Friedrich was discriminated against because he had a birthmark on his face. People teased him and did not want to be his friend. He would also conduct to himself and talk to an imaginary friend. This led to him being beaten up by the kids at school. His father was taken away because he was friends with Jews and the Nazis suspected Friedrich of the same as well. Mike was slightly awkward looking for his age. He was a victim of the adoption/ foster system at the time and not treated properly by Pennyweather. She was trying to put him out for hire when he was not of age. Once adopted, he was accused of being a thief because of the way he looked. Ivy was discriminated against because she was Mexican. They did not view her as an American even though she had grown up there. She was sent to a different school where she would not receive the same education or have the same opportunities. All three characters used the harmonica to help them overcome it. They turned to music.
