The Snob Ladder -- Writer's Poke #98

For Writers:

Benny had fewer friends than a hermit, but he liked to play basketball. Most of the guys played baseball during recess, but I wasn't interested in that. So that's how Benny and I started playing basketball together.

We couldn't be friends. I was still the new kid at school, and I didn't want to kill my chances at popularity by befriending an outcast. Looking back at it now, there really wasn't anything wrong with Benny. He was simply a bit small and perhaps a bit immature for his age. Economically, he certainly dressed as though he was poor, and while on the court I would learn that his home life wasn't the best. His father was an alcoholic and didn't spend much time around the house.

Benny decided it would be cool to invite himself over to stay the night. I say that, but the truth is, I probably invited him. Whatever the case, I immediately tried my best renege on the invitation, fearing that others would learn that Benny was staying over at my house. As it turned out, nobody really cared, but it seemed like such a big deal at the time, as though inviting Benny to sleep over was my public declaration that I would no longer fantasize about hanging out with the beautiful people.

What have you done for status? For popularity? Do you regret any of the choices you've made? Why or why not?

"It is easy to be popular. It is not easy to be just." -- Rose Elizabeth Bird

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