“Total steal” - “Such a Fun Age” chapters 6-10.

 There’s a specific moment in the novel that made me realise how our identities have an impact even in the friendships that we have: 

“That’s a really amazing offer,” Emira said. “What’s your rent again?”

“Oh, it’s not bad at all.” Shaunie shook her head. “Only $1150 each. Plus utilities. Total steal. Oh shit, Troy’s calling me. Babe, hi.” (Chapter 10, p.107)

What appears to be a simple conversation between Emira and her friend Shaunie, is in turn the perfect representation on how our realities are shaped by different aspects in our identities. Emira and Shaunie are both young women of colour, but while Emira is a financially struggling dark-skinned woman, Shaunie comes from a biracial wealthy background who has always had her parents’ financial support. Because of this, Shaunie not only got more opportunities in the workfield and had more financial success than Emira, but she also got more attention at public spaces.  

This is all represented in the conversation above, and in how oblivious Shaunie was to Emira’s financial situation. It never crossed her mind how expensive her rent is for someone like Emira, and dismissed the conversation as if it were an obvious choice for her. I think it’s clear how our identity shapes the way we think, and separates us from even our closest friends.