an interesting article on the perception some people have about various parts of Toronto..

quote:

Feb. 5, 2005. 01:00 AM Druggies vs. nerds — it's a hard choice MARGO VARADI Whether they prefer a trendy scene or an academic one, it would seem that some teens have become obsessed with shopping around for the perfect school. While teens may claim to be more open-minded than their "dumb" parents, a number of them have their own narrow views. When it comes to picking which high school to go to, some younger teens seem to make their selections based on gossip, slander and shallow stereotypes. The names of the teens in this column have been changed to protect them from any negative repercussions, and the names of the schools have been dropped to avoid perpetuating damaging impressions. Like many teens, Jason, 13, feels that the school you choose defines who you are and how you'll be seen. "There's those schools where people are, like, `You suck' because you're going to that school," says Jason, 13, or "you're a druggie" for choosing another school. Once a stereotype is attached to a school, it can be difficult to shake and may have destructive consequences, particularly when racism, anti-Semitism and classism are involved. Among Jason's rejected high school options is one he says is "known as a ghetto school," and another that he views as "mostly Jewish, so if you're not Jewish you wouldn't go there. It's also a pretty rich school." Lisa, 16, wants to change high schools because she says hers is "80 per cent Asian" and she needs "more diversity." "Nobody that goes to (my school) likes it." Such base and racist assumptions may come from the human instinct to categorize but, unchecked, this behaviour has the potential to create a socially and culturally segregated school system. "I wanna know if all the Asian nerds are going to one school because it will probably be academic," Jason says, "unlike the slackers and druggies who would go to another school because they don't want to be challenged." For teens like Sarah, 13, living in the 905, where choices for high schools are minimal, negative generalizations leave her feeling anxious. "People say you have to choose between guns and drugs," she says. "There's this constant dialogue and rumours that if you go to (one school), you're gonna get shot, and if you go to (another), you're gonna do drugs. "It's, like, `Thanks for the comfort.'" Lisa feels the neighbourhood a school is in has a lot to do with how it is categorized. She refuses to go anywhere too north, east or west and dismisses one particular area of the city "because it sucks. It's this place where every block is a bowling alley or a beer store." She is also critical of schools north of St. Clair because "the student body is all well off in an arrogant way, and white. It's obviously a generalization, but I feel that way." Conversely, many other students feel some schools north of St. Clair are cool because they have the best parties. Alternative schools are also hot right now and have long waiting lists. Kelly, 15, says that most of her friends have chosen the alternative route. "You go there for the parties and the trendy people," she says. Whatever school they choose, the decision often feels monumental. "It could change your life, if you go to arts school or a technical school," Jason says. "I'm worried about making the right choice and if the school will give me the best life and career." Maybe, teens need to realize that outstanding students with strong careers ahead of them can come out of any high school in any neighbourhood. Toronto's diversity and its tolerance are the very reason there are, in fact, no "ghetto" schools. To help bust these stereotypes, check out the website for your local school board to get up-to-date facts on high schools in your neighbourhood. Margo Varadi is the advice columnist for Brand New Planet. Email [email protected]. Additional articles by Margo Varadi

source:
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Co...ol=991929131147

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