Graffiti

While graffiti is commonly viewed as vandalism, in All American Boys it is used to paint the important message RASHAD IS ABSENT AGAIN TODAY outside the school. The tag, made by Rashad's good friend Carlos, is a symbol demanding reform to the American police system. When Carlos and English visit Rashad in the hospital, they feel like something needs to be done, they are fed up with the injustice that is exhibited towards people of color. The graffiti is their way of making sure this issue does not go unnoticed, and that they will not accept it being swept under the rug.

Sports

Sports is used as a symbolic reference to mirror the progress that of society on social issues. The purpose of sport evolves as the novel progresses- what was once a place to escape from the pressures of society later becomes a place where...