Question

read the excerpt from \jabari unmasked\ by nikki grimes.

one look, and we are neatly judged this gang, these thugs, these dark delinquents in debt to society. meanwhile, you fail to see that we are college - bound (more than a few), prepared to pay attention to psychology, the sciences, the arts, to thoughtfully unfurl the scrolls of human history. instead, you see a thief who uses guile.

which statement best explains the poet’s use of the phrase “you fail to see” in the excerpt?

○ it emphasizes the speaker’s claim that everyone has a value they bring to society.
○ it develops the speaker’s message that stereotypes can be damaging.
○ it encourages the reader to engage in and connect with their communities.
○ it creates a commonality between the reader and the students who are described.

Explanation:

The phrase "you fail to see" contrasts the initial negative stereotypes ("gang," "thugs," "dark delinquents") with the reality of the students being "college - bound" and engaged in various academic pursuits. This shows how stereotypes can prevent people from seeing the true value of others, thus developing the message that stereotypes are damaging.

Answer:

It develops the speaker’s message that stereotypes can be damaging.