Culture Clash
Culture clash is symbolized by the experiences of Jordan Banks and Drew Ellis in the New Kid. The New Kid has white students as the majority while black students are few. Therefore, Jordan and Drew are experiencing new ways of doing things. For instance, they are forced to assimilate and do what fellow white students do. However, no student is willing to assimilate to the black way of doing things. Therefore, the cultural clash is evident in how black students are handled in New Kid schools.
Racism
The harassment of Drew symbolizes racism on his first day at Riverdale School. The white students are demanding to touch Drew's black hair, making him feel horrible and frightened. Besides touching Drew's hair, the white students speak poorly of Drew's ethnicity. Later, the school initiates promoting diversity among students regardless of their race, color and origin.
Jealousy
Jealousy is symbolized by Drew’s attitude towards Liam’s privileged lifestyle. Drew has the audacity of questioning Liam’s privileged lifestyle when he is invited to Liam’s home for thanksgiving. Consequently, Drew is covetous of Liam's good life, which deteriorates their relationship.
