Who was Will calling a poser in Long Way Down?

In Jason Reynolds’ novel Long Way Down, Will calls his brother, Shawn, a poser. This moment is significant as it reveals Will’s internal conflict and feelings about the gang rules they live by. Will is grappling with the expectations placed on him and his desire to honor his brother’s memory, but he struggles with the implications of those expectations. The term ‘poser’ reflects Will’s frustration with the idea that someone could claim to be something they are not, especially in a world where authenticity is vital for survival. This theme resonates throughout the book as Will considers the consequences of his actions and the true meaning of being a ‘man’ in his environment.