2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

We also learn about the secret card society. Did you ever suspect that it extended beyond the grounds of the school? Do you think these type organizations are typical of those found in any private boarding school? Your thoughts about them?

I spent my education life in Catholic schools. At that time, we weren't allowed to have sororities or similar clubs. We were told to wait for college. When I went to college, I had to work and didn't have time to join a sorority. Even if I had time, I don't believe I would be selected to pledge.

I know many friends who got their first job because their sorority allowed them a foot in the door. I don't think they are so secret in most schools though.

Maybe not so secret, but I think these type of clubs/groups exist in many types of school settings (not just private or upper class). I think they instill a certain hierarchy within the group and/or school which can have some dire consequences (ie: hazing).
I thought this was a very effective element in the story.

Definitely think in some jobs where you went to school or university gives you some advantage to get positions. There is an old boy or old girl network but this is not as important as merit becomes increasingly important.. thankfully as it has in previous generations. And I might be wrong but I think it would still be more influential in British Society which still has a Monarchy and aristocracy than in Australia or the US. Although I guess there are influential families in both these countries. The secret card society was based on this and expanded for the storyline of this book.

Lisa, it runs extremely strong in the US. Who you know gets you in the door and at the top of the list before anyone else. We have an Ivy League group of schools (questionable these days as to why they’re still considered the most elite) that will open just about any door and put you ahead of all applicants.

What we have in the US are fraternities and sororities. While they operate in the open, some of their activities are closely held secrets and are under the cover of darkness. Nothing as sinister as this card society but having joined a sorority while in college (I became disillusioned in less than a year), I can tell you that in the hands of some of the worst members, it could turn ugly. We have a real issue with hazing in this country where students die and the attempts to cover up are massive. School administrators have become more cooperative over the years but it’s still a major problem.

At these ages, students are much more susceptible to peer pressure and group think, making them vulnerable to the machinations of someone like the Joker, Philip Havers. The principal chose to turn away from his awful behavior because he feared retribution from the “cards.”

I'm just not sure about societies like this operating in middle/high schools, but every school has cliques that purposely exclude some and include others.