The Greaser's Struggle In 'The Outsiders'

He didn’t expect for his life to change;this tragic event did not come with a warning. “The Outsiders” is about two rival gangs trying to figure out life.They both have struggles which usually result in anger.They go through so many obstacles just to remain enemies.The greasers struggle more than the Socs.
The greasers have very little money which makes them seem like poor hoodlums. “We’re poorer than the Socs and the middle class”(Hinton 3). Being poor is a very big contributor to the greaser’s struggle because they cannot provide efficiently for themselves.The greasers have no money to splurge,they have to save whatever they have to be able to have food and shelter. “Darry works too long...and grew up too fast...He and Soda worked at the gas station”(Hinton 2&9). The greasers lose their childhood by having to work at a young age.Working takes away the enjoyment of life,but the Socs don’t have that problem. This is only one of the many struggles that the greaser experience.

Being poor is a horrible struggle but being beaten by the Socs is worse.

“We get jumped by the Socs”(Hinton 2).It is not safe for the greasers to be alone,even on their own territory. Socs very violent towards the greasers just because there is no consequence.”Five Socs were coming straight at us...the Socs surrounded us...I knew Johnny and I were going to have to fight it out alone” (Hinton 55).The Socs torment and pick fights with the greasers all the time for fun.The Socs feel that they can beat up the greasers because they are better than them.The greasers have to deal with so many things that are way more terrible than what the Socs

endure.
Society thinks that the greasers are criminals and trash. “After you wash your mouth,learn how to talk and act decent”(Hinton 24).Everyone talks to the greasers very rudely and disrespectfully.The Socs make it seem like the greasers have no education or form of knowledge. “And if you are mad at us,that’s no reason to go walking the streets with these bums”(Hinton 45).The Socs think they are to good to be seen with the greasers.The Socs believe that because they are on a higher social level that they cannot associate with the greasers.The greasers are put down by everyone and it is hard for them to be released from the image of a criminal.
Although I may feel that the greasers have it worse than the Socs,others may feel differently. “That was what he wanted, for somebody to tell him no,set the limits,give him something solid to stand on”(Hinton 116).This argument is weakened because the Socs have a mental struggle within themselves that may not apply to every Soc.The greasers have both physical and mental problems that affect their lives.”You get a little money and the whole world hates you”(Hinton 117).The whole world does not hate the Socs they only have conflicts with the greasers.Everyone loves the Socs. They’re never punished for what they do and are seen superior to almost everyone.The greasers have more trouble in life than the Socs because their struggles are more serious and brutal.
In the end, I came to the conclusion that the greasers have it worse than the Socs.The greasers have a great disadvantage socially against the Socs because they are poor.Everyone thinks they are trouble making criminals and trash.Lastly, they are always outnumbered and attacked by the Socs.Every struggle has shaped the greasers into who they are but if they don't overcome them they will always remain at the bottom.

Works Cited
Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders. New York: Viking, 1967. Print.