1. Discrimination
1.1. "I am gay. Indeed, I am in Freedom State because I was outed by a medical rival at the Yagwa Hospital. You know what our country does to gays, right? I had yo leave fast after he outed me." Pg 220 - Doctor DeNorval.
1.1.1. The importance of this is because it shows you don't have to be simply black to be discriminated against. It can happen within ethnicities as well as genders, abilities and sexuality.
1.2. The theme presented in this passage would be discrimination. This shows although being a majority black country, based on things such as sexuality, you're still discriminated against. The doctor had fled his country not due to poverty or the hopes of a better life but to save his life itself. He was now an outcast within his own community. Also including Viola, being gay, crippled, black and a female she is a conjunction of minorities to be discriminated against and makes her life/job more complicated.
2. Corruption
2.1. "Bossman, firmed up with GM…we.. do this on your orders.. off books, $ only. We can keep interpreting bathtubs, return to Z. We pay $2,000 p/k, we pay Z--through GM--$10,000 p/k.. for up to 20 dissidents/year… Whoaboy." Pg 104- Memo
2.1.1. This memo shows the corruption going on within the political leaders between the two countries of Freedom State and Zontoroland. They are making deals of some sort to kill off dissidents from Zontoroland. No one wants to grant the innocent refugees citizenship in either lands and rather looks at them as a simple means for personal gains.
2.1.2. The importance of this is that although some leaders are dictators, it is far worse to be corrupt. Governments should give a sense of safety, (or in some cases, fear), to their people. Until today, more so being in 3rd world countries, leaders are doing things for simple pleasure and personal gain once given the power. A light should be shone on all those abusing the privilege given to them of controlling a country.
3. Injustice
3.1. "They had underestimated their son's venality. Over the years, Jimmy had landed endless schemes to wrest money from them. The efforts had intensified after Ernie died" pg 175- Ivernia
3.1.1. The theme presented here is the theme of injustice. Although there are many unjust things occurring within the ZanAfric community, there is also cases of injustice within the well off, whites. Ivernia is facing the unjust greediness of her son, Jimmy. As money rules all (obviously), he will do as much as overturn his mother to a nursing home to acquire her wealth.
3.1.2. The impotence of this passage would be although unjust cases are often against those of darker skin, it still occurs all around us, in modern society, well developed countries and third-world countries all the same.
4. Racism
4.1. "Keita sang louder, while the runners behind him gasped and cursed. "Nigger." His competitor said. Not to worry. "Faggot." Bring it on, "Fagganig.." Pg 121 - Narrarator/Deeds
4.1.1. The theme presented through this quote would be racism. In this simple example of how prominent racism is in this text, the white, well ronowned runner Deeds is so upset he's being beat by a black man that he looses his cool and starts name calling. This shows that normal sportsmanship and respect is thrown out of the window as soon as one see's a darker complexion.
4.1.2. This is important because if it were any other white person who beat Deeds he wouldn't have called him those names or asked for his citizenship card to be shown. He couldn't accept his loss to another runner and not as a black man and black only. Racism like this is still very notable in our world and present day.
5. Fear
5.1. "He appeared to be looking for someone. His face didnt reflect the thrill of victory. Worry framed his eyes and framed his brow." Pg 160 on Keita
5.1.1. This passage shows the fact that although Keita just won a big race and should be proud, he is in constant fear of his life. Being illegal, he must hide from all of the officials in Freedom State as well has stay under the radar from the tyrant president of Zontoroland. This doesn't allow him to enjoy much the things he once used to, or even seek help for his sore body and health. Keita now runs to save his life and the life of his older sister, Charity.
5.1.2. The importance of this is that Keita went from doing something he loved out of joy to simple reasons of life/death. This shows how quickly life can change things and how you've once viewed them in a matter of moments.