What does the masquerade mentioned in line 9 represent in the poem

The word "masquerade" represents the people who stand behind a false mask, who pretend and put up appearances for others to see while hiding their true selves, feelings behind a mask.

Explanation:

Nikki Grimes' poem "Jabari Unmasked" revolves around an unnamed speaker's frustration at the injustice her people are treated with. The poem is a strong expression of discontent of discrimination and the efforts of the blacks to try to blend in while hiding their true feelings just to evade any trouble.

In line 9, the speaker says "We despise the masquerade". The masquerade here seems to suggest the 'made-up' appearance, the fake show that the people have to put up to hide their true feelings. The word also represents the people who had to put on a pretend face for others to see, hiding their true selves behind a mask.

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