Theme Of Stereotypes In The Outsiders

Have you ever made an assumption about someone due to a stereotype? In the realistic fiction novel, The Outsiders by S.E Hinton and the short story “Geeks Bearing Gifts” by Ron Koertge, stereotypes often come up. In The Outsiders, the town that the main character, Ponyboy, lives in is separated into two rival sides. The rich and wild Socials, or Socs, and the poor outcasts, the Greasers. The characters are defined by what side of town they live in. In “Geeks Bearing Gifts”, Renee’s school is separated the same way, with the preppy and popular students, and those who are labeled ‘outcasts’. By reading both of these stories, the reader learns that our thoughts about people revolve around stereotypes and assumptions, but everyone has an individual

Dally is mocking a Soc named Cherry, calling her ‘fiery’ and saying that’s how he likes girls. He then proceeds to put his arm around her, when Johnny, who idolizes Dally, stops him and says, “Leave her alone, Dally.” (Hinton 24) This dismisses two stereotypes about Johnny, that he is a ‘lost puppy’ who needs the rest of the group to defend him, and that Greasers shouldn't care what happens to Socs. This is significant because it shows Pony that Johnny is stronger than he thought before, and that he might be as caring and thoughtful as Ponyboy is. Later in the book, Randy, a Soc, is talking to Ponyboy about Bob, Randy's best friend who Johnny killed to save Ponyboy's life. Randy tells Ponyboy that all Bob wanted was for his parents to get him in trouble. Randy then dismisses the conversation about Bob by saying, “I don’t know why I’m telling you this. I couldn't tell anyone else.” (Hinton 116) This is invalidating the stereotype that Socs and Greasers have nothing in common, and should hate each other. Randy and Ponyboy in particular, considering that Ponyboy was there the night Randy’s best friend died. This matters because it is showing that Socs and Greasers might be able to understand each other better than people within their own group, although they are stereotyped to be complete

This is important because Renee is quick to assume stereotypes, and Ponyboy is often stereotyped. Although these stories are based in 1968 and the early 90s, the themes are still present today. We still stereotype people based on religion, race, appearance, sexuality, and gender. People need to learn not to be so quick to judge. We should stop judging others at first glance, and instead should get to know each other thoroughly before making