The Inequality of Ethnicity

The Flats of Holyoke gave Tracy Kidder an interesting demographic of people and situations to examine in this book. One theme that is clear throughout the entire novel is that of education and ethnicity. While Chris is never prejudice towards any of the children in her class, she recognizes the ill treatment they receive from other Kelly School teachers as well as other people in the Flats and the rest of Holyoke.

Chris' class is largely of Puerto Rican descent. The rest of the class is white and a few children are black. Irish immigrants looking for refuge in America settled Holyoke. After World War II many displaced Puerto Ricans were invited to settle in the United States. While many went to New York City, available jobs in Holyoke drew many Puerto Ricans to the area. As jobs began to dry up, the city (especially...