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4. In paragraphs 9 through 11, Mckesson explains the different ways that we can respond to 5
bullies. What are the pros and cons of these methods as Mckesson describes them?
5. In paragraph 14, Mckesson offers evidence that white supremacy is not an anachronism, a
thing of the past. How does this evidence support his theory that white supremacy is still central text
alive today?
6. Mckesson raises a counterargument to confronting the bully in paragraph 18. What is this
counterargument and how does he attempt to refute it? Is he successful? /
7. Remember that oftentimes when Mckesson is talking about a bully, he’s also talking about
white supremacy. With that in mind, explain what Mckesson might be suggesting about white
supremacy and white privilege in paragraphs 21 and 22. DeRay Mckesson
8. Why, according to Mckesson in paragraph 23, is it essential that the bully (and white
supremacy) be exposed?
9. Despite all of the challenges that Mckesson describes in this piece, he is mostly optimistic
about the future. Reread paragraph 25-26 and explain what he includes to communicate his
optimism.

Analyzing Language, Style, and Structure

1. Vocabulary in Context. In paragraph 5, Mckesson says that “the currency of the bully is
fear.” What does the word “currency” mean in this context?
2. Vocabulary in Context. In paragraph 6, Mckesson describes “a world without agency.”
What does the word “agency” mean in this context? How is Mckesson’s use of the word
similar to or different from other uses you have encountered? What are things that you do or
do not have agency over?
3. Skill Focus. Mckesson includes multiple examples from his own personal experience with a
bully throughout his essay. To what extent are these examples useful or not in his argument
about fighting against white supremacy?
4. Mckesson does not explicitly raise the issues of race and white supremacy until paragraph 13.
Why might Mckesson have waited so long to bring up his main purpose for writing?
5. Reread this portion of a sentence from paragraph 16: “the bully only becomes more vicious,
more insidious, more institutionalized as time passes.” The first two words seem like a typical
way to describe a bully, but what does Mckesson mean by “institutionalized,” and what might
he be trying to accomplish with this word choice?
6. Reread paragraphs 17 and 18 in which Mckesson uses analogies to describe the bully (“target
your car or hop over your fence,” “steal your lunch money,” and others). Knowing that he is
also talking about the bully as white supremacy, explain the meaning and effect of these
analogies.
7. At the end of paragraph 20, Mckesson employs a number of rhetorical questions. What is the
likely intention behind this choice, and how effective was this choice?
8. Mckesson’s title is a pun on a phrase that you may or may not know. President Theodore
Roosevelt, referred to his office as a “bully pulpit,” a platform from which to push his agenda.
Explain the meaning and effect of Mckesson’s title based on this background information and
what you read in this piece.
9. Structurally, Mckesson returns to his bullying story at the end of his piece. What is different for
Mckesson and different for the reader by the end?

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