The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth - Alexandra Robbins [176]
Just because outcasts are excluded from certain groups or in particular environments doesn’t mean that everybody will avoid them. In psychological parlance, groups expel “deviants” because they threaten group identity. But because different groups have different characteristics, a deviant in one group may be a nondeviant in another. This is why many students flourish in college, where the environment is typically more accepting of diverse qualities than in high school, and includes students who aren’t already saddled with reputational bias. A college freshman in Alabama was alternately mocked and ignored in high school. “High school was so unimaginably stifling for me. I never went on a date,” she said. “Since I’ve been in college, away from everyone who knew me previously, I’ve thrived. I’ve been able to reach my full potential, even winning a student government position. I feel like I’m finally free to pursue what I want, for me.”
Laura, the redhead mentioned in chapter 8 who was tormented by students who shot staples into her ears and stuck KICK ME HARD signs on her back, eventually found similar solace in college, where she joined several clubs. “The best thing to do is find a group of people who share similar interests and stay true to oneself. That’s how I’ve survived. I’m my own person and not defined by a large group of people,” she said. Incidentally, Laura’s red hair has become more of an attraction than a deterrent. “There aren’t a lot of redheads, so I think people remember me. It really does pay to be different in some way.”
Those differences will be appreciated someday. A teacher in Oklahoma reflected on the post-graduation aftermath of student social divisions. “The in crowd always hangs together, even after graduation. They are the ones who will become debutantes after their freshman year in college. The others tend to drift away. They don’t get invited to the parties, they are laughed at because they aren’t wearing designer clothes, etc.,” she said. But when it comes down to the popular students versus the outcasts, the latter “are more sure of themselves (even with the ridicule), and usually turn out to be more successful and well-adjusted. I would take the outcasts in a heartbeat.” So would I.
NOAH, PENNSYLVANIA | THE BAND GEEK
Near the end of sixth period, a secretary called Noah to the principal’s office. As he walked down the hall, Noah fretted over the possible reasons for being summoned. Are they going to give me detention for playing Pokémon in school? he wondered. Are Leigh and I getting a citation for kissing in public?
Noah’s recycling efforts were more successful than he had realized. In less than two months, he had recruited about twenty regular volunteers, and had extended conversations—especially in the cafeteria—about recycling with more than one hundred other students, including jocks, populars, wannabes, quiet kids, weird kids, bandies, and a bearded student in ratty clothes whom Noah’s friends thought was a hobo.
In study hall, Noah had noticed a prostitot cleaning out her binder. He was intimidated by prostitots—and this one was heavily pregnant and seemed angry. He took a breath, then stood up. “Waitwaitwait!” he shouted.
She paused, holding a pile of papers over the trash can. “What am I waiting for, your stupid comments?”
“No,” Noah said, still nervous. “I was just going to ask if you’d put your papers into the recycling bin.”
“What does it matter? It all gets thrown away anyways. Not like I care about some trees.”
Noah walked over to her. “Here,