Jerry Craft’s novel New Kid
A book can only be as good as the emotiveness it evokes or the knowledge it impacts. Jerry Craft’s novel New Kid has illustrated the micro-aggressions depicted in society and how such affect the individuals involved. Protagonist Jordan Banks is dealt with the culture shock of moving into a new private school; in which he knows no one to guide him. Through the analysis of this story, I aim to highlight some of the aggression individuals in society have to face especially when the person in question has no guidance. Jordan Banks, in New Kid, suffers the tag name of being new in new environments that do not relatively show indulgence in affairs he had been accustomed to.
Jordan Banks is African American with a deep interest in comics for which he is shunned upon by his teacher, in ironic terms, instead of possibly being encouraged. In hindsight, the teacher is well-meaning not wanting the comic drawing to overtake his time in reading but the way she handles the outburst for his wrong. Her words show critique in biased nature, she says this about his comic” they are against everything this school stands for. And me!” (Craft 62). The teacher’s tone comes out resentful as she imposes her shortcomings on him for being a lover of comics because she hates them. Practicality implies that teachers should be supportive of student’s works despite their race. This shows the inhibitions many students face when teachers get biased in focusing on their availability to correct them. Teachers of African American descent face similar challenges from their counterparts as most insist on refereeing to them as “coach” (Craft 44). The tone used is derogatory to them that despite having worked for years within the school, none of the teachers had deemed it fit ton acknowledge them by name rather choosing a common name that secludes their race into one-as all black teachers got referred to as “coach”. The confusion of being judged based on his skin leaves Jordan feeling frustrated with his life. He laments about it saying, “Completely fearless! Unlike me, Batman is always in control of EVERYTHING” (Craft 166). He desires to be able to control the prejudice being reflected upon him.
Kids in the school are judged depending on the class and the general perception of people. The conflict of the novel is majorly focused on the circumstances of White prejudice against African American individuals. Jordan on his first day is slate to sit with Alexandria, who is referred to as “the weird puppet girl” (Craft 51). Craft has infused ironic circumstances to show the relations between the characters of the students. Jordan not held by the perception of the other students invites Alexandra for a walk around campus is surprised to learn the loner is jovial beneath the shadows and relatable, especially when he discovers the puppet show was a mirage to hide burns on her hand. In essence, Alexandra knew she would be more bullied by the burns rather than by showing off a different perception that the kids could make fun of. It is in this light that Liam, who comes from a wealthy family, chooses to hide his family’s history so as he can gain genuine friends. Liam is quick to note the differences that the wealthy children got the privilege to and choose to be regarded as lowly, to gain better friends rather than be wealthy with ignorant friends. The classism, in school so deeply entrenched, mixed with the racism bits that Drew, despite being on the honor roll every semester is expelled for standing up to a racist teacher. It is thus ironic that Jordan’s mother referred to the school as “one of the best schools in the state” (Craft 11). The school is falling short on this saying as even the Principal is depicted to be in favor of prejudicial thoughts-when he referred to an African American kid as Drew, despite the knowledge that he was not but did it because the kid was black.
In conclusion, each character has been depicted to instigate a particular kind of aggression for a deeper understanding of the school atmosphere. Especially, for those involving the biased nature of African American individuals. Jordan is finally able to make his comic articulated work for him when he wins the contest in school and finds comfort in friends who like him face adversities in school. In the end, the book has conclusively possible actual atmospheres that happen in schools that give insight into experiences most have faced. The power of overcoming and finding strength in face of micro-aggressions reigns through when despite it all Jordan makes it to the end of the school year. It, however, leaves the deliberate outlook on what more has to be done to make school environments better.