How Does 'Ghost Boys' Portray Systemic Racism?

'ghost boys' unpacks systemic racism with surgical precision by weaving together multiple perspectives. Jerome's ghost narrative lets us see how racism extends far beyond his death - we witness his sister being treated differently at school, his father struggling with unfair work conditions, and media twisting his story to justify the shooting.

The courtroom scenes perfectly illustrate institutional bias. Despite clear evidence, the system bends over backwards to excuse the officer's actions, using phrases like 'reasonable fear' that automatically side with authority figures. The grand jury process gets stripped down to show how these systems are designed to protect certain people while offering hollow 'reviews' instead of actual accountability.

What makes this portrayal unique is the historical context woven through Emmett Till's ghost. Drawing parallels between 1955 and modern times shows how systems recycle the same injustices with slightly different packaging. The book forces readers to confront how little has fundamentally changed in how power structures treat Black bodies. Even the 'good' characters like Carlos reveal systemic issues - his family's immigration story shows how racism intersects with other forms of institutional discrimination.

Parker Rhodes doesn't pull punches in 'Ghost Boys'. The systemic racism here isn't about cartoon villains - it's in the quiet moments. Like teachers suddenly treating Jerome's sister differently after his death, or how his grandmother expects this outcome because 'that's how it always goes'. The book makes you feel how racism operates like gravity - an invisible force shaping every aspect of these characters' lives.

The genius is in showing systems through micro-interactions. When the officer's daughter Sarah initially sees Jerome's photo as a 'criminal', it reveals how media trains people to associate Blackness with danger. The legal scenes hit harder because we see the process through a child's eyes - the confusing jargon, the adults talking around the truth, the way 'protocol' gets used as a shield.

Ghost Emmett Till appearing to Jerome drives home how these systems persist across generations. Their conversations show how racism reinvents itself - the weapons change from ropes to guns, but the power structure stays intact. The most chilling part is Jerome realizing his death will just become another statistic in an endless cycle unless people actively break the system.

the portrayal of systemic racism hits hard and feels painfully real. The story shows how racial bias gets baked into institutions through Jerome's shooting - a Black kid treated as a threat just for playing with a toy gun. The police response mirrors real cases where fear and stereotypes override basic humanity. What's especially brutal is how the system protects the officer while Jerome's family gets no justice. The ghost scenes where Jerome watches his family suffer highlight how racism creates generational trauma. The book doesn't just blame individuals; it shows how schools, media, and legal systems all contribute to devaluing Black lives. Sarah's journey as the white daughter of the officer adds another layer, showing how privilege blinds people to systemic issues until they're personally affected.