The book West Side Story written by Arthur Laurents is set in the mid-1950s, created as a modern version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. West Side Story is a romantic tragedy about two characters who are supposed to be completely different and are not accepted when they fall in love. The “difference” between these characters centers on the prejudices they had against each other. Prejudice is a harsh opinion or feeling previously formed without any knowledge or reason. The Jets and Sharks used many biases against other races, genders and ages. What they didn't realize is that they have more similarities than differences. One of the most common biases used in West Side Story concerns race. The majority of racist comments come from the Jets. They even used derogatory words within their own gang. The Jets were all together, except Tony, and Action said, "Stop looking for the Polack, Tony doesn't want any part of us" (Laurents 9). Polack is a very offensive word for a Pole or a person of Polish origin. At another point in the novel, the Sharks also call Tony a Polack. The Jets also called Puerto Ricans “PR” and made crude remarks about their hygiene and violence: “Some thoughtful people wondered what would happen if the PRs fled or were run out of town. It was best not to delve too deep or project too far. As it stands, the gangs have waged war on the PR, and the PR has fought back in kind. With some optimism, they could exterminate each other; and with this happy hope for the future, the city continued to do its business as usual – and to die” (Laurents 13). The Sharks and Jets were prejudiced against each other, but that never stopped them. This only led to more violence... middle of paper ......hey, they automatically fell in love. Bernardo becomes all protective and starts shouting at Maria: “You have to shout at babies” (Laurents 77). Bernardo doesn't really care about his sister like he should since their parents aren't around. Bernardo's prejudices regarding Maria's age destroy their relationship. West Side Story's biases centered on race, gender, and age and continued throughout the book. These elements created society today and are still with us, but most rise above it and choose to stop prejudging. The Sharks and Jets have also discriminated against each other, but never seem to understand the effect it has on them until the killings begin. The differences between them quickly become similarities without them fully realizing it. These prejudices provoke hatred and only produce violence or misunderstanding.