Question

Starr is angered by the news interview featuring One-Fifteen’s father. He says his son wanted to make a difference in the Garden Heights community. Starr responds, “I wish people like them would stop thinking that people like me need saving.” Who do you sympathize with? Tell a story from your life.

From: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Answer 1

Even after learning his real name is Brian Cruise, Starr thinks of the police officer who shot Khalil as One-Fifteen. By referring to him only by badge number, Starr reduces One-Fifteen to a symbol of racism in the system of law enforcement.

Answer 2

I sympathize with Starr in this situation. I can relate to her frustration, as I have experienced a similar situation in my life.

When I was in high school, I was part of a club that focused on helping low-income communities in our city. We organized fundraising events and collected donations, and then distributed them to people in need. We also ran volunteer programs for people to help out in the local community.

One time, we invited a famous celebrity to come to our event to inspire people and help raise awareness. But instead of focusing on the people we were trying to help, the celebrity spent the entire time talking about how they were the hero and savior of the community. They talked about how they were doing the “real” work, and how everyone else was just along for the ride.

It was infuriating to hear them talk like that, as if they were the only ones doing anything and everyone else was just following them. It made it seem like the people in the community were helpless and needed someone to come in and save them. It was insulting and disrespectful, and it made me angry.

Just like Starr, I wish people like them would stop thinking that people like me need saving. We have the power and the ability to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. We don't need a savior, we just need support and resources.