English ISU Task 4: Blog Entry #5

Reader: Zaid

Novel Title: Acceleration

Author: Graham McNamee

In the novel Acceleration, environmental racism becomes evident as a social issue for the characters. Environmental racism is explained as a particular place being treated differently in their land and housing developments due to racial and class makeup. This is very evident in Duncan’s home town of inner city Toronto. The area where he lives is made up of lower income residents and minority groups who are subjected to pollution, factories and dumping. This produces more health and environmental risks for the neighbourhood. Duncan and his friend Wayne are able to find a discarded shopping cart that has been dumped on their way to steal a luxury toilet. Wayne states, “Not luxury places but still castles compared to our apartment back in the Jungle.” He is painfully aware that their dwelling is dirty and slum like compared to other areas that are being developed.

English ISU Task 4: Blog Entry #6

Reader: Zaid

Novel Title: Acceleration

Author: Graham McNamee

The lack of parental involvement and supervision is a major social issue that is apparent in the novel Acceleration. Throughout the story, parental involvement affects Duncan, as he is able to venture through Toronto at any time without his parents being aware of such. To continue, the lack of parental involvement helps to develop the main character Duncan, as it focuses on his time spent unsupervised outside. Additionally, the social issue is directly related to the plot, as it helps develop it. Since Duncan spends the majority of his time unsupervised, he manages to get involved with a criminals’ personal life and soon finds himself trapped in his basement.