Character
How does Jasmine learn that Richard has been arrested?
She sees footage of his arrested on the local news.
How does Richard justify his actions in his interview with the police officers?
He stated that it was only a joke and he didn't think the skirt would catch fire that quickly.
What does Jasmine (Richard's mother) notice the day of the incident on the 57 Bus?
She notices Richard's sadness.
How serious were the injuries that Sasha sustained in the fire?
Sasha had third degree burns and had to sustain skin grafts and surgery.
According to statistics cited in the chapter Miranda Warnings, what do most teens under police custody do?
Most teens arrested are intimidated and scared and give up their right to remain silent (Miranda rights) when interrogated by the police.
How do Richard's friends and family members describe him?
Loyal, caring,sweet, kind,good sense of humor, a prankster.
What actions prompt Richard to light Sasha's skirt on fire?
Richard's friends notice Sasha on the bus sleeping and find it funny "He" is wearing a skirt. They pressure Richard to pull the prank for laughs. Richard seeks their approval and follows.
From what point of view is this novel written?
Third person omniscient (Omnipotent narrator).
What was unjust or unfair about Richard's arrest?
Three possible answers here:
He was the only suspect arrested.
He waived his Miranda Rights because he didn't understand his rights.
He was subjected to questioning that could be seen as leading (How do you feel about dude that wear skirts?)
Aside from Richard who else is responsible for the crime against Sasha?
1)Jamal and Lloyd
2)Society's intolerance to difference and diversity.
3) Inequities in society (education, law enforcement).
Do you think Richard understands the word "homophobic"? Cite evidence that shows his understanding of the word from The Interview Part 3.
This is unclear but his response to the officers questions shows that he is confused the word to mean he is "straight" or heterosexual.
OR
Yes he does. He says he doesn't like gay people.
What charges are brought upon Richard? What will happen to him if he is found guilty?
He is charged as an adult with two felonies and two hate crimes because the prosecutor believes homophobia was a motive. He could face life in prison.
Why did the officer ask Richard what he thought about "dudes who dress up in skirts"?
He was building a case to confirm Richard's actions were proof he had commited a hate crime because he was homophobic.
What evidence did the police disclose (Richard's testimony) to Sasha's parents?
That Richard had stated he was homophobic.
What is dehumanizing or degrading about the "booking" process?
Suspects are stripped of their belongings.
Suspects are subjected to isolation from society.
Suspects lose privileges and freedoms.
What evidence do we have that shows Richard's remorse for his actions?
1) His mother notices his sadness the day he commits the crime.
2) After hopping off of the bus, he hears Sasha's screams, stops and turns to go back to find out what happened to them.
3)Richard goes to see Kaprice the day after to talk to her. He is arrested before he gets a chance to talk to her.
What percentage of teens according to some studies don't understand their Miranda Rights?
90%