Pretty Ugly

Bluford High series is set in an inner-city high school with many characters depicted as being from a lower socioeconomic background. As such, college attendance is not seen as the assumed outcome of a high school education. Many students would have to rely on scholarship offers to be able to afford to go, which means they will have to compete with many other kids to receive funding. Because of this, studiousness and academic success serve as a symbol for a better future. As Aunt Charlotte explains to Darcy, “It’s very competitive […] But they have some amazing scholarship programs. With your grades, you’ll have a decent shot. But you’ll need good SAT scores, too” (52). This view of Darcy as college-bound is contrasted with Jamee’s academic troubles. Her failing grades and interest in cheerleading are a major source of conflict between her and her parents, who see her as not caring about her future. Jamee’s mother makes this clear when she references Jamee’s academic troubles, saying, “You’re not gonna amount to anything in this world if you keep this up” (102). Without academic success, in other words, Jamee will be trapped in the same cycle of low-paying jobs and limited financial success that many people in her community are.