Byron
asked
Jeff Hobbs:
Jeff, I hope you received my question. I'm very interested in your answer regarding the nigger/brother analysis shared by Rob to you at Yale and how it speaks to young African Americans today. Thanks. Byron ?
Jeff Hobbs
Dear Byron -- I am so sorry for the incredible delay in responding. I am a luddite and didn't realize over all these months that these questions don't appear on my phone which is what I have been using to check goodreads. My deep apologies. As to your question, I really can't speak for Rob and his hypothetical judgments on others. I do think he understood, in a way that particularly most other college classmates did not, that these words, even the highly charged words, don't have much to do with the individual. If he saw kids on a bus, I'd guess that he'd want to know their individual stories. I think he understood that we all don't experience each moment the same way. And that understanding is incredibly important, particularly for white people. Sorry if that's a frustrating answer to your question. Best, Jeff
More Answered Questions
Kristine R.
asked
Jeff Hobbs:
I'm in 8th grade and am currently enrolled in Wight Foundation, a boarding school prep program in Newark. We have read "Best Intentions: The Education and Killing of Edmund Perry", which is about a boy similar to Peace. Was there any inspiration, such as Perry, to write this book? If so, can you explain how Peace and Perry are similar people; if not, can you please share your motivation in writing this story?
Kristen
asked
Jeff Hobbs:
Thank you for writing "The Short and Tragic life of Robert Peace." I finished it yesterday and today I am going back over it. I cannot shake it and Rob from my mind. I teach students who remind me of him and the message you share is extremely powerful. I had been delaying finishing the book for some time since I knew the ending. Thank you for spending so much time on this book and sharing his story?
Dasia
asked
Jeff Hobbs:
Hello Jeff my name is D and I have a couple of things to say to you. Let's start with I mean this in a very respectful way possible, but why did you make this book? What did you want to gain from making this book? (respectfully). Because I feel and this is an opinion but I feel like a black person should be telling this story of Robert. like you gave us insight but you didn't inform us on who Robert really is.
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