't Breathe,' but his pleas fall on deaf ears of the brutal police. Shortly after, Floyd dies, which angers most black Americans who stage huge protests across the USA and globally. The people of all races join the blacks in demanding fair treatment and end police brutality against blacks.

Is the author developing racism as the main theme in ‘Ain't Burned All the Bright?’

Racism emerges as the main theme throughout the book. The book opens by describing a young black American boy confused by the massive and violent protests on TV. The protests are due to the unfair treatment of blacks by the police. The arrest of Floyd reveals the racism that is rampant in the USA, especially in the police force. Similarly, the Covid-19 pandemic also demonstrates that blacks are not given priority in hospital admissions during the pandemic.

What is the main paradox in the book?

The main paradox is that the police who are supposed to protect people commit crimes against humanity. The dramatic arrest of Floyd that resulted in his death is a complete satire of the duties of the police. Every Americans Citizen, including blacks, has the right to a fair hearing in the court of justice. Therefore, the police must understand that every person is assumed innocent unless proven guilty.