What is Justyce’s Wrists?

Justyce’s wrists represent racial inequality and the social barriers faced by minorities in the United States. At first, Justyce’s wrists bear the physical bruises of his unjustified handcuffing, However long afterward he continues to touch them as a talisman to remember the danger the world poses to him just for the color of his skin. For example, when Manny has reached his own political awakening and wants to stand up to Tison by turning the music louder, Justyce remembers his own sobering encounter at a time he had thought he was safe: “Justyce’s eyes go to his wrists, and Manny glances over and stops laughing” (117). Both friends understand the potent symbolism long after the bruises are gone: Justyce bore undeserved shackles, and the knowledge and fear of that moment haunt him.