1 00:00:04,637 --> 00:00:06,773 [***] 2 00:00:06,806 --> 00:00:09,542 NARRATOR: Since I was the only black kid at my school, 3 00:00:09,576 --> 00:00:11,578 I thought people stared at me all the time 4 00:00:11,611 --> 00:00:13,646 because they were fascinated with me. 5 00:00:13,680 --> 00:00:14,848 Check it out. His skin. 6 00:00:14,881 --> 00:00:16,349 Was your hair always like this? 7 00:00:16,383 --> 00:00:17,717 Do you know Gary Coleman? 8 00:00:17,751 --> 00:00:19,652 [STUDENTS CHATTERING] 9 00:00:19,686 --> 00:00:22,589 NARRATOR: But I found out they were just scared of me. 10 00:00:22,622 --> 00:00:24,691 [LOCK CLICKS] 11 00:00:24,724 --> 00:00:28,361 NARRATOR: She didn't come out of that classroom for a whole week. 12 00:00:28,395 --> 00:00:31,231 Can you tell me what's going on? 13 00:00:31,264 --> 00:00:33,833 There's a rumor about the fight. 14 00:00:33,867 --> 00:00:36,603 NARRATOR: I had a fight with Caruso, the school bully. 15 00:00:36,636 --> 00:00:38,338 He beat me so bad, I had to take 16 00:00:38,371 --> 00:00:39,639 the Underground Railroad home. 17 00:00:39,673 --> 00:00:41,641 STUDENTS [CHANTING]: Fight! Fight! 18 00:00:41,675 --> 00:00:44,444 NARRATOR: But somehow that story turned into this story: 19 00:00:44,477 --> 00:00:47,580 Chris hit him in the jaw so hard, my tooth fell out. 20 00:00:47,614 --> 00:00:49,249 Chris knocked Caruso's eye out, 21 00:00:49,282 --> 00:00:51,317 put it back, and then knocked it out again. 22 00:00:51,351 --> 00:00:53,253 Chris beat the snot out of him. 23 00:00:53,286 --> 00:00:55,655 You can check his nose! No snot! 24 00:00:55,689 --> 00:00:58,191 Chris chased him home, knocked out his family, 25 00:00:58,224 --> 00:00:59,726 then took their house. 26 00:00:59,759 --> 00:01:02,295 NARRATOR: When a rumor like this gets started, 27 00:01:02,328 --> 00:01:04,297 you never know where it's going to end up. 28 00:01:04,330 --> 00:01:05,732 Are you sure about this? 29 00:01:05,765 --> 00:01:08,468 Yes, sir. After Chris kicked his teeth out, he said, 30 00:01:08,501 --> 00:01:11,438 "And I better not see you trying to smile, cracker." 31 00:01:11,471 --> 00:01:12,605 Cracker... 32 00:01:12,639 --> 00:01:14,174 Yes, sir. Cracker. 33 00:01:14,207 --> 00:01:15,875 NARRATOR: Dr. Raymond was the principal, 34 00:01:15,909 --> 00:01:18,178 and the last thing I needed was for him 35 00:01:18,211 --> 00:01:19,612 to think I was making trouble. 36 00:01:19,646 --> 00:01:21,214 Thanks, kid. 37 00:01:21,247 --> 00:01:22,716 NARRATOR: That kid snitched so much, 38 00:01:22,749 --> 00:01:24,751 he made more money than the teachers. 39 00:01:24,784 --> 00:01:27,120 [***] 40 00:01:32,659 --> 00:01:35,729 * Aw, make it funky now 41 00:02:00,653 --> 00:02:02,589 [***] 42 00:02:03,757 --> 00:02:05,692 [HUMMING] 43 00:02:09,829 --> 00:02:11,231 Raise it up. 44 00:02:11,264 --> 00:02:12,932 Higher. Higher! 45 00:02:12,966 --> 00:02:15,835 Right there. That's good. All right. 46 00:02:15,869 --> 00:02:19,572 NARRATOR: My brother Drew loved karate, and he didn't take lessons. 47 00:02:19,606 --> 00:02:22,375 All he had to do was see somebody do something, 48 00:02:22,409 --> 00:02:23,777 and then he could copy it. 49 00:02:23,810 --> 00:02:26,312 Today, you'd call that a music producer. 50 00:02:26,346 --> 00:02:28,548 [KARATE YELL] 51 00:02:29,883 --> 00:02:34,254 Chris! Breathe, breathe! 52 00:02:34,287 --> 00:02:36,423 Ah... What are you doing? 53 00:02:36,456 --> 00:02:38,324 Practicing karate. 54 00:02:38,358 --> 00:02:40,293 What are you going to do with karate? 55 00:02:40,326 --> 00:02:43,396 NARRATOR: My father didn't see the reason of learning anything 56 00:02:43,430 --> 00:02:45,565 that didn't get you a job. 57 00:02:51,504 --> 00:02:53,273 So how's school, Chris? 58 00:02:53,306 --> 00:02:56,276 You working on anthropology or paleontology, 59 00:02:56,309 --> 00:02:58,278 something complicated, I bet. 60 00:02:58,311 --> 00:03:00,613 NARRATOR: My mother thought I was learning all kinds of things 61 00:03:00,647 --> 00:03:02,349 'cause I went to a white school. 62 00:03:02,382 --> 00:03:03,850 Nope, it's just regular arithmetic. 63 00:03:03,883 --> 00:03:06,586 Y'all hear that? White kids are working on arithmetic. 64 00:03:06,619 --> 00:03:08,855 Around here, they're still doing math. 65 00:03:08,888 --> 00:03:12,425 NARRATOR: My mother always thought bigger words meant something better. 66 00:03:12,459 --> 00:03:13,960 Okay, say the blessing, baby. 67 00:03:13,993 --> 00:03:15,495 Where's the meat? 68 00:03:16,996 --> 00:03:18,465 We don't have any. 69 00:03:18,498 --> 00:03:20,400 JULIUS: Didn't you buy some pork chops? 70 00:03:20,433 --> 00:03:22,302 No, that meat was too expensive. 71 00:03:22,335 --> 00:03:26,373 JULIUS: I know we got some canned Spam or some Vienna sausage 72 00:03:26,406 --> 00:03:29,509 or bacon... or beef jerky. Some... 73 00:03:29,542 --> 00:03:31,911 I mean, what kind of meal is that without meat? 74 00:03:31,945 --> 00:03:33,480 It's a vegetarian meal. 75 00:03:35,615 --> 00:03:37,717 Do I look like a vegetarian to you? 76 00:03:37,751 --> 00:03:39,452 I work 60 hours a week. 77 00:03:39,486 --> 00:03:41,588 I lift papers and boxes all night. 78 00:03:41,621 --> 00:03:43,490 I don't want vegetables. I need meat. 79 00:03:43,523 --> 00:03:45,492 Didn't you get paid today? 80 00:03:45,525 --> 00:03:47,494 I quit my job yesterday. 81 00:03:48,361 --> 00:03:50,030 Oh, I need you to be home 82 00:03:50,063 --> 00:03:51,398 early on Thursday 83 00:03:51,431 --> 00:03:53,066 so I can pick up my check. 84 00:03:53,099 --> 00:03:54,601 How come you quit? 85 00:03:54,634 --> 00:03:56,903 They were disrespecting me, Julius. 86 00:03:56,936 --> 00:03:59,773 NARRATOR: My father always worked two jobs, 87 00:03:59,806 --> 00:04:01,841 which made my mother so comfortable, 88 00:04:01,875 --> 00:04:03,843 she'd quit her job over anything. 89 00:04:03,877 --> 00:04:05,311 Check, please? 90 00:04:05,345 --> 00:04:06,613 NARRATOR: And I mean anything. 91 00:04:06,646 --> 00:04:08,515 Now, do I look like I have your check? 92 00:04:08,548 --> 00:04:10,450 All that hollering. I don't need this. 93 00:04:10,483 --> 00:04:11,618 My husband has two jobs. 94 00:04:11,651 --> 00:04:13,386 I don't need to be here right now. 95 00:04:13,420 --> 00:04:14,387 Hold my calls. 96 00:04:14,421 --> 00:04:15,889 Who are you hollering at? 97 00:04:15,922 --> 00:04:17,023 "Hold my calls." 98 00:04:17,057 --> 00:04:18,625 Hold your own damn call! 99 00:04:18,658 --> 00:04:20,727 I do not need this! My man has two jobs! 100 00:04:20,760 --> 00:04:22,595 NARRATOR: My mother seemed to always 101 00:04:22,629 --> 00:04:23,997 find work when she needed it, 102 00:04:24,030 --> 00:04:26,099 so my father didn't complain that much. 103 00:04:26,132 --> 00:04:27,767 That's okay, baby. 104 00:04:27,801 --> 00:04:30,437 I guess all those other people are just crazy. 105 00:04:32,038 --> 00:04:34,441 NARRATOR: That look means "I know I'm wrong, 106 00:04:34,474 --> 00:04:36,676 but I'll be damned if I'll admit it." 107 00:04:40,080 --> 00:04:41,481 How about steak sauce? 108 00:04:41,514 --> 00:04:43,049 We got steak sauce? 109 00:04:43,083 --> 00:04:44,651 Hey, killer. 110 00:04:44,684 --> 00:04:47,687 [GRUNTING] 111 00:04:47,721 --> 00:04:48,688 Help me! 112 00:04:48,722 --> 00:04:51,458 I've heard what you've been saying, Meadowlark. 113 00:04:51,491 --> 00:04:53,126 What? I haven't been saying anything! 114 00:04:53,159 --> 00:04:55,762 You don't think I have enough problems without people thinking 115 00:04:55,795 --> 00:04:58,431 I'm going around stomping other people's teeth out? 116 00:04:58,465 --> 00:05:00,500 Do I need that? Then who's been saying it then? 117 00:05:00,533 --> 00:05:04,471 NARRATOR: There's "Got your back" guys, and "I'll be back" guys. 118 00:05:04,504 --> 00:05:06,072 CHRIS: Greg! 119 00:05:06,106 --> 00:05:09,642 NARRATOR: Greg was a "I'm running like a bitch" guy. 120 00:05:13,146 --> 00:05:15,849 You two, in my office now. 121 00:05:15,882 --> 00:05:17,851 [BANGING] 122 00:05:17,884 --> 00:05:20,687 NARRATOR: Dr. Raymond hated his job 123 00:05:20,720 --> 00:05:22,589 because he didn't get paid enough. 124 00:05:22,622 --> 00:05:25,158 [DISCO SONG PLAYING] 125 00:05:25,191 --> 00:05:28,595 NARRATOR: So he blew off steam by dancing the nights away 126 00:05:28,628 --> 00:05:31,364 with a few close friends. 127 00:05:37,937 --> 00:05:39,572 [***] 128 00:05:39,606 --> 00:05:42,676 You think I like calling you into my office? 129 00:05:46,146 --> 00:05:48,615 That's not a rhetorical question. 130 00:05:48,648 --> 00:05:50,016 What's a rhetorical question? 131 00:05:50,050 --> 00:05:51,818 It's a question that doesn't need an answer 132 00:05:51,851 --> 00:05:53,620 because you already know the answer when you ask it. 133 00:05:53,653 --> 00:05:55,889 Who asked you? Exactly. 134 00:05:59,459 --> 00:06:00,827 Now let me be clear. 135 00:06:00,860 --> 00:06:03,129 If I have any more trouble from either of you, 136 00:06:03,163 --> 00:06:05,031 you're going to detention. 137 00:06:05,065 --> 00:06:07,667 NARRATOR: Detention was a step up from my old school. 138 00:06:07,701 --> 00:06:09,969 In my old school, if you did something wrong, 139 00:06:10,003 --> 00:06:11,538 you had to fight the principal. 140 00:06:11,571 --> 00:06:13,006 You want to fight so bad? Fight me! 141 00:06:13,039 --> 00:06:15,975 I ain't scared of you! Well, bring it! Bring it! 142 00:06:16,009 --> 00:06:18,044 Oh, no, you didn't! You, you, you-- Come on! 143 00:06:18,078 --> 00:06:19,879 NARRATOR: You should have seen what happened 144 00:06:19,913 --> 00:06:21,514 when he tried to suspend her. 145 00:06:21,548 --> 00:06:23,850 Why am I in trouble? You heard. 146 00:06:23,883 --> 00:06:25,485 He beat me up. 147 00:06:25,518 --> 00:06:26,753 No, I didn't. 148 00:06:26,786 --> 00:06:28,755 And he called me a white cracker. 149 00:06:28,788 --> 00:06:31,157 NARRATOR: Can you believe this cracker? 150 00:06:31,191 --> 00:06:32,625 You got a point, son. 151 00:06:32,659 --> 00:06:35,428 Any more trouble, that's detention. 152 00:06:36,663 --> 00:06:38,932 NARRATOR: Ain't this about a bitch? 153 00:06:41,634 --> 00:06:43,603 What's this? Meat. 154 00:06:43,636 --> 00:06:45,238 Fresh sausage links. 155 00:06:45,271 --> 00:06:47,040 I got a deal from the meat man. 156 00:06:47,073 --> 00:06:48,775 [***] 157 00:06:48,808 --> 00:06:50,643 NARRATOR: In Bed-Stuy, "getting a deal" 158 00:06:50,677 --> 00:06:53,046 meant you bought something that was stolen. 159 00:06:53,079 --> 00:06:56,049 Now, everybody knew the stuff was stolen, which was cool, 160 00:06:56,082 --> 00:06:59,552 as long as it wasn't stolen from you. 161 00:06:59,586 --> 00:07:02,689 Hey! This is mine! 162 00:07:05,225 --> 00:07:07,027 MAN: You better keep running, boy! 163 00:07:07,060 --> 00:07:09,195 Julius, look at all of this. 164 00:07:09,229 --> 00:07:12,966 We'll be eating sausage every meal for a whole week. 165 00:07:12,999 --> 00:07:14,868 [SOFTLY] If you hadn't quit your job, 166 00:07:14,901 --> 00:07:16,803 maybe we'd have variety. Huh? 167 00:07:16,836 --> 00:07:20,206 Meat is good for society. 168 00:07:20,240 --> 00:07:22,108 [***] 169 00:07:22,142 --> 00:07:24,844 He said you beat him up? 170 00:07:24,878 --> 00:07:27,681 Yeah, and I mean, like, Raymond believed it. 171 00:07:27,714 --> 00:07:29,816 A hundred kids saw me getting chased home. 172 00:07:29,849 --> 00:07:32,218 And now, everyone's afraid of me. 173 00:07:32,252 --> 00:07:34,954 Caruso's already beaten the heck out of me every day, 174 00:07:34,988 --> 00:07:36,956 and I can't even try to defend myself 175 00:07:36,990 --> 00:07:39,059 without getting sent to detention. 176 00:07:39,092 --> 00:07:40,860 You know, I can't take this. 177 00:07:40,894 --> 00:07:43,229 Well, why don't you just punch him in the face? 178 00:07:43,263 --> 00:07:44,964 You did do it before. 179 00:07:44,998 --> 00:07:47,300 I didn't just walk up there and pow, punch him in the face. 180 00:07:47,334 --> 00:07:48,735 I had a plan... 181 00:07:48,768 --> 00:07:50,637 which didn't include getting beat down, 182 00:07:50,670 --> 00:07:52,305 chased home and sent to detention. 183 00:07:52,339 --> 00:07:54,841 NARRATOR: It was like I was getting my ass kicked 184 00:07:54,874 --> 00:07:57,077 for getting my ass kicked. 185 00:07:57,110 --> 00:07:59,212 Back at home, my mother was cooking. 186 00:07:59,245 --> 00:08:02,315 I never knew how many meals you could make with sausage. 187 00:08:02,349 --> 00:08:04,017 Chicken-fried sausage, 188 00:08:04,050 --> 00:08:05,719 sausage on a stick, 189 00:08:05,752 --> 00:08:09,022 kung-pao sausage. But there was only one problem. 190 00:08:09,055 --> 00:08:10,290 I hate sausage. 191 00:08:10,323 --> 00:08:12,726 Oh, come on, baby. You haven't even tried it. 192 00:08:12,759 --> 00:08:14,861 That's 'cause I hate sausage. 193 00:08:14,894 --> 00:08:16,329 NARRATOR: That look means 194 00:08:16,363 --> 00:08:18,865 "There's a smack over here, if you want it." 195 00:08:18,898 --> 00:08:21,568 Can she just eat her vegetables? 196 00:08:21,601 --> 00:08:24,304 I thought vegetables wasn't a meal. 197 00:08:25,839 --> 00:08:27,574 Now, I should send you to Africa, 198 00:08:27,607 --> 00:08:29,275 since you don't want to eat. 199 00:08:29,309 --> 00:08:31,911 NARRATOR: My mother could deal with a lot of things, 200 00:08:31,945 --> 00:08:34,781 but a child who wouldn't eat was not one of them. 201 00:08:34,814 --> 00:08:37,650 You're gonna sit there until you eat that sausage. 202 00:08:39,252 --> 00:08:41,888 NARRATOR: That look means "I'm still thinking about 203 00:08:41,921 --> 00:08:44,124 knocking you out of that chair." 204 00:08:49,062 --> 00:08:50,730 Go to bed, girl. 205 00:08:50,764 --> 00:08:53,233 NARRATOR: People go to war over a lot of things: 206 00:08:53,266 --> 00:08:58,805 oil, land, lies, but this one started over sausage. 207 00:08:58,838 --> 00:09:01,274 [STUDENTS CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY] 208 00:09:01,307 --> 00:09:03,643 [GRUNTS] Jeez, what was that? 209 00:09:03,677 --> 00:09:06,980 NARRATOR: At school, Caruso tortured me every chance he got. 210 00:09:07,013 --> 00:09:08,014 A battery! 211 00:09:08,048 --> 00:09:10,884 A D. They're packing heavy. 212 00:09:10,917 --> 00:09:11,918 [SNICKERING] 213 00:09:11,951 --> 00:09:13,386 Come on, man. Let's just go. 214 00:09:13,420 --> 00:09:15,355 No, no! 215 00:09:16,690 --> 00:09:18,992 I'm getting tired of him. 216 00:09:19,025 --> 00:09:20,960 [***] 217 00:09:23,363 --> 00:09:25,365 Look out! 218 00:09:30,437 --> 00:09:33,373 NARRATOR: If I'd have had a brick, I'd have hit him. 219 00:09:36,710 --> 00:09:39,346 Maybe he didn't see who threw it. 220 00:09:39,379 --> 00:09:42,716 Now, where were these guys when Tupac got shot? 221 00:09:45,118 --> 00:09:49,923 * Everybody hates Chris 222 00:09:54,794 --> 00:09:57,330 NARRATOR: After being beat down and set up by Caruso, 223 00:09:57,364 --> 00:09:59,933 detention was about the safest place I could be, 224 00:09:59,966 --> 00:10:01,434 as long I followed the rules. 225 00:10:01,468 --> 00:10:03,837 The rules are clearly posted. I suggest you read them. 226 00:10:03,870 --> 00:10:06,206 NARRATOR: The rules were simple: you talk... 227 00:10:06,239 --> 00:10:07,841 Ten minutes of detention. 228 00:10:07,874 --> 00:10:10,110 NARRATOR:If you eat... Ten minutes of detention. 229 00:10:10,143 --> 00:10:12,445 NARRATOR:If you sleep... Ten minutes of detention. 230 00:10:12,479 --> 00:10:14,814 NARRATOR: If you did anything in detention 231 00:10:14,848 --> 00:10:16,449 other than sit down and shut up... 232 00:10:16,483 --> 00:10:18,218 Ten minutes of detention. 233 00:10:18,251 --> 00:10:20,353 NARRATOR: Since I was the new guy in detention, 234 00:10:20,387 --> 00:10:23,890 everybody tried to get me in more trouble. 235 00:10:23,923 --> 00:10:26,359 What? Ten minutes. 236 00:10:26,393 --> 00:10:27,727 But for what? 237 00:10:27,761 --> 00:10:29,963 Twenty minutes. 238 00:10:29,996 --> 00:10:32,132 [SNICKERING] 239 00:10:35,502 --> 00:10:38,204 NARRATOR: I didn't tell my mother I was in detention, 240 00:10:38,238 --> 00:10:40,206 because then she'd come up to school. 241 00:10:40,240 --> 00:10:43,176 And there's nothing worse than a mad black woman 242 00:10:43,209 --> 00:10:44,878 at an all-white school. 243 00:10:44,911 --> 00:10:47,480 I thought I told you to be here so I pick up my check. 244 00:10:47,514 --> 00:10:49,015 I missed my bus. 245 00:10:49,049 --> 00:10:51,451 What were you doing that you missed your bus? 246 00:10:51,484 --> 00:10:53,720 Uh, I... uh, I just forgot? 247 00:10:53,753 --> 00:10:56,423 Oh. So you forgot to come home? 248 00:10:56,456 --> 00:11:00,060 NARRATOR: I'll look pathetic and she'll take pity. 249 00:11:00,093 --> 00:11:00,927 Uh-uh. 250 00:11:00,960 --> 00:11:03,496 What's this? It's a bucket and a mop... 251 00:11:03,530 --> 00:11:04,998 for mopping. 252 00:11:05,031 --> 00:11:07,000 Do the steps, the bathroom and the hall. 253 00:11:07,033 --> 00:11:09,869 This'll help you to remember to get your butt home on time. 254 00:11:09,903 --> 00:11:12,138 I'm going to pick up my check. 255 00:11:12,172 --> 00:11:14,007 [***] 256 00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:17,143 NARRATOR: After two days, Tanya hadn't taken a bite of sausage. 257 00:11:17,177 --> 00:11:19,879 And after having it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 258 00:11:19,913 --> 00:11:21,748 she wasn't the only one who hated it. 259 00:11:21,781 --> 00:11:25,285 Mm...mm! Now, this is good. 260 00:11:25,318 --> 00:11:27,120 Isn't it good, baby? 261 00:11:29,189 --> 00:11:31,925 Yeah. Yeah, it's good. 262 00:11:31,958 --> 00:11:33,059 Mmm! 263 00:11:33,093 --> 00:11:36,162 It's better than those sausage-o's we had this morning, 264 00:11:36,196 --> 00:11:37,397 I'll tell you that. 265 00:11:37,430 --> 00:11:40,767 Well, anybody want some cake? 266 00:11:40,800 --> 00:11:42,135 Does it have sausage in it? 267 00:11:42,168 --> 00:11:44,037 NARRATOR: We didn't usually have cake, 268 00:11:44,070 --> 00:11:46,039 but my mother was trying to get at Tanya. 269 00:11:46,072 --> 00:11:48,441 Can I have some cake? You can have some sausage. 270 00:11:48,475 --> 00:11:50,477 NARRATOR: I told you. 271 00:11:52,345 --> 00:11:54,981 Sausage. 272 00:11:55,015 --> 00:11:58,251 NARRATOR: Another day, another sausage. 273 00:11:58,284 --> 00:12:00,353 Look, Tonya, if you don't want sausage, 274 00:12:00,387 --> 00:12:03,523 then you're probably better off eating lunch at school, then. 275 00:12:03,556 --> 00:12:05,558 I hate school lunch. 276 00:12:05,592 --> 00:12:07,927 You want some sausage? 277 00:12:07,961 --> 00:12:10,296 Xie xie nin,Mama. What? 278 00:12:10,330 --> 00:12:12,465 It's "Thank you, Mom" in Chinese. 279 00:12:12,499 --> 00:12:15,335 NARRATOR: When my brother got into something, he got into it. 280 00:12:15,368 --> 00:12:19,005 You know, he's getting Asian girls to this very day. 281 00:12:19,039 --> 00:12:21,474 ROCHELLE: Eh! Chris. I didn't get my check yesterday 282 00:12:21,508 --> 00:12:23,309 because I was late getting over there. 283 00:12:23,343 --> 00:12:25,845 I need you to have your behind home on time. 284 00:12:25,879 --> 00:12:28,515 Do you understand me, boy? Yes, ma'am. 285 00:12:28,548 --> 00:12:30,116 How many days did you get? 286 00:12:30,150 --> 00:12:31,384 Three. 287 00:12:31,418 --> 00:12:32,585 [BELL RINGS] 288 00:12:32,619 --> 00:12:33,987 Ooh, I better get in there. 289 00:12:34,020 --> 00:12:35,822 I can't be late getting home today. 290 00:12:35,855 --> 00:12:37,057 You're late. Ten minutes. 291 00:12:37,090 --> 00:12:38,825 But I was right outside the door. 292 00:12:38,858 --> 00:12:40,260 Outside is not inside. 20 minutes. 293 00:12:40,293 --> 00:12:42,328 But-- Would you like to try for 30 minutes? 294 00:12:42,362 --> 00:12:44,364 NARRATOR: I wonder how many minutes I'd get 295 00:12:44,397 --> 00:12:47,133 for knocking her upside the head with this book. 296 00:12:50,103 --> 00:12:53,340 Mom-- School-- But-- No! Eh! Don't! 297 00:12:53,373 --> 00:12:55,442 NARRATOR: That look means, "Get in this house 298 00:12:55,475 --> 00:12:58,545 before I smack the wax out your ears." 299 00:13:00,547 --> 00:13:02,582 [***] 300 00:13:06,152 --> 00:13:09,956 Baby, just try it. It's good. 301 00:13:18,631 --> 00:13:22,235 NARRATOR: After a few days of sausage for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 302 00:13:22,268 --> 00:13:25,138 would you believe my mother started running out of ideas? 303 00:13:25,171 --> 00:13:28,208 Mmm! Sausage and Pop-Tarts. 304 00:13:35,582 --> 00:13:38,585 You're eating the sausage. 305 00:13:46,159 --> 00:13:47,927 Can I talk to you for a minute? 306 00:13:50,563 --> 00:13:53,199 Well, excuse me, children. 307 00:13:53,233 --> 00:13:55,402 Your father would like to talk to me. 308 00:13:57,570 --> 00:13:58,972 Let's talk. 309 00:14:02,542 --> 00:14:04,077 Baby, if she doesn't eat, 310 00:14:04,110 --> 00:14:05,578 they could call child welfare on us. 311 00:14:05,612 --> 00:14:08,181 Mm-mm, Julius, that little girl is testing me. 312 00:14:08,214 --> 00:14:10,450 If I let her tell me what she will and won't eat, 313 00:14:10,483 --> 00:14:12,485 the next thing you know, she'll be telling me 314 00:14:12,519 --> 00:14:14,020 what she will and won't wear. 315 00:14:14,054 --> 00:14:15,255 Next thing you know, she'll be telling me 316 00:14:15,288 --> 00:14:17,090 when she will and won't come home! 317 00:14:17,123 --> 00:14:19,192 The next thing you know, she's going to end up pregnant, 318 00:14:19,225 --> 00:14:21,327 and I ain't taking care of no babies. 319 00:14:21,361 --> 00:14:24,197 NARRATOR: My mother thought anything that Tanya did wrong 320 00:14:24,230 --> 00:14:25,598 would eventually get her pregnant. 321 00:14:25,632 --> 00:14:27,934 And she ain't taking care of no babies. 322 00:14:27,967 --> 00:14:29,202 But it's been two days. 323 00:14:29,235 --> 00:14:31,071 Oh, Julius, it's been three days. 324 00:14:31,104 --> 00:14:33,973 Right. Three days. 325 00:14:34,507 --> 00:14:36,643 [***] 326 00:14:40,246 --> 00:14:42,949 Did you feed her something? 327 00:14:48,688 --> 00:14:50,223 Here's a peanut butter sandwich. 328 00:14:50,256 --> 00:14:52,359 When your mama comes down, talk to the side, 329 00:14:52,392 --> 00:14:54,027 so she can't smell your breath. 330 00:14:54,060 --> 00:14:55,962 And eat the crust. I don't like crust! 331 00:14:55,995 --> 00:14:57,630 [SOFTLY] I don't like crust. 332 00:14:57,664 --> 00:15:00,433 Just eat it, girl. 333 00:15:00,467 --> 00:15:03,203 NARRATOR: Would you believe my father had to come back 334 00:15:03,236 --> 00:15:05,071 and finish the crust? 335 00:15:05,105 --> 00:15:07,073 I'm sorry, baby. Julius! 336 00:15:07,107 --> 00:15:08,742 I understand what you're trying to do. 337 00:15:08,775 --> 00:15:11,277 [SIGHS] We can put her on punishment. 338 00:15:11,311 --> 00:15:12,412 Whatever. 339 00:15:12,445 --> 00:15:14,214 I mean... But we have to feed her. 340 00:15:14,247 --> 00:15:17,384 The next time, why don't you let somebody know 341 00:15:17,417 --> 00:15:20,653 before you buy a whole crate of sausage? 342 00:15:20,687 --> 00:15:22,422 Thank you! 343 00:15:24,357 --> 00:15:26,760 [SOFTLY] Next time why don't you let somebody know 344 00:15:26,793 --> 00:15:28,261 when you quit your job? 345 00:15:29,029 --> 00:15:30,030 I'm sorry? 346 00:15:30,063 --> 00:15:31,564 Hey, uh... 347 00:15:31,598 --> 00:15:33,133 I-I was going tell you... 348 00:15:33,166 --> 00:15:35,101 I'm-I'm going to get chicken next time. 349 00:15:35,135 --> 00:15:36,736 My man got some hook-up on the chicken. 350 00:15:36,770 --> 00:15:39,272 NARRATOR: Dr. Raymond pulled me out of detention 351 00:15:39,305 --> 00:15:41,007 because he thought talking to me 352 00:15:41,041 --> 00:15:44,044 would keep me out of trouble. 353 00:15:44,077 --> 00:15:47,013 Son, I know things are rough for you here. 354 00:15:47,047 --> 00:15:51,151 But just because you don't have a father... 355 00:15:51,184 --> 00:15:53,687 But I do have a father. 356 00:15:53,720 --> 00:15:55,689 Well, when your mother is on drugs... 357 00:15:55,722 --> 00:15:58,158 My mom's not on drugs. 358 00:15:58,191 --> 00:16:01,061 I understand, but being born a crack baby is no excuse. 359 00:16:01,094 --> 00:16:03,563 I wasn't born a crack baby. Look, son. 360 00:16:03,596 --> 00:16:05,498 I'm trying to help you. 361 00:16:05,532 --> 00:16:09,102 I know it's rough, but I suggest you try to fit in. 362 00:16:09,135 --> 00:16:12,105 And the next time you throw a battery, 363 00:16:12,138 --> 00:16:13,707 that's an automatic suspension. 364 00:16:13,740 --> 00:16:15,275 Why do I have to get suspended? 365 00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:17,043 Caruso's the one that started it. 366 00:16:17,077 --> 00:16:19,045 He's calling me names and beating my butt 367 00:16:19,079 --> 00:16:20,280 every chance he gets. 368 00:16:20,313 --> 00:16:22,649 And I never called him a cracker. 369 00:16:22,682 --> 00:16:24,284 [***] 370 00:16:24,317 --> 00:16:26,353 Are you sure about this? Yeah. 371 00:16:26,820 --> 00:16:28,722 Good. 372 00:16:28,755 --> 00:16:31,391 NARRATOR: To this day, I don't know if he believed me 373 00:16:31,424 --> 00:16:33,093 or he thought I was packing. 374 00:16:33,126 --> 00:16:35,328 Stay out of trouble. 375 00:16:36,863 --> 00:16:38,198 So, what happened? 376 00:16:38,231 --> 00:16:40,166 Oh. Raymond let me go. 377 00:16:40,200 --> 00:16:41,735 But he thinks I'm a crack baby. 378 00:16:41,768 --> 00:16:43,336 Listen, I just want to get home. 379 00:16:43,370 --> 00:16:45,271 My mother is making spaghetti tonight. 380 00:16:45,305 --> 00:16:48,208 NARRATOR: It was the only time that week she made a meal 381 00:16:48,241 --> 00:16:50,343 that actually went with sausage. 382 00:16:50,377 --> 00:16:52,746 Hey, it's Tenspeed and Brownshoe. 383 00:16:52,779 --> 00:16:56,082 What, no detention today? 384 00:16:56,116 --> 00:16:58,218 Look, why don't you just leave me alone? 385 00:16:58,251 --> 00:16:59,853 I mean, what do you want me to do? 386 00:16:59,886 --> 00:17:01,354 Go around and tell everybody 387 00:17:01,388 --> 00:17:03,189 you beat the heck out of me? Yeah. 388 00:17:03,223 --> 00:17:05,558 Fine. I'm just getting tired of you messing with me. 389 00:17:05,592 --> 00:17:08,361 Oh, "I'm just getting tired of you messing with me." 390 00:17:08,395 --> 00:17:11,097 NARRATOR: You just can't reason with a bully. 391 00:17:11,131 --> 00:17:13,500 I don't care. 392 00:17:13,533 --> 00:17:15,402 Greg... 393 00:17:15,435 --> 00:17:17,470 NARRATOR: I told you, running like a bitch. 394 00:17:17,504 --> 00:17:20,540 I know it looks like I'm taking the high road, 395 00:17:20,573 --> 00:17:22,642 but all I'm doing is buying time. 396 00:17:22,676 --> 00:17:24,844 Remember, bullies are kind of like dogs. 397 00:17:24,878 --> 00:17:29,115 They usually don't chase you unless you run. 398 00:17:29,149 --> 00:17:31,251 [***] 399 00:17:32,919 --> 00:17:34,254 What are you doing? 400 00:17:34,287 --> 00:17:36,256 I'm getting revenge. 401 00:17:36,289 --> 00:17:38,158 * You can't hide 402 00:17:38,191 --> 00:17:39,626 BOY: Think he went outside? 403 00:17:45,165 --> 00:17:47,300 [NECK CRACKING] 404 00:17:49,169 --> 00:17:51,271 [YELLING] 405 00:17:54,708 --> 00:17:58,178 NARRATOR: Just how long is he going to wait to stop this? 406 00:18:01,815 --> 00:18:03,249 All of you. 407 00:18:03,283 --> 00:18:04,551 In my office. 408 00:18:04,584 --> 00:18:06,686 Now. 409 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:09,322 [***] 410 00:18:09,356 --> 00:18:11,191 Pick that stuff up. 411 00:18:12,592 --> 00:18:14,694 NARRATOR: Despite numerous internal injuries, 412 00:18:14,728 --> 00:18:19,199 seeing Caruso go to detention still felt good. 413 00:18:23,536 --> 00:18:25,805 That night, I got home on time, 414 00:18:25,839 --> 00:18:27,440 my mother got her check, 415 00:18:27,474 --> 00:18:29,843 but Tanya still wouldn't eat her sausage. 416 00:18:29,876 --> 00:18:34,314 [SIGHS] Baby, just try it, okay? 417 00:18:34,347 --> 00:18:35,882 But I don't like it. 418 00:18:35,915 --> 00:18:38,818 ROCHELLE: But if you don't try it, you'll never know. 419 00:18:38,852 --> 00:18:42,589 I didn't used to like your father, and now I do. 420 00:18:42,622 --> 00:18:44,491 And I definitely didn't like you, Tanya. 421 00:18:44,524 --> 00:18:45,725 [CHUCKLES] 422 00:18:45,759 --> 00:18:46,893 I never liked Drew. 423 00:18:46,926 --> 00:18:48,261 And I hated your mother. 424 00:18:48,294 --> 00:18:50,430 [ALL LAUGHING] 425 00:18:50,463 --> 00:18:51,898 Come on, baby, you can do it. 426 00:18:51,931 --> 00:18:54,601 Just try it. A little bit. 427 00:18:54,634 --> 00:18:56,336 Okay. 428 00:18:56,369 --> 00:18:58,571 [***] 429 00:19:07,714 --> 00:19:08,882 It's good. 430 00:19:08,915 --> 00:19:11,618 [ALL CHEER] 431 00:19:11,651 --> 00:19:13,787 NARRATOR: Now I'd love to sit here and tell you 432 00:19:13,820 --> 00:19:15,689 that we had the sort of loving family 433 00:19:15,722 --> 00:19:17,457 that worked out all its problems 434 00:19:17,490 --> 00:19:19,559 with love, compassion and patience, 435 00:19:19,592 --> 00:19:22,328 that we ended every day with hugs and laughter, 436 00:19:22,362 --> 00:19:25,398 but here's what really happened that night... 437 00:19:28,535 --> 00:19:32,806 [SIGHS] Baby, just try it, okay? 438 00:19:32,839 --> 00:19:34,407 But I don't like it. 439 00:19:34,441 --> 00:19:35,975 You're going to eat this sausage! 440 00:19:36,009 --> 00:19:37,777 Do you hear me? Girl, do you think 441 00:19:37,811 --> 00:19:39,379 I'm playing with you? 442 00:19:39,412 --> 00:19:41,247 JULIUS: Oh, no! No! Rochelle! 443 00:19:41,281 --> 00:19:42,916 No! Rochelle! [TONYA SCREAMING] 444 00:19:42,949 --> 00:19:45,251 Rochelle, no, no, no, no! 445 00:19:45,285 --> 00:19:47,554 NARRATOR: It took us about an hour to get my mother off 446 00:19:47,587 --> 00:19:49,556 of Tanya's behind, but eventually, 447 00:19:49,589 --> 00:19:51,458 Tanya did eat her sausage. 448 00:19:51,491 --> 00:19:53,793 And as for my mother, well, to this very day, 449 00:19:53,827 --> 00:19:57,364 she still ain't raising no babies. 450 00:19:57,397 --> 00:19:59,966 * A dream come true 451 00:20:01,768 --> 00:20:03,703 [***] 452 00:20:05,305 --> 00:20:08,508 * Aw, make it funky now