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In the novel The Outsiders, Greasers may not have much, but they have a "rep." Why is their "rep" considered something?

In the novel The Outsiders, the Greaser gang has a reputation for being tough, intimidating trouble makers. They are easily identified by their greasy hairstyle and the jackets they wear. Ponyboy is proud of his greasy hair and hates when he has to cut and bleach it while he is hiding out in Windrixville. When Johnny initially mentions that they'll have to alter their appearances, Ponyboy says,



"Our hair was tuff---we didn't have to use much grease on it. Our hair labeled us greasers, too---it was our trademark. The one thing we were proud of. Maybe we couldn't have Corvairs or madras shirts, but we could have hair" (Hinton 61).



Also, before the rumble, Soda and Steve put excessive amounts of grease in their hair to show that they are Greasers. The Greasers come from the lower class and do not have many material possessions like their rival gang, the Socs. They are also considered society's outcasts. Rather than feel sorry about their situation, they embrace the "bad boy" label and take pride in their rebel persona. The Greasers choose to be feared rather than pitied by society, which is why they cherish their reputation. Also, their greasy hair and tough attitude are both features that they have control over. The Greasers feel a sense of accomplishment being considered society's outcasts because they are able to intimate others.

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