Hooked on YA books 2015 discussion

[In an effort to get myself back on track with my Goodreads posts, I've decided to do a second 7.1 post. This is mostly for the sake of consistency in post documentation.]

Ponyboy is constantly trying to solve what the critical difference between Greasers and Socs is. Despite witnessing several displays of violence against Greasers and Socs alike, Pony cannot rationalize why the violence is occurring, but he has a difficult time coming to terms with the fact that "Not all Socs are the same," because he selectively recalls the few terrible times he has dealt (or simply has passed down to him by word of mouth) with. Pony becomes stuck in his identity as a Greaser and participates (often as a bystander) in the actions of his peers because he feels the weight of social expectations to stick up for his own. In questioning why he is expected to uphold the social expectations pinned to the Greaser archetype, Pony is able to come to the conclusion that, at his core, he's a person, just like every other Greaser and Soc, and while his perception might not be shared by his peers, he knows that it is up to him to "stay golden" and partake in his own personal movement to quell the unwarranted hatred.

I also think Ponyboy needs to believe that "Not all Socs are the same" because he does not want people to believe that all Greasers are the same. Pony can see the difference between himself and other Greasers - even his own brothers, and I think is often sick of the Soc vs. Greaser battle. If he can convince himself (and others) that all people are different, with different feelings and opinions despite their social belongings, then maybe this turf war can end.