In what chapter and on which page does the following quote from The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton occur?"That's why people don't ever think to blame...

In Chapter 9 and on page 141 of the SPEAK Penguin Group edition of The Outsiders, Ponyboy says,

"That's why people don't ever think to blame the Socs and are always ready to jump on us. We look hoody and they look decent. It could be just the other way around---half of the hoods I know are pretty decent guys underneath all that grease, and from what I've heard, a lot of Socs are just cold-blooded mean---but people usually go by looks" (Hinton 141).

Just before the Greasers are about to rumble against the Socs, Ponyboy realizes that his gang should not be fighting alongside the Brumly boys. Pony distinguishes the difference between Greasers and hoods by mentioning that the hoods were future convicts. When the Socs finally arrive, Ponyboy notices that they are clean shaven and are wearing striped and checkered shirts. He says that the Socs were dressed like they were going to the movies, which is one of the main reasons why people don't blame them for causing trouble. One of the central themes Hinton explores throughout the novel deals with false appearances and people's perceptions of others. Although the Socs look decent, they are actually heartless, violent individuals. Their pleasant appearance is deceiving and hides their true nature. The same can be said for the Greasers and other hoods. Even though they look tough and intimidating, most of them are kindhearted individuals. Ponyboy is frustrated with how society unfairly judges others based solely on looks and is conflicted about his Greaser persona. Pony wishes to live in a world where people value personality and character, rather than outward appearances.