Racism and Prejudice

Racism and prejudice is one of the central themes in All American Boys, and throughout the novel the authors challenge common stereotypes in an attempt to challenge systematic racism. Officer Galluzzo, David Butler, and Quinn's mother are just a few of the characters to exhibit these prejudicial beliefs.

To begin, the conversation around race starts after Officer Paul Galluzzo arrests Rashad Butler at Jerry's corner store. Paul contends that Rashad was trying to steal a bag of chips, and that the lady from the encounter was simply trying to stop him. However, as is evident to the audience through Rashad's first person account of the situation, that is far from the truth, and the lady fell over Rashad by accident. Paul calls Rashad a no good thug who cannot listen to authority, but in reality Rashad is far from it. Paul comes to this...