Big Ma and Uncle Hammer

    Uncle Hammer and Big Ma act quite differently to racist situations, but they still think in similar ways. They both think that racism and discrimination is not right, even though they show it in different ways. Also they both care a lot about their family. For example, when Little Man came crying to Big Ma telling her that the bus had splashed mud all over him, Big Ma acted sweetly like she never did and explained him why they didn't have a bus and that even though she couldn't do anything that she knew it was wrong. Uncle Hammer, though, shows that he feels this way by acting. Uncle Hammer is more outspoken, he is even willing to use violence to stop racist and discriminatory acts. However, even though they might think similarly, they act completely different to situations. 

    Big Ma is a very submissive person. During her life she might of have seen many people die or get hurt because of racism and discrimination. Even though she knows discrimination is wrong she keeps it to herself to avoid trouble and to protect her family. Big Ma is obedient; she obeys the law in order to protect the ones she cares for. In the book, for example, when Cassie accidentally bumps in to Lillie Jean, Big Ma came and forced her to apologize: Big Ma looked at me again, her voice cracking as she spoke. “Go on, child…apologize.”
“But, Big Ma—”
Her voice hardened. “Do like I say.”
Even though I seemed like Big Ma didn't agree with Cassie apologizing, she forced her to do it because she didn't want Cassie to get hurt.  

    On the other hand, Uncle Hammer is more like an activist. Uncle Hammer came from the North to visit his family in the South, he has gone to the war and has a lot of experience with racism. He is the kind of person that is unafraid of authority and someone who is capable of killing for justice. When Cassie tells him about her trip to strawberry and gets furious. He says, " Unnecessary trouble! You think my brother died and I got my leg half blown off in their German war to have some red-neck knock Cassie anytime it suits him?" After this happened he got his gun and headed to the Simms. He was willing ti risk his life to defend his family.