Class Divides

The author uses the relationship between Bristal and Lydia to demonstrate the terrible and dangerous reality of class divides in rural America. Lydia is the only daughter of a wealthy and powerful family, whereas Bristal is the daughter of a notorious “white trash” family who lives in a trailer. When Lydia first realizes that she and Bristal are both missing history credits, she decides to invite the rebellious Bristal to join her podcast so she can add a “grittier” element to her show to impress Ivy League college boards with: ““It’s good optics … I’ve got a chance to exhibit true journalistic integrity, highlight some of the more interesting aspects of small-town life, illustrate my research skills and interviewing techniques, all while helping Bristal become the first Jamison with a diploma” (37). Lydia and Bristal have gone to the same school since kindergarten, but the...