Oct. 2010 Issue: Interviewing Ponyboy Curtis

[THE INTERVIEWER]

Today in the hot seat, we have a rare opportunity to hear some first hand perspective on just what it's like to be young, and already living risky on the streets. Here at the Times, we're welcoming Ponyboy Curtis. Here to give us that insight.

Mister Curtis, if you'd like to take a seat.

[eastsidesunset]

Uh, okay. *sits down uncomfortably* So how did you say this was gonna work again? And why me, of all people? If you wanted a random greaser to interview there are tons down in East Windrixville. We're nothin' rare, really.

Oh, and just call me Ponyboy. Mr. Curtis is usually my brother--nowadays, anyway-- and it just don't feel right to be called that.

[THE INTERVIEWER]

All that happens is you sit there, I sit here. I ask you a few questions and if you want to answer, you can do it in as much or as little time as your need. That's all there is to it.

Okay Ponyboy, if thats what you want. We're very aware of the community about New York right now, nobody here is going to single you out - anytime you want to stop the interview and leave, you can. I'm ready to begin when you are.

[eastsidesunset]

Yeah, okay. I'm ready. Go ahead, I'll answer the best I can.

[THE INTERVIEWER]

Alright then, let's start by talking about these 'other greasers'. Do you have a sort of, support network between each other?

[eastsidesunset]

I guess you could call it that. I mean, if we don't look out for each other it's not like there's anyone else who will. Greasers have each others' backs just 'cause that's pretty much all we have. Of course there'll be fights amongst ourselves too, but when it comes down to it we stick together. That's one of the big differences between us and Socs.

[THE INTERVIEWER]

Tell us a little more about these 'Socs'. Are we assuming they're an opposing coterie?

[eastsidesunset]

Socs? What's to tell? They're the rich kids. Had everything handed to them from the minute they were alive. West-side upperclassers with all the breaks. We hate them and they hate us. I couldn't tell you why, 'cause I don't know why to begin with. Things are just like that and you can like it or not but it's not gonna change.

I dunno when the whole grease vs Soc thing started, to tell you the truth, but it's been like this as long as I can remember. You don't choose which side you're on-- you're born into it. And not a lotta greasers are part of a real organized gang anyhow. People just assume we all are 'cause of the way we act. In fact, there're just as many hoody Socs as there are hoody greasers, but you can't tell 'cause most of them look and act decent and not a lot of us do.

[THE INTERVIEWER]

So these higher classed 'kids', these Socs, they're engaged in some sort of street war with the Greasers thats been going on since, forever. How does this affect your everyday life, can confrontations be easily avoided or do Socs like to make things, difficult?

[eastsidesunset]

Well, most of the time we stick to our side of town and they stick to theirs because if not you know there's gonna be trouble. But sometimes a carload of drunk Socs will cruise on to our territory looking for greasers to jump, and when that happens you definitely don't wanna be alone.