Wright feels that his behavior toward Jews is justified because of the way they influenced history. Jews are believed to have been the people who crucified Jesus, and because of this, as a culture they have suffered. Wright's cruel comments and discriminating actions are simply a reflection of his peers and the adults in his life. The black community feels as though they can put the Jewish people down because Jews don't believe in Jesus, and Wright is basically following along. This is especially ironic because Wright continues to question the differences between whites and blacks and why skin color can determine the way others treat you. In chapter 1 he becomes puzzled because he doesn't understand why a black boy can't have a white father. Although his mothers explanation doesn't make things clear, he realizes that racial differences are apparent in his society. Previous to this encounter he is basically colorblind and unaware of injustices due to skin color. The way white people are treating blacks in this time is the same way blacks are treating the Jews of this time. I think the mechanism used is trying to lift up the self esteem of the race or religion being cruel to the so called "inferior". Wright is unaware of the consequences of his actions and unaware at the foundation of the beliefs, he is just a young child following the lead of the role models in his life, and most likely won't realize them until he is mature enough to see the relationship between his actions towards Jews and whites actions towards him, and other blacks.