Stereotypes In A Hope In The Unseen

If one was to walk into a room filled with others that were different in both appearance and behaviour, what might the instinctive reaction of this person be? This question is asked every day in terms of stereotyping, restricting one from the potential connections we might make with people rather than focusing on unimportant labels that may be formed. In the novel A Hope in the Unseen by Ron Suskind, the topic of setting these differences aside becomes a major conflict that the protagonist confronts. The main character, Cedric Lavar Jennings, endures difficult circumstances due to lower social status, racial issues, and the resultant lack of privileges. He justifies his mistrust and skepticism by the hardships he endures. Through adversity, he learns not to compare his experiences

This in turn opens his mind, enabling him to realize that people are more than their labels.
Cedric’s upbringing significantly influenced the way he reacts to unfamiliarity when he leaves his hometown in Washington, DC. The area in Washington that he lives in during his adolescence is one filled with crime and poverty, and is thus unsafe. Authority figures were also not to be trusted, “The mayor’s criminal past—his much publicized conviction for cocaine possession and subsequent time served—binds him to his audience…” (68). Cedric’s mother, Barbara Jennings, is concerned for his safety in such an environment, and orders her son to return home right after school. Though his safety is the priority, the consequence of Barbara’s actions is not only the mental disturbance that comes along with being cautious, but also limits chance of truly exploring his career options and time he has to study for his future. Just as the area is unfit for living, so is the lifestyle of the main character and his family. Barbara works long hours at the Department of Agriculture in order to provide for them; despite this, she is unable to