<p>“another reason not to live in Cupertino; it distorts your view of the world”</p>
<p>that may be, but I much prefer Cupertino to to where I lived(Morgan Hill). I believe that living in a neighborhood where people are outstanding citizens can have a positive influence on one’s life. Also, who would want to live in the “real world” where they face a lower probability of success? </p>
<p>I come from a so-so neighborhood, not really a ghetto. But it is surrounded by one. The conditions were less than ideal. There are mentally ill vagabonds. Many people were uneducated. I was even robbed one time. But enough about anecdotes. The truth is that the majority of successful people come from these very same “sheltered”(Cupertino, West San Jose etc…) environments that you seem to disapprove of. Look at the most elite schools(HYPS) and you’ll find the vast majority of students to be from upper-middle class suburbia. These people are obviously going to maintain their affluence.</p>