The Outsiders: Location-Based Stereotypes

Throughout literature, cinema, and even history, location-based stereotypes have had an impact on the way the story unfolds. One of the most famous novels that involve these location-based stereotypes is S.E. Hinton’s award-winning novel, The Outsiders. The characters in this novel form opinions about each other based on where they are from. This opinion based on where someone is from doesn't just happen in this novel. It happened in 1619 when slavery started and people felt they could just take African Americans from their home just because they were not from England, so they viewed them as a lesser valued person. It happened in the 1830s, and 40s, and 50s when President Jackson ordered the Indians out of their native land because them and their ancestors were native to America and not Britain. It happens in everyday life like when you walk into a shady town and see someone, you just instinctively hold your valuables just a little tighter. Location creates a stereotype that greatly influences the way human beings view each other. In The Outsiders, there are two groups; you are either a Soc, or a Greaser. Socs, or Socials, are

In shows and movies, the lesser of the two main groups are always from either the West side, or South side. Gossip Girl, and Riverdale are just two of many shows that build a plot off of these prejudices. We then apply these ideas to our everyday lives. For one example North Wildwood and West Wildwood. Most people from West Wildwood just stay they are from Wildwood, while residents of North Wildwood make it a point to say they are from North Wildwood. Neither want to be associated with the “lesser” side even though they are the same. The same prejudice goes for when you walk around in a shady area or a place you don’t know. Even though everyone there could be the nicest people in the world, location-based stereotypes lead you to believe that you are going to get robbed or harmed in some