Code Switching In 'The Hate U Give'

Having and developing a different personality for every person one interacts with; a new and unique person perfectly and carefully curated and formed for different groups, individuals and communities. This is otherwise known as code switching. Angie Thomas vivdly illustrated this in her novel, The Hate U Give. Upon immediately opening the book the reader is shown the double consciousness of the main character Starr as well as her tendency to code-switch among others; which has further developed due to the stereotypes that are put upon her. Notably, Starr and her family are African American however, they often have many interactions with white individuals and law enforcement. Due to this, they learn to code-switch to please and fit in with different

“Williamson Starr doesn't use slang—if a rapper would say it, she doesn't say it, even if her white friends do. Slang makes them cool. Slang makes her “hood.” Williamson Starr holds her tongue when people piss her off so nobody will think she's the “angry black girl.” Williamson Starr is approachable. No stank-eyes, side-eyes, none of that. Williamson Starr is nonconfrontational. Basically, Williamson Starr doesn't give anyone a reason to call her ghetto.” (Thomas 59) When examining this quote, it is explicit that Starr comprehends her ability to code-switch. Starr has carefully perfected a version of herself and has formed boundaries, limits and rules for that version to follow. She has put in time and effort to thoroughly grasp what can and can not be done at Williamson and this shows just exactly how much time and effort code-switching and her double consciousness take up in her day. In addition, an implicit analysis can be made as well regarding stereotypes. Although it is not explicitly stated, these boundaries are heavily influenced by the stereotypes of black individuals as many of the prohibitions that she has set are common stereotypes about black people. Thus, showing the reader that Starr does not want to fall into those stereotypes neither does she want to be seen as the typical black girl. Likewise, this has prevented Starr from

Early on in the book, Starr Carter exhibits her initial code switching behaviour while communicating and interacting with law enforcement. Moreover, Starr has developed an image for herself at Williamson while avoiding negative stereotypes of black people, leaving her without a true sense of who she is. Lisa, Maverick and Seven effortlessly code-switch as well so whether they do so consciously or unconsciously, it is clear that all of the Carters code-switch and that has had a big impact on their lives. The overall idea of black individuals code-switching throughout the novel is significant because it is a major topic that is discussed which also provides character development. According to a Pew Research Centre study, 48% of black adults with at least a four-year degree said they frequently feel the need to code-switch, as opposed to 37% of those without a college degree. Thus, code-switching is done amongst many black individuals in many different settings and Angie Thomas was able to effectively capture that in her novel The Hate U