We as humans are the same, yet we have created this concept of how our appearance and background make us different. This idea of ​​race is what separates us and throughout history has been a problem, especially in times of tribulation, people in the past would reinforce this xenophobic ideology just so a certain group of people have a sense of safety and security. In her novel SOUTHLAND, Nina Revoyr explores a paralyzed and diverse Los Angeles neighborhood where fragile understandings and sometimes painful misunderstandings that occur across lines of race and culture are displayed through the multiple lives associated with young Japanese-American women Jackie Ishida. In this fictional story Jackie Ishida, a lawyer, who at first feels obligated to carry out her grandfather's will, but later becomes obsessed with reconstructing her family's history to solve a terrible unreported crime of four boys who are were found murdered in his grandfather's corner store. Even though the community is still haunted by racism and prejudice, Revoyr does a great job of demonstrating how people of different backgrounds can overcome hatred and achieve racial harmony. Over the course of the novel we discover the brutal history of multiple cultures, including stories of love, racism, dignity, pain, justice, and weaves them together in a deeply satisfying way for a common goal. But the overall message of Revoyr is that racism destroys the opportunity to be who you are. It's been ten days since her grandfather Frank Saikai died, Jackie feels slightly confused about the news as it's been years since she last saw him and she hasn't seen him since. I haven't really been in contact with him since they moved away. He goes to see his Aunt Lois to see how she is a policeman… middle of paper… a different person than you.”(11). The reader really gets a sense of this place as a once amazing city, but just like in life, all good things must come to an end. It is unfair and unreasonable that certain groups should suffer just for being who they are. People are born without choice regarding the color of their skin. Nina Revoyr, even through pain and trials, still imagines a world where people of different backgrounds can overcome hatred and achieve racial harmony. Racism is a huge problem in society, it prevents people from receiving equal opportunities to be free. As a great man once said: "I refuse to accept the idea that humanity is so tragically tied to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright dawn of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the last word.” -MLK.