{Josie said} I just ... I don't like the way you treat kids who aren't like us, all right? Just because you don't want to hang out with losers doesn't mean you have to torture them, does it? Yeah, it does, Matt said. Because if there isn't a them, there can't be an us. His eyes narrowed. You should know that better than anyone.
In the book "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult, a confrontation unfolds between Josie and Matt regarding the treatment of other kids. Josie expresses her discontent with how Matt and others mistreat peers who are different, suggesting that avoiding or bullying them is unnecessary. She highlights the importance of empathy and understanding for all children, regardless of their social status.
Matt, however, defends his behavior by indicating that creating an "us versus them" dynamic is essential for his social standing. He believes that excluding those he labels as "losers" solidifies his own group's identity. This unsettling exchange reflects broader themes of bullying, social hierarchies, and the struggles of young people to navigate their identities in a complex social environment.
