On page 162, Ponyboy describes how he thinks that some people see him and other greasers as “victims of environment” and deserve pity. How does he react to this idea? Why do you think he reacts this way? Explain your thinking.

Ponyboy hates this idea: it belittles Greasers. He thinks Greasers stand by their own terms out of choice. He adds , "I hoped they hated us, that they weren't full of that pity-the-victims-of-environment junk the social workers kept handing Curly Shepard every time he got sent off to reform school." Ponyboy thinks Greasers should be worthy of people's fear and respect and not pitied.