As a result, Jasper is singled out and blamed for the misdoings of the community whether he was involved or not. Parents, in particular, see Jasper as a role model for bad behaviour simply because of his background and lifestyle. Along with the local boys, the adults also victimise Jasper Jones. The reader gains an understanding that Aboriginals were discriminated against during the 1960’s and lived life as an outcast. The term is used offensively to imply that Jasper is different and no good because he has an Aboriginal parent. Due to his circumstances, the local boys always treated him differently, he was laughed at and called rude names: “I’d heard Jasper Jones described as a half-caste.” The noun ‘half-caste’ describes the perspective of Corrigan’s local boys and how they see Jasper Jones. Jasper Jones lived a completely different lifestyle to those in Corrigan, he was without a home and generally had no parental supervision. People who were homeless or very poor were always discriminated against due to their lack of similarities with society. During the 1960’s, Australians were very ignorant and rude to those who acted and lived different lifestyles. Ignorant people discriminate against those who act differently. Australian beliefs were largely influenced by current events causing the Vietnamese to receive constant hate and torment.
The reader understands that Jeffrey is bullied because of his nationality and is constantly at the receiving end of their hate. This offensive word is used to highlight the Australians belief that their race is far more superior, therefore making fun of the Vietnamese race. The noun ‘Cong’ symbolises Jeffrey’s different ethnicity and the displeasure his teammates have in being around his culture. This is seen at cricket training when, “Someone kicks his ankle and says, F*ck off, Cong.” The use of the negative connotation ‘Fuck off’ implies the hatred the cricket team and Corrigan as a whole have for the Vietnamese population. Jeffrey’s cricket team displays racist behaviour, bullying Jeffrey constantly because of his culture. Particularly in Corrigan, residents took a strong dislike to Jeffrey Lu and his family due to their belief that all Vietnamese people were communists. Australians were very hostile towards the Vietnamese, treating them with hatred. The Vietnam War was a massive influence on the behaviour of individuals and how they treated the Vietnamese. In the 1960’s, Australians relied on current events including the Vietnam War to form the basis of their values. Australians had a strong hatred for the Vietnamese population.
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