Discussion: White Lines by Tracy Brown

Question: Born’s mother is protective of her son and watches out for him. She doesn’t condone what he’s doing however at the same time, she accepts his money. Is she a decent role model? And Edna chooses her boyfriends over her daughters, although in the end, she is there for Jada. How would you compare the two mothers? Which is the stronger woman?

Answer: Both mothers love their children. Born’s mother appreciates him so she knows he’s a smart, young man who knows what he’s doing. Even though she doesn’t want him to do what he does, they both know that that’s the only way they can get through. She understands the situation very much.

Jada’s mother is clearly lost and weak, you could tell she wants to be comforted by a man and wants to live as a big happy family. But she thinks about her own happiness before her daughters.

- T’Shante Johnson-Whittaker