Monster vs. Black and White

African Americans are seven times more likely to commit crimes than any other race, and eight times more likely to commit robbery per New century Foundation. This is a shocking fact! In the books “Monster” by Walter Dean Myers and “Black and White” by Mike Volponi, main teenage characters commit crimes that lead to deadly shooting and change their lives forever. 

There are many similarities between the books main characters, “Black and White’s” Marcus and “Monster’s” Steve. Like, both live in the New York City area. They both commit robberies that led to fatal shootings. “Eddie gave me a nod, and I nodded right back. I didn’t even know the man was black until we walked up to him, and Eddie told him it was a stickup.” They both have loving families that were involved in their lives. That one choice of committing the robberies altered their lives forever.

Even though there are numerous similarities, there are differences too. Marcus from “Black and White” had very promising futures, was a division one college basketball prospect. Steve from “Monster” was in a gang, without a bright future. Their motives were different too, Steve was asked to commit robbery by the gang “I’ll withdraw the question as framed. Mr. Harmon, do you remember Osvaldo saying that he understood you to be the lookout?” Were as, Marcus needed money for a senior trip to six flags.

Although Marcus and Steve had different motives, their choice to commit robbery, has ended up with  both of  them going to jail. By not stopping and thinking, the teenage boys have altered their live forever.