The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
After two weeks, I was able to finish this astounding novel of Angiel Thomas that addresses racism; the problems in illegal drugs and gang wars; and the issue about police atrocities. I can compare the untimely death of Khalil and the grief of his loved ones to what's happening here in our country now.
There are several reported cases of how policemen kill some of these drug suspects during police operations or the so-called "War on Drugs" here. Their excuse is that these suspects always fought or tried to shoot the authorities; in some cases, there are accusations that these policemen even planted a gun near where the suspect was killed.
I may include that I support our President for this campaign against illegal drugs. I just don't trust the policemen because they usually exercise their authority in a severe and unacceptable manner.
I have two cousins who are in the constabulary; one is still in service, while the other one chose to resign after 5 years because according to him, his conscience can no longer take what some of his colleagues do. Also, the father of a friend of mine was a retired police director; that's why I've learned a lot of ways on how they torture suspects and some other alleged police brutalities through them.
The Hate U Give teaches us that there's more behind the story of these drug users and drug pushers; they need every help that they need because they are in dire situations. Instead of just wasting their lives by killing them, why don't we try to help them change by making them enter rehab and attend spiritual counseling. They are victims also of some circumstances and killing them will not resolve anything. On second thought, drug lords should be punished as they are the source and they should be killed instead as they killed many lives.
Empathy; some of these police officers lack this. If only, police training could teach modesty and compassion, perhaps people will learn to respect them.
Just like in this novel, we should be always like "Starr" in the midst of this abomination, injustice, and despotism. We must learn to stand for what we believe is right as well as for our rights.
