Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned Chapter Summary & Analysis - "Double Standard" Summary

"Double Standard" Summary

Socrates is waiting for a bus. It is pouring rain, and the streets are mostly deserted. Across the street from the bus stop he sees two lovers standing under the ledge of an abandoned shop.

Socrates imagines that the shop was once a bakery because of the blue and white checks on the window. He pictures the bakery full of hard working black people working long hours and earning good pay.

Socrates tries to give the couple as much privacy as possible under the circumstances. Ralphie, according to the woman's passionate cries, is on the heavy side. The girl is small and much younger. The girl's bus is coming down the street and the couple runs to the bus stop. When they do, Socrates finds out the girl's name is Linda. Ralphie does not want to let Linda go, but he finally releases her hand, and the bus drives off...
(read more)