The theme of the previous chapter concerns the subjects’ paradoxical relationship with their social surroundings, which is revealed in the awareness of living in two separate social worlds. Firstly, the affi liation with a social group based on an acquired position can be an uncomfortable situation. What is more, the bond with the milieu of origin has become strained. Strong emotional ties are commonly hampered by a sense of guilt and powerlessness. Relatives and friends from the past no longer recognize those who have left their former community; contempt or a disregard of the newly acquired position is felt by the latter. The outlook towards the old friend or family member has since changed; the obtained education and the world with which it is associated are behind this transformed attitude. This schism or feeling of being a straddler (Lubrano, 2004) continues to infl uence the adult life and career. The world of the past is seen through the eyes of the present and at the same time today’s world is judged through the values from the past. All of the essays and anthologies cited as well as the testimonies as recorded by Brands are variations of this theme.