Question

What are some of the perceptions that Chelsea-Elliott Housing residents have about the Avenues students and vice versa? Do you think those attitudes are fair or unjustified?

Answer 1

Throughout the documentary, the Chelsea-Elliott Housing residents expressed very negative views about the Avenues students. They thought they were spoiled, snobby, and undeserving of what they had. They believed that the Avenues students looked down upon them.

On the other hand, the Avenues students expressed what seemed to be regret that they attended the school. Most of them were aware of the fact that they were privileged to attend the school and made a point of saying they didn’t want the Chelsea residents to think they thought they were any better. I believe they did have some sort of underlying bias against the residents. There was a part of the documentary where an Avenues student interviews a resident. She asks what he thinks of the Avenues students, and he replies saying they are snobby.

That the rich kids attend "The Worlds School". Admittance is $40,000 while the average household income for those in the projects is only $21,000/year. One child compared it to living on the Titanic due to the different classes.

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