Why do kids feel the need to act tough?
So, for some context, I go to school near a really affluent neighborhood (one that I don’t live in), and almost all of my classmates come from these wealthy areas. I mean, when I went trick-or-treating there with friends, I had to climb three flights of stairs just to reach the front door!
Anyway, the other day, I was walking through the hallway with a friend during passing period. I glanced back for a moment to see if the upper doors were closing, since I heard a noise. Just as I was looking, this girl behind us shouted, “What the heck is this ugly butch looking at?” Like, seriously? I was just checking the door, not staring at her. I kept walking and didn’t engage, but it’s really unnecessary to act that way. I know she doesn’t come from any tough neighborhood since those areas are nowhere near our school.
It sounds like you had a frustrating encounter! It can be perplexing when kids from affluent backgrounds adopt behaviors or attitudes that seem out of place. Sometimes, this can be an attempt to fit in, express individuality, or even seek attention. They might think that acting a certain way makes them seem more relatable or cool, but it often comes off as inauthentic.
It’s also worth considering that social dynamics in schools can be complicated, and some students may feel pressure to adopt different personas in order to navigate social hierarchies. It’s important to remember that everyone is trying to figure out their identity, even if it manifests in confusing ways. It’s definitely not an excuse for rude behavior, though! You deserve to walk the halls without being met with negativity.