How Is Racism Reflected in New Kid 

By: Kabir

    In the graphic novel, New Kid, racism is a common theme throughout the book. Interestingly the book takes place in a very modern setting, so it reflects the modern experience of an African American boy going to a private middle school, according to Jerry Craft. The protagonist, Jordan Banks, and his diverse friends face discrimination from both their peers and their teachers. By the end of the book, intentional and unintentional racism is brought aware of and stopped. 

    An important character in this story is Andy, a sport's jock who's also "Mr. Popular." Often he will pick on Jordan and other people of color to show off to his friends. Occasionally those situations will include making several inappropriate assumptions about people's race which hurts many people's feelings. An example of this is when Andy assumed a hispanic boy was Mexican by his name (Ramon) and his looks. Andy also pesters Ramon about how his mom must make the best tacos, even though he's a Nicaraguan boy. At the end of the book, many of his friends begin to dislike Andy and his prejudiced ways, which is the reality check he needed. On the last day of school he's all alone, but Jordan still shows kindness to him, which is reciprocated by Andy. Even though it is not clearly stated, Andy improved as a person and learned his wrongs. 

    One of Jordan Bank's teachers is named Ms. Rawle. In this story she has kind intentions, however, many accidental racist comments are made from her. Like Andy, her misdoing were brought aware to her in the end. Several times in the story Ms. Rawle confuses her African American students with each other. When the students become fed up and confront her, she gets upset and feels in the right. Also she assumes they have poor socio-economic status based on their race. Ironically, one of their fathers was the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. After witnessing how badly it affects her students, she realizes her mistakes and apologizes. 

    Jerry Craft's interpretation of a modern high school also reflects his thoughts on modern racism. He shows two sides on the "spectrum" of racism (Andy and Ms. Rawle). While they are both are inflicted differently, all racist comments have the same negative effects. The kids feel hurt even by accidental comments and demand a change. In the end, Andy and Ms. Rawle are forced to change their ways, similarly to how racism diminished over decades in our society.