Exploring Racialization portrayed in Young Adult Fiction

Abstract

This thesis aims to answer how racial stereotypes are challenged in Angie Thomas’ The Hate U Give and Nic Stone’s Dear Martin by informing the reader through transformative characters. This is done by analyzing both novels’ portrayals of police brutality leading to an internal conflict concerning race. To investigate the novels, Critical Race Theory and the term intersectionality will be used along with narrative empathy. Furthermore, the thesis examines how intercultural competence can be facilitated through reading literature. The Core Curriculum of LK20 stresses the importance of intercultural competence in an increasingly diverse society. Empathy as a bridge between the various components of intercultural competence will be argued. Reader’s empathy will therefore be essential as their immediate emotional response toward the narrative facilitates their understanding.