Theme of The Outsiders

I think the theme of this book is that you don't have to live by the stereotypes that people give you. I think this is the theme of the book because on page 33, it says, "all Socs aren't like that. " she said. "You have to believe me, Ponyboy. Not all us are like that. " This is showing how people think that just because you're given a name, you have to live up to those standards. Another part in the book that shows this is in page 36, and it says,"Socs were always behind a wall of aloofness, careful not to let their real selves show through. " This is showing how they are labeling them in one category, but not everyone is the same.