In due time, Beals illustrates that independence is an important characteristic to have once you engage in difficult circumstances because it prepares you for the experiences of the world. In the book, Warriors Don’t Cry, Melba comes in contact with various hardships. This does not break Melba down. She knows that there is something that she must do in order to change the environment that she lives in. “Change the rules of the game, girl, and they might not like it so much” (). These words were spoken by Melba’s grandmother after Minnijean had been attacked at the integrated school. Melba’s grandmother advises that she should take all insults and harassment as compliments and kindness. This is just telling Melba to kill them with kindness instead