Friendship

Jamal and Tito's relationship exemplifies what it means to be a friend and to enjoy the benefits of having a friend. Born into different ethnic backgrounds, they look beyond color and race to see each other as real people who love and respect one another. Neither boy has a father present in his life. This is important, as they are faced with difficult issues due to their circumstances. Fathers could have guided their sons to shun disreputable gang members, and perhaps Jamal's father could have kept Randy from a life of crime. Without male role models, the boys are left to be the men of the house. In trying to resolve complicated issues, they make poor choices, but they have each other. Tito proves to be the voice of conscience and tries to steer Jamal away from the Scorpions. However, as a true friend, he will not abandon...