How do you think Manny’s character will impact the plot?

In Justyce’s character journey, Manny functions as a foil to demonstrate what limited success assimilation can accomplish when it requires turning a blind eye to injustice. Manny’s friends Jared, Blake, Kyle, and Tyler have prejudiced ideas about black people that are based on stereotypes and assumptions, and when Justyce overhears the friends talking in the cafeteria he notes that Manny laughs at their jokes, but that he seems uncomfortable.

For the sake of friendship, Manny suppresses his discomfort for years and accepts the half measures of Kyle’s announcement: “I totally don’t even see you as black, Manny!” (33). Manny plays the role of passive bystander, allowing prejudiced and even racist remarks pass him by, and allowing stunts like Jared’s Halloween costume idea. Justyce’s earlier political awakening triggers Manny’s as the two friends argue about the different approaches to social justice and change.

Manny’s laissez-faire policy gradually concedes ground to Justyce’s desire for action, and Manny finally thanks Justyce for affirming the feelings he had had all along: “if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t know some of the stuff I’ve always felt around those guys is legit” (109-110). Manny reaches his political awakening, but his first small act of resistance—listening to loud rap music—costs him his life. This lesson, too, is aimed at Justyce, testing his belief in peaceful protest when faced with senseless violence.