Racial Tension

One major theme in Bronx Masquerade is racial tension. Many of the characters have issues with either their race or the race of their classmates. For example, Tyrone is a racist, for all intents and purposes. He openly says he does not trust or like white people. He does not allow himself to be friends with them. When a white reporter comes to visit their class, Tyrone automatically assumes he will write something bad about them or not understand their poetry. Tyrone also originally does not let Steve, a white classmate, rap in his crew. Tyrone says whites and blacks can peacefully coexist, but he does not want a white boy in his crew. Tyrone is an angry kid, who is consumed with hatred for the white race. Anytime he encounters a white person, the racial tension is at the forefront.

Conversely, Sheila is a white girl...