I think that the viewpoint in the article titled 'The Monster that is High School' was extreme. I know several jocks, cheerleaders, preps and the rest of the 'popular kids.' They are not let off the hook because of who they are. The reason that they get coverage is because they do something. Rather than just sitting and complaining, they are involved in the school with sports and clubs. The arguement that the author brings up about cliques being exclusive is true. The author is taking an extreme stance of the topic, perhaps so much that the argument is ineffective. Instead of ranting at the groups he dislikes and beating them up and threatening them with knives he should try to be more peaceful. The fact that he considered shooting people seriously hurts his credibility. Also, where did he get the idea that these popular groups are outside the law. His article could be convincing or more intriguing if he put some efffort to persuade and inform others instead if venting his personal feelings.