The Misfits

Chapter 6 is made up of Addie’s “minutes” from the emergency Forum meeting. Addie announces that the topic of the meeting is “Popularity versus Principals” (47). She describes what happened when she was sent to the principal’s office that afternoon. The principal told Addie that it was within her right not to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, but as a Vietnam war veteran, he feels the pledge is a way to appreciate “all that this country is and how great a democratic nation we are and blah-blah-blah” (49). Finally, Addie agrees that she will stand for the Pledge of Allegiance but won’t say the words. Addie then says she wants to create a new independent political party for the student council elections called the Freedom Party. Addie wonders if the winner of the student council will be whoever is most popular, or if students will vote based on the principles each candidate stands for. The group speculates that most people will vote for Brittany Hobson, a popular and outgoing student who has been class president for three years. Addie explains that she wants to run for vice president, but the Freedom Party needs to choose a strong candidate for president. At first, the group suggests another classmate, Tonni, but Addie wants DuShawn Carter to run as president. Not only is DuShawn popular, but Addie admits that she believes his African American identity “will help advance our cause” which she explains is “Freedom. Truth. Justice for All” (55). 

As Bobby heads home from work, he reflects on his town, Paintbrush Falls. Bobby describes the town as the kind where “nobody bothers much about locked doors or wondering where their kids are. If they’re not at home, you can bet on a stack of pancakes that they are within yoo-hooing distance of somebody who knows them” (56). Bobby thinks the town is the right size for him and Skeezie but imagines Addie and Joe will want something bigger when they become adults. Bobby also thinks about the Forum meeting and the topic at hand, “Popularity vs. Principals” (57). Whereas Addie believes “everyone should be entitled to everything,” Bobby feels that some people want “just a little piece of something, not the whole pie” (57). Bobby doesn’t think that these people are treated unfairly; they simply play the hand they were dealt in life.

Bobby arrives home where his dad is making dinner. Bobby’s mom died a few years ago, causing Bobby and his dad to move from their modest house into a trailer. After Bobby’s mom died, Bobby’s dad went through a rough time and frequently drank alcohol, but he is doing a lot better now. For the past couple years, Bobby’s dad has worked “nice and steady” (60) at a nursery. Bobby’s job at the department store helps his dad with expenses.

Bobby and his dad eat dinner and play a few rounds of cards. Bobby chooses not to tell his dad about Addie’s decision to start a new political party at school. Because his dad never goes out, Bobby asks his dad if he wants to chaperone the middle school dance, which will be held shortly after the student council elections. Bobby’s dad is reluctant but says he will think about it. 

At school, Ms. Wyman is frustrated that while Addie stands during the Pledge of Allegiance, she won’t actually say the words. When Addie tells Ms. Wyman that she plans to start a third political party, Ms. Wyman refuses to acknowledge the new party and tells Addie, “Work within the system, Miss Carle” (65).

At lunch, Addie announces that she plans to move forward with her new political party. Addie approaches DuShawn’s table in the middle of the cafeteria to ask him to run for president. DuShawn is sitting with Kevin Hennessey, Jimmy Lemon, Royal Wilkins, and Tondayala Cherise DuPré, who goes by the nickname, Tonni. DuShawn, Royal, and Tonni are the only African American students in the seventh grade. Addie asks DuShawn if he will run for president under her new political party, explaining that it is her hope “to create a voice that will speak to those without a voice, to speak out on behalf of the injustices that riddle our society […] Injustices with which I am sure you have personal acquaintance” (68). She goes on to explain, “Being a minority […] you have certainly seen your share of injustices” (69). DuShawn, using irony and sarcasm, pretends to consider Addie’s idea and says, “Kind of like me representing freedom. Like freedom from slavery, maybe” (69). DuShawn continues to use sarcasm to point out that Addie only chose him to run for class president because of his race.

Addie becomes frustrated and turns to leave. As she does so, Tonni stands up and asks Addie who she thinks she’s talking to. Tonni explains, “You think you can speak for black people […] and you want to start some sort of liberation movement or something and use DuShawn here like some kind of fool pawn or something, like he’s gonna make you black or something?” Addie responds, “This isn’t about black or white,” to which Tonni answers, “It’s always about black or white, and if you don’t think so, it’s because you’re white” (73). Addie and Tonni continue to argue. Suddenly, DuShawn announces he’ll run for president with Addie, surprising both Addie and Tonni. Addie tells DuShawn to meet her in Ms. Wyman’s room after school. Addie announces to the cafeteria, “DuShawn Carter—the Freedom Party’s candidate for president of the student council” (75), and the students in the cafeteria cheer.