Hiding the reservation

Because Whitney Young is so diverse, I do not think that students hide a lot of their reservation unless they think or know that their economic status is extremely far behind from their peers', because no matter what you do in life, I think economic status plays a big role in how people judge you. I think we at Whitney Young are less judging than other more neighborhood schools may be, but there is judgment nonetheless. I do not think that students really hide the fact that they are poorer or have more money than others, but try to avoid talking about it so they do not feel like they deserve special treatment or are seen as snobby. Another thing I notice is that many students of nonwhite decent try to hide or make less noticeable the quirks that may bring racist stereotypes upon them. Even though the school is so diverse, I feel students stick more with others of the same race because they are more accepting of each other than multiracial groups may be because of cultural differences.

Jr at Whitney Young

If Junior went to Whitney Young, I think he'd feel more accepted than at Rearden. Because Rearden is a neighborhood school, most of its students are of similar social class and rank and it is pretty crucial to conform so that you can fit in. Whitney Young, on the other hand, has a larger and more diverse population of students so there would be a better chance of Junior finding at least one group of friends to hang around with, without having to hide his background. Our school is also more accepting, and although many groups that are based on race stick together, I think more groups are based on similar interests. I think Junior would have a fair amount of friends, mostly sticking to the quieter, nerdy crowd, but also with some of the basketball players or jocks. Due to their smaller crowds and quieter surroundings, I think Junior would hang out in gold or green house in the morning, and probably study or have quiet time during lunch in blue house or the library. Although Whitney Young students are fairly accepting because they all come from different backgrounds, I feel that Junior would still have to hide the fact that he is so poor because all people are judging. Students of the same economic status or race may be accepting of each other, but they may not be accepting of different people.