[Solved] The Soloist by Steve Lopez

Judgment and the Color-Line Name Institution Instructor Course Date  Judgment and the Color-Line “He’s coming around in his own way, and it has to be that way. With us supporting him and earning his trust. Otherwise, you could lose him forever." (Lopez, 2008, p. 135).The Soloist is about a strange and unique friendship amongst a successful white man, Steve, and a schizophrenic black man, Nathanial. Nathanial is, or at least could have been, one of the country’s musical geniuses; however, due to his illness Nathanial is homeless. The story is about how, upon befriending Nathaniel, Steve has to learn to let go of his “white” judgments and allow Nathanial to be his own person and live with the lifestyle choices he pursues. This release must be done regardless of his own cultural beliefs of what is right and what is wrong. The whole story is meant to bring about the racial differences and decisions that people make on individuals depending on their color and individuality. Steve Lopez in his book, he introduces us to Steve, a Loss Angeles Times Columnist who after some time identifies a black man dwelling in the streets. The writer brings out the the racial differences as held whites over blacks. Throughout the book, Steve’s view of Nathaniel is that of someone who is inadequate.