Can you imagine having to change who you are just to fit in with the dominant culture? That is a reality for Joel and Starr in two parallel texts. Joel, the protagonist of ABC's series Redfern Now, episode four, titled'stand up', stands up for what he believes in, which defies the school rules. Joel is caught between two cultures, his school life, which is a rich white school, called Clifton Grammar. Joel's other life is at home, which is in a different town than the school, Redfern. Similarly, Starr, the protagonist of the Hate U Give, struggles with her identity. In the same way as Joel, Starr also walks a tight rope between two worlds. Starr also goes to a white school called William Prep, where slang is seen as cool, but she sees it as her normal life. Her home is in the "hood" where gunshots and slang usage are a daily occurrence.…show more content… Starr’s idol Tupac is very similar to Joels idol Anthony Mundane, in both texts their idols changed their outlook on life. Tupac, specifically Tupac’s music changed Starr, which is evident throughout the book, one of the philosophies Starr followed was “THUG LIFE” which stands for “The Hate U Give.” Similarly in Redfern now Joel Shields looks up to Anthony Mundane for his ability to speak out confidently for things that offend him or go against his morals. Which likely inspired Joel’s protest movement. Starr Carter lives in the hood and attends a predominantly white school. Starr.” My neighbourhood is a warzone” A quote said by Starr shows just how different school life is from her home. Likewise, Joel also goes to a predominantly white school and lives in a rundown
