Baddest dog in Harlem (Cecilie)

1. Describe the environment in the short story with special focus on the relationship between the community and the police in Harlem. Use specific examples.

- Judging from the way the main character acts when the police comes I would say that it is not the first time “I did just like everybody else leaning on that rail did, say a quick prayer and put on my innocent face”.

Although the text does not show direct hatred towards the police it seems as if they are quite annoyed by them. Their relationship is “passive-aggressive”.

The police is enemies of the community rather than protectors of it. 

2. Comment on the language in the short story. How is it told and by whom? What characterizes the tone of voice and word usage of the narrator? Use specific examples.

- “Now that was a lame answer and everybody there, with the exception of Willie, knew it".

The language is very “young” and informal. It is spontaneous and probably resembles the way young people in Harlem talk (except the text features less slang). 

As informal as I may be it is still intelligent and easy to understand.

3. Select three quotes from the text that you believe are central to the story in terms of plot and/or themes. Explain the quotes – what do they mean? Is there any hidden meaning to them?

1.  “They had one cop who was a brother but he was trailing behind and looked like he was fixing to run any minute”: It’s interesting how he refers to a black cop as a brother. As if he feels like they are automatically related.

2. “I hadn’t seen anything, but then I wasn’t looking too hard. The thing I don’t want to be is a witness”: Even though he didn’t do anything wrong he will do anything to stay clear of the police and law enforcement. Either that or he didn’t want to see anyone get shot.

3. “The cop looked over at us a didn’t say nothing. I bet if he had his way he would have had us sitting out there in that police car”: Describes the racism towards the community/people of Harlem.