As unusual as it can be processed, apparently students make friends from being in class amongst each other. Michigan State University researchers stated, “Students who take the same set of courses tend to get to know each other very well and focus less on social status, such as how “cool” someone is. ” Also, “They’re also less likely to judge classmates on visible characteristics like race and gender” (Henion and Frank). Part of the study explains whether or not teenagers choose their friends based on race. Racial cliques are very common in this high school setting.
Most of the time these racial cliques include individuals with the same mindset or physical appearance. However, this study indicates that students who are in the same academic setting tends to cause others to relate with one another regardless of race, gender, or popularity. MSU researchers also stated, “Students were more likely to make friends in small classes, often electives, which set them off from the general student population. Friendships were more likely to be created in Latin 4 and woodshop, for example, than in a large physical education class that is required of everyone in a particular grade” (Henion and Frank).
The information describes how it is more likely for a student to make friends in the elective class setting than the setting of a large required class. In contribution to the research, this piece of evidence displays how smaller class settings create friendly environments. Therefore, the setting gives opportunity for the formation of new relationships. Warren New Tech High has classes that range from 8-16 people at a time. This indicates that our smaller numbers can create a community that allows students to get to know each other.
The highlighting factor is that class setting can be a solution to the division of race here at WNTHS. “In large and diverse groups, people with similar beliefs, values and interests tend to stick together, establishing both friendships and romantic relationships with like-minded people, a new study suggests. ” (Dallas) This also supports the thesis of how teenagers with the same values stick together. People who agree on topics easily make good companions. Everyone wants a friend who agrees with them on 90% of their morals.
Therefore, it may be possible that teenagers choose their friends based on how similar their mindsets are. This fact also states that teenagers tend to befriend those who share common interest which each other. Therefore, this produces the thought whether or not race and hobbies are very much so integrated. For example, what if most of the people who participate in band are of African American race? Additionally, what if those who love to hunt happen to all be of Caucasian race? This information opens up much room for deep research and analysis.
Research has also shown that teens are likely to become friends with people who are similar to them — particularly in terms of race, ethnicity and gender” (Frank). This supports the thesis statement which discusses how teenagers tend to choose friends who are similar to them physically. Therefore, the personality is neglected until the person actually forms a friendly bond. Teens generally have social skills that draw others to them to have fun. This relates to the fact that social actions draw teenagers closer together.
When teenagers group together they begin to compare beliefs, opinions, and interest. This ultimately makes the dynamics of a group friendship. The students of WNTHS were given a, predominantly multiple choice, survey of questions which creates an opportunity to analyze whether they choose their friends based on race, similitude, or educational comparability. In response to the question “Which statement best describes the relationship you have with your best friend? “, 90. 6% of students chose that they had a lot in common with their friends, 6. % of students chose that they are the same race as their friend, and 3. 1% of students chose that they make great class partners with their friends.
This indicates that most students build their friendships of similitude. The question “Do your parents have an influence on your friend choices? ” was also asked. 28. 1% of the students answered yes and 71. 9% of the students answered no. If the surveyors answered yes, they were asked to describe if there parents would prefer for them to have a friend with the same race, social interest, or school interest. 60. % of students chose that their parents would prefer for their child’s friend to have the same social interest as them.
26. 1% of the students stated that their parents would prefer for their child’s friend to be on the same level as them educationally. Lastly, 13% of the students stated that their parents would prefer for their child’s friend to be in the same race as them. The statistics strongly suggest that the majority of parents would prefer for their child’s friends to have similarities with their child. In conclusion, it is evident that the reason WNTHS students group themselves is because of their common interests.
Most of the students at WNTHS, believe that they can be true friends with anyone as long as they have similitude amongst one another. Race is only a priority to a minor number of students who do recognize the fault in their ideology of friendship. Friendship is not defined by color, however, friendship is defined by likeness and connection. It is imperative that the students of WNTHS recognize what true friendship is all about. As proven by study, statistics, and research this movement won’t harness the majority’s opposition.
