Question

Although Kenneth Clark has a feeling that the guidance counselor is discriminating against him by recommending him to a vocation school, why does he describe the scene 'embarrassing regarding his mother's confrontation with the guidance counselor?

a) The counselor was biased
b) His mother disagreed with the recommendation
c) The confrontation occurred in public
d) The counselor was unprofessional

Answer 1

Kenneth Clark finds his mother's confrontation with the guidance counselor embarrassing likely because it subjects him to public scrutiny, reflects negatively on his future opportunities, and is linked to potentially discriminatory actions by the counselor.

Step-by-step explanation:

Kenneth Clark may describe the scene as 'embarrassing' regarding his mother's confrontation with the guidance counselor because confrontations like these are often personal and sensitive; they can create a feeling of public humiliation, especially in front of authority figures. Whether the counselor was biased or not, such public disputes can put a spotlight on individuals, making them the subject of gossip or judgment by others, which can be deeply unsettling. It's important to consider the power dynamics involved in any such conflict, especially when they're related to sensitive issues like potential discrimination and the future prospects of a student.

In similar situations described in literature and history, individuals express feelings of embarrassment and pain when confronted with discrimination or prejudice in public settings. The impact of such encounters can echo long after the moment, contributing to a harmful stigma or self-doubt, much like the student hearing a negative label from a teacher in Jeremy Iversen's 'High School Confidential', or the experience of African Americans during the Jim Crow era, as captured through oral histories.