The White Boy Shuffle is a bluntly-written book with little to no censor when it comes to language. In many ways, it perfectly matches the attitude of a typical teen boy, with immaturity reigning above all. Despite this, the main character convinces himself that he is mature through poetry, despite the fact that he uses poetry for immature ordeals like rivalries and swearing.
The explicit language in The White Boy Shuffle is often distracting, and, for some, can take away from the integrity of the book. However, it gives it officiality and a sense of realism. Readers should be aware that the n-word is used many times throughout the novel.
The book accurately critiques typical American stereotypes when it comes to race, and the main character is closer to that struggle than ever. Because he grew up listening to these stereotypes, he has fallen into them, and it has negatively impacted his life. A simple example is how the main character does not do well in school - he has given up, because he feels it is no use to him for his future.
The novel also takes into account the level of explicit content that young teens are exposed to in the modern world. The characters, who are no more than sixteen, use sexual ideas in everyday language, and use derogatory terms to describe women.
Though The White Boy Shuffle may be an accurate depiction of the world in which we live, it is written in a way that can be hard to follow. The theme of growing up and overcoming the struggles of puberty is evident, but often at the expense of common sense.
