outsiders in society essay

• The Outsiders

S.E. Hinton

• Literature Notes
• Book Summary
• About The Outsiders
• Character List
• Summary and Analysis
• Character Analysis
• Ponyboy Curtis
• Darry and Sodapop Curtis
• Johnny Cade
• Dallas (Dally) Winston
• Sherri (Cherry) Valance
• Bob Sheldon
• Randy Adderson
• Character Map
• S.E. Hinton Biography
• Critical Essays
• Themes in The Outsiders
• The Movie versus the Book
• Has Society Changed?
• Full Glossary for The Outsiders
• Essay Questions
• Practice Projects
• Cite this Literature Note

The Outsiders is about two weeks in the life of a 14-year-old boy. The novel tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes that he is an outsider.

Ponyboy and his two brothers — Darrel (Darry), who is 20, and Sodapop, who is 16 — have recently lost their parents in an automobile accident. Pony and Soda are allowed to stay under Darry's guardianship as long as they all behave themselves. The boys are greasers, a class term that refers to the young men on the East Side, the poor side of town. The greasers' rivals are the Socs, short for Socials, who are the "West-side rich kids."

The story opens with Pony walking home alone from a movie; he is stopped by a gang of Socs who proceed to beat him up. The Socs badly injure and threaten to kill Ponyboy; however, some of his gang happen upon the scene and run the Socs off. This incident sets the tone for the rest of the story, because the event tells the reader that a fight between these two groups needs no provocation.

The next night Pony and two other gang members, Dallas Winston (Dally) and Johnny Cade, go to a drive-in movie. There they meet Sherri (Cherry) Valance and her friend Marcia, who have left their Soc boyfriends at the drive-in because the boys were drinking. Dally leaves after giving the girls a hard time, but another greaser, Two-Bit Mathews, joins Pony and Johnny. The boys offer to walk the girls home after the movie, but along the way, the girls' boyfriends reappear and threaten to fight the greasers. Cherry stops the fight from happening, and the girls leave with their boyfriends.

Pony and Johnny go to a vacant lot to hang out before heading home. They fall asleep, and when Johnny wakes Pony up it's 2 a.m. Pony runs home, because the time is way past his curfew, and Darry is waiting up. Darry is furious with Pony and, in the heat of the moment, he hits him. Pony runs out of the house and returns to the lot to find Johnny. Pony wants to run away, but instead they go to the park to cool off before heading back home.

At the park, Cherry's and Marcia's boyfriends reappear. Pony and Johnny are outnumbered, and the Socs grab Ponyboy and shove him face first into the fountain, holding his head under the water. Realizing that Ponyboy is drowning, Johnny panics, pulls his switchblade, and kills the Soc, Bob.

Ponyboy and Johnny seek out Dally for help in running away to avoid being arrested for Bob's murder. He gives them $50 and directions to a hideout outside of town. The boys hop a freight train and find the hideout where they are to wait until Dally comes for them. Hiding in an abandoned, rural church, they feel like real outsiders, with their greased, long hair and general hoody appearance. They both cut their hair, and Pony colors his for a disguise. They pass the time in the church playing cards and reading aloud from Gone with the Wind .

Dally shows up after a week, and takes them to the Dairy Queen in Windrixville. Thanks to Dally, the police think that the boys are headed for Texas. Dally also brings them the news that Cherry Valance is now being a spy for the greasers, and helping them out against the Socs. She has also testified that Bob was drunk the night of his death and that she was sure that the killing had been in self-defense.

Johnny decides that he has a chance now, and announces that he wants to turn himself in. They head back to the church and discover that it is on fire. A school group is there, apparently on some kind of outing, and little kids are trapped inside. Without thinking, Pony and Johnny race inside and rescue the kids. As they are handing the kids outside to Dally, the burning roof collapses. Pony barely escapes, but a piece of timber falls on Johnny, burning him badly and breaking his back. The boys, now viewed as heroes, are taken via ambulance back to town, where Pony reunites with his brothers.

Johnny dies of his injuries. Dally is overcome with grief, and he robs a grocery store. He flees the police and calls the gang from a telephone booth, asking them to pick him up in the vacant lot and take him to a hiding place. The police chase Dally to the lot, and as the gang watches, Dally pulls a "black object" from his waistband and the officers shoot him.

The senselessness of all the violent events traumatizes Pony, but he deals with his grief and frustration by writing this book for all of the "Dallys" in the world.

Next About The Outsiders

Analysis of The Outsiders From the Perspectives of Social Work Theories and Applications Essay

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Summary of the Book and Analysis of Characters’ Relations

Approaches related to the case, applying approaches to solve social problems, conclusion: social perspective and outcomes.

The Outsiders is a book that narrates about social struggles premised on differences in social outlooks, wealth, and cultural beliefs (Hinton, 2005). The rivalry between the two gangs – the Greasers and the Socs – turns into the struggle in the context of social problems. Thus, the story represents a microcosm in which people with problematic backgrounds confront social challenges.

The main protagonist Ponyboy is a 14 years old boy who lives with his elder brothers – 16-year old Sodapop and the eldest brother Darry. The latter takes responsibilities for his brothers because their parents died in a car accident (Hinton, 2005). Ponyboy, along with his friends Johnny and Dally, confronts Bob and Randy, the members of the Socs, after returning from the cinema with Socs’ girlfriends Cherry and Marcia. Later, Bob and Randy decide to revenge on the Greasers and threaten Panyboy to kill him.

In a struggle, Johnny kills Bob because the latter attempted to drown Ponyboy. Both Johnny and Ponyboy decide to escape and hide in a church. However, when the church got on fire they rescue a group of children, but both teenagers are seriously wounded. Learning about the rescue of children from church, local newspapers proclaim Johnny and Ponyboy as heroes.

In a hospital, Johnny dies because of serious injuries whereas Dally suffers from Johnny’s loss and decides to commit suicide while confronting the police. After the accident and recovery, Ponybody returns home and leads a normal life, but his grades in school leave much to be desired. Then, he writes a term paper based on the story of his life, which later turns into a novel.

The book reveals a complex interaction between representatives of different layers of society resulting in rigorous struggles between the rich and the poor. The story is also about complicated family relations, as well as how family background influences teenager’s outlook on social interaction and communication.

In this respect, the three brothers – Ponyboy, Sodapop, and Darry – are left without parents’ attention and, as a result, they have to take on extra duties and responsibilities. Ponyboy is irritated by Darry’s extreme care. He befriends Johnny and shares his outlooks on life.

Sodapope is a handsome and carefree high school student who gave up studying. Along with his best friend Steve, he works at the gas station and knows everything about how to steel hubcaps. All these relationships are presented in the context of specific behavioral codes dictated by external constrains. All the members of the gang, therefore, are committed to the idea of honorable actions, which implies readiness to stand for each other in front of the Greasers’ enemies.

Johnny has also a problematic family history with his abusive mother and father paying insufficient attention to their son’s education. Therefore, he is vulnerable enough to the external environment. The three brothers are also left without attention and, therefore, they are ignorant of generally accepted codes of behavior in a community.

Exercising violence against other social groups seems to be the only means of protection accepted by the characters. In addition, there are also cases of substance abuse that can be seen the way drunken Socs attack Ponyboy and his friends.

From a social worker perspective, many theories and approaches are applicable to the case. Particular attention should be paid to the social theories related to the analysis of the place of gangs in society, as well as the nature and causes of social struggles (Heinonen & Spearman, 2000). In this respect, consideration of community development theory, crisis theory, family relationships and processes, as well as ego psychology is imperative for explaining the social problems and concerns the book heroes encounter.

Regarding the case under analysis, social work practice should be implemented by using strength and ecological perspectives. The idea of the strength perspective is premised on the theory of positive psychology and cognitive therapies that would enable individuals to search for their resourcefulness and worth.

Recognizing personal skills and abilities and acceptance of other views and outlooks can contribute to building a positive environment, as well as successfully interacting with other people (Ronen and Freeman, 2007 p. 7). From a social worker perspective, Ponyboy and Johnny should accept their worthiness and resourcefulness to fulfill themselves in such disciplines as literature and music. Moreover, the strength perspective allows the social workers to address resilience of individuals interacting in social and family context.

The need to focus on solutions rather than on challenges and problems is paramount as well (Ronen and Freeman, 2007). Flexibility and readiness to changes, therefore, should come to the forth when it comes to case of Dally’s suicide. Indeed, the hero fails to find a solution because he cannot reveal other way-outs. At this point, the Greasers have chosen the wrong tactics while confronting the outside society and considering those enemies.

From an ecological perspective, the situation presented in the book should be considered as a sophisticated interaction of microcosm, mesosystem, and macrosystem. The microcosm is represented in the form of relationships within the gang and between Panyboy and his brothers, which are quite complicated because each one encounters significant psychological problems (Pardeck, 1996).

These problems are also revealed while considering the interaction of the gang with other members of the community, which refers to the idea of mesosystem. Finally, macrosystem addresses the issues related to the conflicts and interaction between different cultures (Pardeck, 1996). Because the characters of the book have different family backgrounds and outlooks on life, social workers cannot solve the problem by analyzing psychological characteristics and behaviors separately.

Rather, social contexts should be considered to define what challenges and reasons an individual has while committing a particular action. In other words, the ecological perspective should address the “person-in-environment as one entity” (Greene & Rubin, 2008, p. 200). Social workers should deal with Ponyboy’s problems with regard to the relationships with his brother and his best friend Johnny and define what influence the gang as a social construct has on his outlook on society.

Regarding the social and family problems experienced by the main characters in the book, the story provides a typical account on how different social layers interact, as well as how different social groups accept the reality. In fact, the title of the book, The Outsiders, provide sufficient explanation for social issues.

The principle of differentiating people according to social status, wealth, gender, and sex leads to spreading the concepts of superiority and inferiority where the dominant group disapproves the action performed by the outsiders. Therefore, the book provides an adequate portrayal of social struggles.

Judging from the above analysis, the outcome of social work practice should be similar to the one practiced in reality.

Greene, R., & Rubin R. (2008). Human Behavior Theory and Social Work Practice . US: Transaction Publishers.

Heinonen, T., & Spearman, L. (2000). Social Work Practice: Problem Solving and Beyond . US: Irwin Higher Education.

Hinton, S. E. (2005). The Outsiders . US: Penguin Group.

Pardeck, J. T. (1996). Social Work Practice: An Ecological Approach . US: ABC-CLIO.

Ronen, T., & Freeman, A. (2007). Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Clinical Social Work Practice . US: Springer Publishing Company.

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IvyPanda. (2018, November 6). Analysis of The Outsiders From the Perspectives of Social Work Theories and Applications. https://ivypanda.com/essays/analysis-of-the-outsiders-from-the-perspectives-of-social-work-theories-and-applications/

"Analysis of The Outsiders From the Perspectives of Social Work Theories and Applications." IvyPanda , 6 Nov. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/analysis-of-the-outsiders-from-the-perspectives-of-social-work-theories-and-applications/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Analysis of The Outsiders From the Perspectives of Social Work Theories and Applications'. 6 November.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Analysis of The Outsiders From the Perspectives of Social Work Theories and Applications." November 6, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/analysis-of-the-outsiders-from-the-perspectives-of-social-work-theories-and-applications/.

1. IvyPanda . "Analysis of The Outsiders From the Perspectives of Social Work Theories and Applications." November 6, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/analysis-of-the-outsiders-from-the-perspectives-of-social-work-theories-and-applications/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Analysis of The Outsiders From the Perspectives of Social Work Theories and Applications." November 6, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/analysis-of-the-outsiders-from-the-perspectives-of-social-work-theories-and-applications/.

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117 The Outsiders Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a classic novel that has been beloved by readers for generations. The story follows a group of teenagers from different social classes who navigate the challenges of growing up in a divided society. With its themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to find one's place in the world, The Outsiders continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

If you're looking for essay topics and examples to help you analyze and explore The Outsiders, look no further. Here are 117 essay topic ideas and examples to get you started:

Compare and contrast the characters of Ponyboy and Johnny. How do their backgrounds and experiences shape their personalities and actions throughout the novel?

Analyze the theme of social class in The Outsiders. How do the Greasers and the Socs view each other, and how does this impact their relationships and interactions?

Discuss the role of family in the novel. How do the relationships between Ponyboy and his brothers, and Johnny and his parents, influence the characters' decisions and motivations?

Explore the theme of violence in The Outsiders. How do the characters use violence to assert power and control, and what are the consequences of their actions?

Investigate the significance of the novel's setting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. How does the city's social and economic landscape contribute to the tensions between the Greasers and the Socs?

Examine the theme of identity in The Outsiders. How do the characters struggle to define themselves in a society that judges them based on their appearance and social standing?

Discuss the role of friendship in the novel. How do Ponyboy and his friends support each other through difficult times, and what does their loyalty reveal about the power of friendship?

Analyze the character of Cherry Valance. How does she challenge stereotypes and expectations as a Soc girl who befriends the Greasers?

Explore the theme of loyalty in The Outsiders. How do the characters demonstrate their loyalty to their friends and family, and what are the consequences of betraying that trust?

Discuss the significance of the novel's title, The Outsiders. How does it reflect the characters' feelings of alienation and isolation from mainstream society?

Compare and contrast the characters of Dally and Two-Bit. How do their personalities and attitudes differ, and how do they contribute to the dynamics of the Greasers?

Analyze the character of Bob Sheldon. How does his privileged upbringing and sense of entitlement influence his behavior towards the Greasers?

Discuss the theme of innocence in The Outsiders. How do the characters lose their innocence as they confront the harsh realities of their world?

Explore the role of Johnny's letter to Ponyboy in the novel. How does it reveal Johnny's thoughts and feelings, and how does it impact Ponyboy's understanding of his friend?

Examine the theme of heroism in The Outsiders. How do the characters demonstrate acts of bravery and selflessness in the face of danger?

Discuss the impact of Johnny's death on the characters and the plot of the novel. How does his loss affect Ponyboy and the other members of the gang?

Analyze the character of Dallas Winston. How does his tough exterior mask his vulnerabilities and insecurities, and how does he cope with his own demons?

Explore the theme of prejudice in The Outsiders. How do the characters judge each other based on stereotypes and assumptions, and how does this lead to conflict and misunderstanding?

Discuss the significance of the novel's climax, the rumble between the Greasers and the Socs. How does this event resolve the tensions between the two groups, and what are the consequences of the fight?

Compare and contrast the characters of Darry and Soda. How do their roles as older brothers shape their relationships with Ponyboy and each other?

Analyze the character of Randy Adderson. How does his decision to walk away from the rumble reflect his inner conflict and desire for peace?

Discuss the theme of family dynamics in The Outsiders. How do the relationships between the Curtis brothers and their absent parents impact their sense of identity and belonging?

Explore the role of violence in the novel. How do the characters use physical force to assert power and control, and what are the consequences of their actions?

Examine the theme of loss in The Outsiders. How do the characters cope with the deaths of loved ones, and how does their grief shape their perspectives on life and death?

Discuss the significance of Ponyboy's relationship with Cherry Valance. How does their friendship challenge the boundaries between the Greasers and the Socs?

Analyze the character of Steve Randle. How does his loyalty to the gang and his friendship with Soda influence his actions throughout the novel?

Explore the theme of redemption in The Outsiders. How do the characters seek forgiveness and atonement for their past mistakes, and what does it reveal about their moral compass?

Discuss the role of Johnny's letter in the novel. How does it serve as a symbol of his legacy and his impact on Ponyboy and the gang?

Examine the theme of self-acceptance in The Outsiders. How do the characters come to terms with their flaws and imperfections, and how does it shape their sense of identity?

Compare and contrast the relationships between Ponyboy and his brothers, Johnny and Dally, and Cherry and Marcia. How do these friendships differ in their dynamics and emotional depth?

Analyze the character of Bob's parents. How does their neglect and indifference towards their son contribute to his reckless behavior and eventual demise?

Discuss the theme of societal expectations in The Outsiders. How do the characters struggle to conform to societal norms and expectations, and what are the consequences of their rebellion?

Explore the role of nature in the novel. How do the characters find solace and comfort in the natural world, and how does it provide a sense of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of their lives?

Examine the theme of forgiveness in The Outsiders. How do the characters learn to forgive themselves and each other for their mistakes and shortcomings, and what does it reveal about their capacity for empathy and compassion?

Discuss the significance of the novel's ending. How does Ponyboy's realization about the meaning of heroism and bravery reflect his growth and development as a character?

Analyze the character of Cherry's boyfriend, Bob Sheldon. How does his violent and aggressive behavior towards the Greasers influence the novel's plot and themes?

Explore the theme of justice in The Outsiders. How do the characters seek retribution and vindication for the injustices they have suffered, and what are the consequences of their actions?

Discuss the role of Johnny's death in the novel. How does his sacrifice and bravery impact the other characters and their perspectives on life and death?

Examine the theme of courage in The Outsiders. How do the characters demonstrate acts of bravery and resilience in the face of adversity, and what does it reveal about their strength of character?

Compare and contrast the themes of loyalty, friendship, and family in The Outsiders. How do these relationships shape the characters' identities and motivations throughout the novel?

Analyze the character of Dally Winston. How does his tough exterior mask his vulnerabilities and insecurities, and how does he cope with his own demons?

Discuss the theme of empathy in The Outsiders. How do the characters show compassion and understanding towards each other's struggles and hardships, and what does it reveal about their capacity for empathy and kindness?

Explore the role of Ponyboy's narration in the novel. How does his perspective as a teenage boy living in a divided society shape the reader's understanding of the characters and their struggles?

Examine the theme of coming of age in The Outsiders. How do the characters navigate the challenges of adolescence and find their place in the world, and what does it reveal about their growth and development as individuals?

Explore the theme of family dynamics in The Outsiders. How do the relationships between the Curtis brothers and their absent parents impact their sense of identity and belonging?

Discuss the role of violence in the novel. How do the characters use physical force to assert power and control, and what are the consequences of their actions?

Compare and contrast the relationships

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The Outsiders

S. e. hinton, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Both the Socs and the greasers sacrifice their individuality to the styles and sentiments of their groups. Greasers, for example, wear their hair long and oiled, and share a common hostility toward the Socs.

At the start of the novel, Ponyboy is a dedicated greaser even though he knows that certain aspects of his personality make him different from the rest of the gang. The gang provides him with too great of a sense of safety and strength to even consider life outside of it. But the events surrounding Bob 's death cause Ponyboy to think more deeply about who he wants to be, and his conversations with Johnny , Cherry , and Randy lead him to reflect on the path his life is taking. He begins to question the reasons for conflict between Socs and greasers, and he thinks hard about the decision to participate in the rumble. Ponyboy's willingness to enter friendships with Socs signals the development of a distinct personal identity, one that includes association with the greasers but excludes total devotion to the greaser way of life. Darry encourages Ponyboy to pursue a life beyond gang membership, and the deaths of Johnny and Dally inspire the expression of his individual point of view in the English essay he writes. By the end of the novel, Ponyboy has committed himself to a life that will, at least in part, encourage other boys to find their own paths and voices, outside of the gang identity.

Individual Identity ThemeTracker

Individual Identity Quotes in The Outsiders

The Outsiders

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Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-5

Chapters 6-8

Chapters 9-10

Chapters 11-12

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

What is the significance of the novel’s title? Are there any true outsiders in this book?

Johnny’s last words to Pony are a reference to the Frost poem he heard Pony recite in the church. Do you agree with Johnny’s interpretation of the text? How does this poem help readers understand various characters?

Ponyboy likes watching movies and reading books to escape his reality, but they often mirror it instead. How does the various literature in the novel help him understand parts of his own life?

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Men Fear Me, Society Shames Me, and I Love My Life

By Glynnis MacNicol

Ms. MacNicol is a writer, a podcast host and the author of the forthcoming memoir “I’m Mostly Here to Enjoy Myself.”

I was once told that the challenge of making successful feminist porn is that the thing women desire most is freedom.

If that’s the case, one might consider my life over the past few years to be extremely pornographic — even without all the actual sex that occurred. It definitely has the makings of a fantasy, if we allowed for fantasies starring single, childless women on the brink of turning 50.

It’s not just in enjoying my age that I’m defying expectations. It’s that I’ve exempted myself from the central things we’re told give a woman’s life meaning — partnership and parenting. I’ve discovered that despite all the warnings, I regret none of those choices.

Indeed, I am enjoying them immensely. Instead of my prospects diminishing, as nearly every message that gets sent my way promises they will — fewer relationships, less excitement, less sex, less visibility — I find them widening. The world is more available to me than it’s ever been.

Saying so should not be radical in 2024, and yet, somehow it feels that way. We live in a world whose power structures continue to benefit from women staying in place. In fact, we’re currently experiencing the latest backlash against the meager feminist gains of the past half-century. My story — and those of the other women in similar shoes — shows that there are other, fulfilling ways to live.

It is disconcerting to enjoy oneself so much when there is so much to assure you to expect the opposite, just as it is strange to feel so good against a backdrop of so much terribleness in the world. But with age (hopefully) comes clarity.

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• Tennessee Voices
• Teachable Moments
• David Plazas

Contrary to my critics, research proves that country music is for everyone

I wrote that nashville leaders were complicit in keeping country music homogeneous. the reaction was brutal, but the research (and the critics) prove my point..

• Andrea Williams is an opinion columnist for The Tennessean and curator of the Black Tennessee Voices initiative. She has an extensive background covering country music, sports, race and society.

In 2021, the Country Music Association commissioned Horowitz Research to conduct on a study on “Country Music’s Multicultural Opportunity.” 4,000 consumers were surveyed, the group being split equally among white/non-Latino, Latino, Asian, and Black respondents.

By the time the study published, the country music industry was a year-and-a-half removed from the black squares and hashtags of the summer of 2020. By that point, there had been numerous panels hosted and task forces convened; insiders, it seemed, were fully aware of the industry’s issues.

Horowitz’s findings confirmed them. Among the results, reported by Jessica Nicholson of Billboard: “20% of BIPOC (Black, indigenous and other people of color) attendees say they experienced racial profiling and/or harassment at a country music live event–and 20% of white people say they have witnessed it” while 17% of respondents believed that “seeing racist symbols (certain flags or hand gestures) happens more at country music events.”

In all, Nicholson wrote, “the study emphasized the importance of reframing the perception that the country audience is ‘white,’ given that the research showed that one in four Black and Latinx fans and one in five Asians listen to country music on a weekly basis.”

I mention this report because, after The Tennessean published my column last week , which highlighted Nashville’s complicity in country music’s diversity problem, it’s clear that the industry has failed to make significant strides toward this reframing over the last two years.

Story by Marcus K. Dowling: Earl Scruggs 100th birthday concert celebrates bluegrass' legacy at Ryman Auditorium

Research shows that people of color also listen to country music

My social media mentions and email inbox were filled with people who lambasted my audacity to question the whiteness of their music when we have rap and R&B.

“Stop making everything about ‘equity,’” wrote @RaeRaeko on X.

“Sounds like you’re making excuses for your own culture appropriation problem,” wrote @AaFarmerAa.

There were also accusations of race-baiting and inserting race into a genre where it didn’t exist (no, really), along with the admonishments to go back to where I came from.

In his own essay, published in The Pamphleteer daily newsletter , native Nashvillian Davis Hunt (@realpamphleteer), who called me “unhinged,” wrote that country music has “miniscule appeal to the black community.”

But Horowitz’s study thoroughly debunks this notion. What’s more, even if one thinks it’s perfectly acceptable for spaces like country music to be nearly all white in 2024, that justification should cease when you understand that this industry is not white by nature of accident or self-selection.

There are — and have been — plenty of non-white people attempting to build careers in this space for generations. With few exceptions, they were either shut out completely or not given the proper support to achieve eventual success. And this doesn’t just apply to artists. It’s also applicable to those who sought to work as A&Rs (artists and repertoire representatives) and songwriters, producers and guitarists, publicists and engineers, marketing professionals and business managers.

Those inside the industry know this. They’ve met with Black songwriters and refused to sign or develop them; they’ve interviewed Black students from MTSU and Belmont and refused to give them internships or jobs; they’ve met Black artists on radio tour and refused to play their songs. Or, like the 20% of white respondents in the Horowitz survey, they’ve seen it happen.

Let’s talk about representation in the rap industry

It's the outsiders who remain ignorant — the people in my mentions who are allowed to believe a story that simply isn’t true, who are coddled in their own refusal to give up the all-white spaces that were artificially manufactured just for them.

They feel entitled to these spaces and will willingly fight for them — not because they are worried that diversity will ruin the music they “love,” but because they hate the idea that Black people, or any other “outsiders,” would infringe on the space they have unjustly declared their own.

They also refuse to do any research before spewing their vitriolic nonsense. Even a cursory Google search would show that rap is far more diverse than country. While “Loving on Me” by Jack Harlow, who is white, currently sits atop the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, songs by Black artists are often written and/or produced by white creatives. Meanwhile, the offices of their labels are filled with white execs. There is no parallel to be drawn between country music and rap any more than Allison Russell could be mistaken for Alison Krauss.

Many people working in the industry would say they want to distance themselves from people like this. If I showed them my mentions they’d apologize. They’d shrug and shake their heads, as if to say there’s nothing they can do. Then they’d rattle off their own progressive bona fides: the Black child they adopted from Africa, the gay best friend from college, the fact that they’re a long-registered Democrat.

But it would all be for show. Because when they walked away, they’d go back to their desks and roll up their sleeves, and they’d continue to a build a world that makes the men and women in my inbox feel comfortable—a world that upholds some of the worst aspects of the human condition.

Ultimately, as I wrote last week, this is country music’s right.

But the city of Nashville, as I also wrote, shouldn’t be complicit.

Andrea Williams is an opinion columnist for The Tennessean and curator of the Black Tennessee Voices initiative. She has an extensive background covering country music, sports, race and society. Email her at  [email protected]  or follow her on X (formerly known as Twitter) at  @AndreaWillWrite .