In chapter 3 of The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton, there is socio-economic tension between two groups, the Greasers and the Socs.  A group of Greasers consisting of Ponyboy, Two-Bit, and Johnny met two Socs, Marcia and Cherry. On a walk home from the movies they talk about all that divides them. It was like the differences between them had practically vanished. They still knew in the back of their heads that these two groups should not mix. Physical appearance shouldn’t affect how someone is judged, but in chapter 3 it is a factor in evaluating a person. This tension created many problems throughout the chapter and even the rest of the book. Differences aside, both groups, like Cherry Valance said, “‘watch the same sunset’”(35). In S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders, the Socs and Greasers learn that despite socioeconomic differences, people are just people and can relate on many levels.

Socs are described as having this almost perfect life with money and happiness, and because of that Socs  think they should not even be seen with Greasers, like Ponyboy and Johnny.  When the Socs get out of the blue Mustang, Ponyboy thinks to himself, “all I had was a pair of jeans and Soda’s old navy sweatshirt with its sleeves cut short”(38). Compared to the Socs who were wearing madras ski jackets and khaki slacks. This difference in physical appearance means more than you think. Random people don’t see them both as equal in the terms of who they are as a person. People judge them on how  much money they make and what social class they are in before even saying a word to them. One Soc, “a tall guy with a semi-beatle haircut” said, “‘that’s no reason to go walking the streets with these bums’”(39).  This person believes that these two groups should not mix and even Cherry, while she was leaving said,”’ in the hall at school or some place don’t say hi’”(40).  She knows that this type of deflecting from the Socs to be with others, like the Greasers, who are different  than her, is not accepted. They don’t realize that they all should be treated equally. Or at least judged on their personality. Not physical appearance.

    There seems to be a big difference in personality and feeling between the two groups that is evident in chapter 3, but there are always feelings of being wanted and accepted that both groups can relate too. Cherry said, “‘Socs were always behind a wall of aloofness, careful not to let their real selves show through’”(34). Socs don’t really show who they are, but they show who they want to be. This is only because they want to be accepted. In a similar manner, the Greasers make sacrifices to help the greater good of the people around them. Darry who is, “trying to run a family and hold on to two jobs” gave up everything(38). He is only twenty and has gone through more hardships than most at that age, but he does this all for Ponyboy. Really money is one of the only thing things that separates them. Socs can drive around in fancy cars and wear expensive clothes, but that doesn’t mean that they have different in feeling than the Greasers are. There are as many or even more problems that Socs have to face that Greasers would never have to worry about.

    Before the interaction with Cherry, Greasers think that the Socs, with all of their money, just have amazing and perfect lives. What they don’t know is that there are similarities that change the way they see the Socs. Cherry says while walking with them, “‘I’ll catch myself to a girl-friend, and realize I don’t mean half of what I am saying’”(33).This means that Socs, like herself, hide behind a wall of fakeness and lies that they probably hate being behind. They should be able to express how they feel and not be pressured to conform to what society or social class they are in wants.  Socs also have family problems just like the Greasers do.  They have always gotten what they wanted,  when they want it.  Most of them only want a structure that they can base the rest of their life on, and that structure can’t be money. They want parents that care for them, and teach them life lessons. Greasers do have family problems, but they are not the same. Johnny’s parents, “didn’t care if he came home or not”(43). Also, Ponyboy’s parents died in a car crash, which leaves Darry and Soda to take care of him. Most of the group does have family problems, either revolving around parents that aren’t there, or that are very abusive. Socs and Greasers have difficulties that neither group would want. That should help each group see each other in a new perspective.

In S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders, the Socs and Greasers learn that despite socioeconomic differences, people are just people and can relate on many levels.  Greasers now know that Socs’ lives aren’t perfect. Socs  live in constant want. The want for more stuff and fulfillment. Also, the want for caring parents that give them a structure other than money  to base their lives upon.   Even if there is physical, emotional, or socio-economic differences, there is always at least one similarity. They are all human beings. Judging people on these differences  should not be accepted because at the end of the day, they all watch the same sunset.