This is an autobiographical account of a teacher's first day in an inner city high school; it contains a discussion of the importance of understanding the subculture of one's students. The teacher's dress and comprehension of slang are noticed by the students. Incidents are related that illustrate the effects of ethnocentrism (the belief in the inherent superiority of one's own group and culture accompanied by a feeling of contempt for other groups and cultures) and specifically, the unequal enforcement of discipline, depending upon parents' economic background. The teacher, it is suggested, should be aware of student games (such as ribbin' and shuckin' and jivin') in order to stop them from getting out of hand. (CL)