The Existence of Social Inequality

From the first page, the narrative begins to highlight this theme that social inequality exists. When Jim Rouse establishes Columbia, he builds the community on the premise that social inequality exists. He wants to build a new type of town. It is supposed to be a utopia where everyone is equal, bringing everyone together. Lu’s fathers sees it as the future. “Breaking down barriers. Here, people of different classes and races will leave side by side” (Loc 312).

Reality does not turn out as planned. Inequality exists, but the citizens try to make it disappear by not talking about it. Lu’s friend Randy lives in “the town houses near the high school. The ones where poor kids live, but you weren’t supposed to say that” (Loc 2239). The Floods live in that neighborhood, too. Though Randy is in Lu’s class...