I think both of you are very wrong about E&Z. Although they were opinionated, their statistics spoke a lot louder than their opinions on a consistent basis. The fact is, Tom, E&Z don't stereotype the kids across the tracks, we do!! As sociologists their job is to reflect hidden reality through numbers and studies to help society face real situations and break false consciousness (or at least that is what I think Sociologists should do). When you study a subject for as long as E&Z have, you can not help but be passionate about the topic, especially when it is a huge hidden component of our society that breeds extreme wealth and poverty simultaneously.

I truly enjoy McLeod and I am very excited to read the studies (unfortunately I am still finishing up chapter 2). This book will be interesting because it studies the question so many of us assume of why some "make it" and some "bite it." We will probably get into many heated debates on different issues, but without conflict or confrontation, there is usually no change.