The strained relationship between Benji and his father is not a blatantly obvious focus in the chapter "To Prevent Flare-Ups," but it is repeatedly hinted at by seemingly normal interactions which still put us readers off a bit. The sound of the liquor cabinet magnet is one example; it's a normal sound but through Benji's uneasy reaction to it we can pick up hints about his dad's alcoholism. An interesting argument brought up about their relationship is whether it is an abusive father-son relation or rather just tough love. In particular I'm thinking of the scene in which Benji's father tells him to hit the kid that was making racial comments, and upon learning that Benji hadn't done so, he hit Benji instead. I guess this action could be interpreted as Benji's father teaching Benji that no one is on his side in the world so he must take action to defend himself against racism; it's just his father being tough on him because he cares and wan