Growing Up Gifted review – some hope amid the classism and cruelty

In the first of a second series, we witnessed six above-averagely intelligent teenagers continuing to battle the effects of poverty and nonconformity

‘Be safe, and be successful.” This is what Rene, a full-time security guard and single mother of two (since her husband’s application to remain was refused a year ago and he was deported to Jamaica), wants for her musically gifted son Jamarley. The order is telling. Safety first, when there is nothing beneath to catch you if you fall.

Last night’s Growing Up Gifted was the first episode in the second series following six above-averagely intelligent children, three girls and three boys, from low-income backgrounds and – well, seeing if they’re doomed, basically. It is hedged about with the usual phrases about social mobility and so on, but it is, in essence, a study of if, when and how the noose of class begins to tighten round dreams and potential and choke them to death.

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from The Guardian http://bit.ly/2XjisGS