lurve to susanc for “gulag,” and niki for the new icon
For me, high school was a study in social dynamics, a true eye-opener. I went from a huge junior high to a small high school, where the kids were divided into two distinct cliques- the wealthy, and the poor. Both cliques were subdivided into three sub-cliques: the “Brains,” the “Jocks,” and the “Rockers,” with minimal interaction, even within the sub-cliques. The “wealthy brains” stuck to themselves, etc. The “rockers” were mostly poor, so I identified more with them and that who gives a shit philosophy (even though I made “brain” grades).
Sound like a bad teen paperback? It really was just that dumb.
I learned (and I hope i can pass it on to my kids) how hurtful peer-to-peer elitism, shunning, and ridicule can be to kids in their formative years; to cultivate a sense of good will and acceptance, a sense of humor, and the ability to give and forgive. Hopefully.
Besides, the “brains” rule the world.