Reflection to the Hunger Banquet

       For our class last week, we participated in NEIU's Hunger Banquet on the second floor of the Student Union. Upon entry into the conference room, we were each handed a ticket which determined where in the class we would sit and ultimately, what kind of meal we would be having for dinner. Upper class students were directed to sit at an ornate table where they were served a full nutritious meal. Students assigned to the middle class were directed to sit at regular tables where they were served pasta and bread. Finally, students assigned to the lower class such as myself, were directed to sit on the floor and were served a cup of water and an even smaller cup of broth as their meal.
       The banquet opened by a reading by the host in regard to many of the hunger statistics the world faces daily. She juggled a few people into different classes giving stories of upward and downward mobility experienced by those who were being moved. Though the experience was simulated, I felt the reactions of the students in each group was appropriate. Though we all worked together in a normal academic situation, the stratified room caused different reactions. Upper class students seemed to "innocently" giggle at those in lower classes, especially those in the poorest class. The middle class seemed neutral, almost apathetic to both other classes.
       What I found most surprising about the banquet is that almost almost everyone acted out their stereotypical role. The upper class admit to feeling awkward when leered upon by the poor but ultimately ignored them and many refused to make eye contact. No one who had a real meal offered to share with anyone else which reflects almost perfectly on how our society as a whole reacts to these situations. The banquet was a good experience though, for us in the lower class ultimately left hungry. It showed us how mobility in class really works and how large the economical gaps between classes really are.