A second way in which race comes into play in the Hallway Hangers' attitudes and behavior also involves gender. Seeing black men as advantaged economically, they take out their anger at the system on the black men, thereby proving their masculinity in the form of physical prowess. Issues of class contribute a third influence on the Hallway Hangers' rejection of the achievement ideology. They find that they are tracked in school to do poorly, and that prospective employers are aware of their class background and think twice about hiring them. Although the Hallway Hangers do not see the intricacies of this process taking place, half have remarked that students from 'higher' social backgrounds have a better chance to do well in school.
Most children grow up to be part of the same class as their parents.
Structural prejudices against members of the working class prevent their ascension to the middle class. They are not only aware of the achievement ideology, but they actually arrange their lives in opposition to it, as a misunderstood protest against oppression. As they grow older, they seem to feel some regrets, however, that they chose to protest in that manner. You don't know how bad I'm aching inside. Frankie, too, seems to regret.