|
1. As Starr and Khalil
listen to Tupac, Khalil explains what Tupac said "Thug Life" meant.
Discuss the meaning of the term "Thug Life" as an acronym and why the
author might have chosen part of this as the title of the book. In what
ways do you see this in society today? (Chapter 1, p. 17)
2. Chapter 2 begins with Starr flashing back to two talks her parents
had with her when she was young. One was about sex ("the usual birds and
bees"). The second was about what precautions to take when encountering
a police officer (Chapter 2, p. 20). Have you had a similar
conversation about what to do when stopped by the police? Reflect upon
or imagine this conversation.
3. Thomas frequently uses motifs of silence and voice throughout the
book. Find instances in the book where silence or voice and speech are
noted, and talk about the author’s possible intentions for emphasizing
these motifs.
4. At the police station after Starr details the events leading up to
the shooting, the detective shifts her focus to Khalil’s past. Why do
you think the detective did this? Discuss Starr’s reaction to this
"bait" (Chapter 6, pp. 102–103).
5. Once news of Khalil’s shooting spreads across the neighborhood,
unrest arises: "Sirens wail outside. The news shows three patrol cars
that have been set ablaze at the police precinct.… A gas station near
the freeway gets looted.… My neighborhood is a war zone" (Chapter 9,
pp. 136–139). Respond to this development and describe some
parallels to current events.
6. How do you think Starr would define family? What about Seven? How do
you define it?
7. Chris and Starr have a breakthrough in their relationship—Starr
admits to him that she was in the car with Khalil and shares the
memories of Natasha’s murder (Chapter 17, pp. 298–302). Discuss
why Starr’s admission and releasing of this burden to Chris is
significant. Explore the practice of "code switching" and discuss how
you might code switch in different circumstances in your own life.
8. How and why does the neighborhood react to the grand jury’s decision
(Chapter 23)? How does Starr use her voice as a weapon, and why
does she feel that it is vital that she does? Refer back to "Thug Life"
and discuss how the acronym resonates in this chapter.
9. Starr pledges to "never be quiet" (Chapter 26, p. 444). After
reading this book, how can you use your voice to promote and advance
social justice? Reflect on how you and your community discuss and
address inequality.
|
|