In The Outsiders, two gangs, the Socs and the greasers have extremely different social structures. These two social groups define the characters, when really they should all be seen as individuals. In The Outsiders, the author portrays the communities to which one belongs greatly influences, but does not determine, one’s overall individual identity.
The Socs and the greasers are two different social groups with different social lines. The Socs are looked at as the rich, popular, and spoiled upper class. Also known as the “the jet set, the West-side rich kids” (2). The greasers are seen as the poor outcasts from the East side of town. Greasers “steal things and drive old souped-up cars” (2). When the greasers make mistakes, it …show more content…
One positive effect is the group will be a sheltered and safe place. Each member will have an open shoulder to cry on and support. Another positive effect is that a friend group is like a second family. Friendship bonds can get so strong that it can turn a friendship into something powerful. Groups bring people together. A negative effect can be that a group can define a person, but that should not be the case. Groups may somewhat define people, but they do not tell the whole story. People’s friends should not be defined by their social lines, but their social lines should be defined by their friends. For example, when Cherry and Ponyboy were hanging out at the movie, Cherry said “We couldn’t let our parents see us with you all. You’re a nice boy and everything . . .” (45). Cherry was letting her social lines get in the way of her friendships. She should be able to be friends with whoever she wants and not judged by anyone. Another negative effect is that if someone is defined by their social groups, they can gain stereotypes they do not own. For example, if someone hangs around a bad group of people, it is automatically assumed that person is bad too. Ponyboy and Johnny are the sensitive greasers and the rest of the gang is “tuff” (97). It is assumed that Ponyboy and Johnny are tuff just like the rest of the group, except they are individuals and deserve to be seen that
The Socs and the greasers are two different social groups with different social lines. The Socs are looked at as the rich, popular, and spoiled upper class. Also known as the “the jet set, the West-side rich kids” (2). The greasers are seen as the poor outcasts from the East side of town. Greasers “steal things and drive old souped-up cars” (2). When the greasers make mistakes, it …show more content…
One positive effect is the group will be a sheltered and safe place. Each member will have an open shoulder to cry on and support. Another positive effect is that a friend group is like a second family. Friendship bonds can get so strong that it can turn a friendship into something powerful. Groups bring people together. A negative effect can be that a group can define a person, but that should not be the case. Groups may somewhat define people, but they do not tell the whole story. People’s friends should not be defined by their social lines, but their social lines should be defined by their friends. For example, when Cherry and Ponyboy were hanging out at the movie, Cherry said “We couldn’t let our parents see us with you all. You’re a nice boy and everything . . .” (45). Cherry was letting her social lines get in the way of her friendships. She should be able to be friends with whoever she wants and not judged by anyone. Another negative effect is that if someone is defined by their social groups, they can gain stereotypes they do not own. For example, if someone hangs around a bad group of people, it is automatically assumed that person is bad too. Ponyboy and Johnny are the sensitive greasers and the rest of the gang is “tuff” (97). It is assumed that Ponyboy and Johnny are tuff just like the rest of the group, except they are individuals and deserve to be seen that