Social Pressure in 'Bad Boy': Systematic Racism in America Sofia Ribeiro 11th Grade

Does race play a factor in whether or not one succeeds in life? Bad Boy by Walter Dean Myers explores this topic in an unforgettable memoir about identity, racism, and the neighborhood of Harlem. His transition from childhood to becoming a man is a rollercoaster ride of maturing and finding his place in a racist society and a system built to go against him. This is the story of what came to be one of the most influential writers of young adult literature.

As a boy, Walter Dean Myers utilized violence to solve his problems, put his faith in God and the Dodgers, and had an unshakeable set of values taught to him by school that, together, would undoubtedly amount to a successful life. His childhood was overall focused on God and reading, he thought if he stayed on the straight and narrow path of following the values that made the most sense, he would be on his way to achieving “the state of being good” (Myers, 66). This was sure to be a foolproof plan for smooth sailing, Walter thought school was providing him a guideline to live his life, never once did he anticipate that prejudice would interfere. He was being good until his quick temper consistently landed him in the principal’s office, all due to his peers making fun of his...