The Hate U Give

The Role & Representation of Media in T.H.U.G.

Starr Carter is a sixteen-year-old caught between balancing the harsh realities of her lower income neighborhood Garden Heights and her prestigious suburban prep school, Williamson which she attends on the opposite side of town. After witnessing the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil, who was unarmed, Starr is pushed to great lengths to find her inner voice.

Media: me·di·a

ˈmēdēə/

noun

the main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the Internet), regarded collectively.

Media Is Power. Studies concerning the effect of media on consumer audiences and the extent of media bias dates back to the early 1920’s. The Cultivation Theory, coined in the 1970’s proposes the ideas that media develops a person’s view of the world by presenting false messages or perceived realities. Framing is a term used to describe the creation of a narrative or context. This technique is often used strategically which tends to alter the way individuals envision race, socioeconomics and other generalizations. To dive in more deep about forms of media bias please visit Lumen American Government website.

Five Elements of T.H.U.G & The Impact of Media

Hip-Hop

Hip Hop is often used as an outlet or release in urban areas across the globe. The media has a tendency to portray rappers and members of the hip-hop negatively. Artist such as Tupac Shakur were known for being outspoken, bold and brave for challenging social constructs publicly at any cost. In T. H.U.G, the messages of Tupac music are heavily incorporated into the text and even inspired the title of the book with his pioneering ideologies. More than twenty years since his death, his music still stands to be as relevant and impactful as it was then. According to the late rapper, “T.H.U.G.L.I.F.E” stood as an acronym for “ The Hate You Give Little Infants F%&*$ Everybody.”

Activism

“Everybody gotta a little Activism in them.” Following the shooting of her best friend Khalil by a White police officer, Starr is left feeling voiceless and powerless. Even in your weakest moments of despair, channeling that pain and passion to spark a change can always be helpful. Khalil’s death encouraged Starr to fight back and stand her ground for her beliefs. Take your anger and utilize it to create awareness about your special cause. Media representations of social movements focusing on people of color do not always gain the most positive coverage and response. Being involved and expressing your right for your select cause will only help to fight those negative stereotypes that activist are “trouble makers” looking to incite violence. Bree Newsome (above) was arrested after removing the Confederate Flag from South Carolina state house grounds on June 27, 2015 which pressured officials to later remove it permanently on July 10, 2015.

Black Ownership

T.H.U.G showcases the multi-generational network of Black business owners and entrepreneurs within the Garden Heights community. Business owner of color, especially Black are discriminated against with unfair treatment and unequal opportunities. Businesses of color might receive less air-time or promotion compared to their White counterparts. Unless you are a mogul with your own media company, it is more difficult to get your business promoted or idea off the ground without the proper support. As we know, Starr’s father Maverick owns the only grocery store in the area which provides goods to the people. Despite not having the means to properly market the Carter Store, his business continues to thrive with the assistance of his family and members of the Garden Heights. Invest in yourself, friends and your people!

Education

Education is our escape. As a first-generation college student, I was constantly encouraged to take advantage of my educational opportunities growing up. The United Negro College Fund’s slogan said it best, “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Engaging in education prompts individuals to be their best self while pushing them to participate and learn of the endless possibilities that are available in higher education. The presence of students and educators of colors in the classroom works to build stronger narratives. Students of color, particularly Black are presented in the media as “lacking” or “falling behind.” Education helps to discover your self-confidence, self-respect, network and most importantly a sense of identity. Being “woke” gives us (you) the chance to spread knowledge and history in order to create conversations about change!

Street Gangs

There is no secret that the media paints organized street gangs as “goons” or “thugs.” Angie Thomas does an excellent job peeling back the complex layers and diverse perspectives within the street gang life. Featuring the street gang narrative in T.H.U.G helps to combat the assumed negative associations tied to the gang life by giving the characters such relatable experiences and life circumstances. During the protest in Garden Heights, members of the local gang were the first on the scene helping to save people of all colors in need. Starr’s father is also an ex-gang member who served time in prison and understands the lifestyle which inspires him to mentor certain youth in his hood’.

(Re)Solutions

• #RepresentationMatters
• #Diversity
• #Inclusiveness
• #BackpackJournalism
• #SocialMedia
• #SupportBusinessesOfColor
• #GetInvovled
• #UseYourPrivilege
• #CreateAPlatform
• #FindYourVoice
• #AdvocateForChange
• #Network

(Out)Reach

• Present to Publicity, Marketing and Black Employee Network at Warner Bros. Entertainment

• Present to active members & youth of Real To Reel Global

• Pitch a community “book club” event in collaboration with #RTR, other local supporting programs & high schools to promote the upcoming movie adaptation of The Hate U Give movie which is scheduled to hit theaters in late Fall 2018

• Contact author Angie Thomas

Photo Courtesy of Angie C. Thomas Twitter

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com, be sure to follow author Angie C. Thomas for updates on T.H.U.G

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com

Photo courtesy of Variety Magazine

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com

Photo courtesy of Google.com

For more information on T.H.U.G and activist in your area click the links below for updates.

The Hate U Give (2018)

The Hate U Give (@TheHateUGive) | Twitter

9 Black Activists Who Are Fighting Injustice And Fixing America

Follow TyNisha on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for more!

TyNisha K. Lewis also known as “Ty,” is a former homeless youth & first generation transfer student graduating with a B.A. in journalism and emphasis in public relations from Cal State University, Northridge in May 2018.

Her past work experience includes working as a student writer for CSUN Today. She also serve as CSUN PRSSA Director of Member Services and as Social Media Director of Real To Reel Global.

A Los Angeles native, Ty has been inspired by the endless creative possibilities in the world of entertainment in which she is truly passionate about. Ty’s hobbies include reading, writing, volunteering and mentoring at-risk youth.