In "Liars Don't Qualify" (1961), Will Harris, an African American, finds himself at a registration office, likely for an important purpose, such as registering for a job or some other significant life event. The passage depicts Will's encounter with two officers named Sam and Charlie at the registration office.

• Will is a determined and composed individual who has been waiting for hours at the registration office
• he appears to be well-prepared, as he brings all the required documents, including his Discharge, High School Diploma, Birth Certificate, and Social Security Card
• despite facing a somewhat intimidating and tense situation, Will remains steadfast and maintains his composure
• he answers the officers' questions with honesty, even when it puts him in a difficult position
• he values the principle of equality and does not shy away from expressing his beliefs, even when they differ from what the officers may want to hear

• the registration office is portrayed as a place where individuals like Will are subjected to scrutiny and questioning by the officers, Sam and Charlie
• it seems to be a place where one's eligibility for some privilege or opportunity is determined
• the atmosphere is tense, with a sense of authority and power dynamics at play
• the officers ask probing questions, not only about Will's qualifications but also about his beliefs and affiliations

• the situation illustrates the challenges and pressures that people like Will face in a bureaucratic system
• where their qualifications and beliefs are closely scrutinized by those in power
• Will's character is portrayed as principled and determined, even in the face of attempts to call him a liar
• the story underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in a society where these qualities are often put to the test.

In the short story "Liars Don't Qualify" (1961) by Junius Edwards the author, Junius Edwards, employs several means and strategies to convey the degrading nature of the situation that Will experiences in the registration office.

• Edwards uses the dialogue between the characters, particularly the officers (Sam and Charlie) and Will, to highlight the degrading tone of the encounter
• the officers' curt and condescending questions, such as "Boy
• "What you come here for?" and repeated insistence on whether Will lied, create a sense of belittlement
• Edwards uses emotionally charged language to emphasize the tension and discomfort in the room, e.g. "He just stared, his lips a thin line, his eyes wide open," (l. 3) and "Sam almost shouted" (l.76-77)
• the author employs repetition to emphasize certain points, such as the officers repeatedly asking a series of probing questions
• the officers question Will's honesty, affiliations, and beliefs, challenging his integrity
• this repetition serves to intensify the degrading nature of the situation, as it feels like a relentless interrogation
• the act of throwing candy wrappers on the floor at Will's feet can be seen as symbolic
• it signifies the officers' disregard for cleanliness and orderliness, suggesting that they see Will as beneath them and not deserving of basic courtesy
• Edwards uses irony to underline the degrading aspect of the situation
• the officers accuse Will of lying while also using manipulative questioning techniques, creating an ironic contrast between their behavior and their accusations

• all in all, Junius Edwards employs a combination of dialogue, actions, language, and power dynamics to effectively convey the degrading nature of the situation that Will experiences in the registration office
• the reader is made acutely aware of the tension, discomfort, and disrespect that Will faces, highlighting the broader themes of discrimination and inequality in the story

Persistent Shadows: African Americans Still Battling Systemic Racism Today

As I sat across from Mr. Will Harris, a dignified elder whose eyes bore witness to decades of struggle and change, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of responsibility. I had embarked on this interview with the hope of gaining insight into his experience at a registration office in the 1950s, but what I discovered was a powerful narrative that transcended time—a story that resonates with the African American community today. Will's account serves as a stark reminder that despite significant strides towards equality, systemic racism remains an insidious force in the lives of African Americans.

• from the interview with Mr. Will Harris, I was actually hoping to gain insight into his experiences in a registration office in the 1950s, but what I discovered was a powerful narrative that stands the test of time - a story that still resonates in the African American community today
• Will's account is a powerful reminder that despite significant progress toward equality, systemic racism remains an insidious force in the lives of African Americans
• As we delved into Will's story, it became clear that the indignities Mr. Harris suffered in the 1950s bear striking parallels to the experiences of African Americans today
• Despite the monumental achievements of the civil rights movement and the election of the nation's first black president, systemic racism continues to cast its long shadow
• It manifests itself in various forms - racial profiling, disparities in education and employment, and the alarming rates of police brutality against blacks

• in the face of this reality, we must answer the call to action.
• we must face the uncomfortable truths about the systemic racism that persists in our society.
• as a nation, we must recognize the need for systemic change and commit to dismantling the structures that perpetuate racial inequities.
• this journey begins with education, empathy, and advocacy.
• we must educate ourselves about the historical and current manifestations of racism, empathize with life experiences of African Americans and marginalized communities
• most importantly, we must advocate for policies and initiatives that promote true equality and justice

• while the story of Mr. Will Harris is a painful reminder of our history, it is also a beacon of hope
• a testament to the resilience and determination of African Americans in the face of adversity
• it is our responsibility to honor this legacy by continuing the fight against systemic racism until every American, regardless of skin color, can walk into a registration office or any other place in this country without fear of discrimination
• only then can we truly claim to have overcome the shadows of the past and created a brighter, more just future for all