Why is Hally's outlook the world so negative?

Hally is living in the crossroads of apartheid. He's a smart boy, who tends to be lazy. But unlike most young, white boys living in South Africa, the two people Hally is closet to are black (Sam and Willie). Beacuse of this Hally is torn between the racism that exists in his world, and his contempt for his parents, who shame him.