Using the “race” card is a big problem in society these days. For example, in many trials against an African-Americans they will claim that they were fired, stereotyped, etc. because of their race. I definately believe that it exists in our school as well because for as long as I have been connected with Wayland High, I have seen METCO students getting away with more than the average “white” person, because they are held to a different standard. It is nothing against them, I believe that the program is something very important and special to the school, however I believe that they could get more out of their Wayland education if they were treated a little more equally. The double standards of what “white” and “black” people are supposed to act like still exist.

No one ever complained about the defacing of a picture of a certain William Shakespeare in ME1, with a red mustache drawn over the one he already has.

Every school has people who don’t think before they act, and those who disregard the standards of social behavior to be accepted by their peers.

*perhaps mention of certain illicit items is untoward for a school website, regardless of context.

I don’t have as much experience or insight into racism or how it exists in our community today, but I do know that sexism exists, though in very subtle ways. Women speak at higher pitches and with more uncertainty than guys to, which makes them seem more weak. You’ll notice that girls tend to have more of a question in their voices, and they use words such as “um” a lot, an indication of their doubt and lack of confidence.* Girls have more trouble controlling these “uncertainty” habits than guys do. Even though more girls go to college than guys do (really, look at the college stats), guys tend to get the jobs. So sexism is a reality, and I think we undermine the seriousness of it.

*credit to Mr. Weingartner for these facts