What does Ponyboy think it is better to see Socs as “just guys”? What do you think he means by this?

In chapter 7, the Greasers discover that Johnny has a broken back and a slim chance of survival. The next day after visiting, Johnny, Ponyboy and Two-Bit stop at the Tasty Freeze to buy some sodas and Randy Adderson pulls up in a blue Mustang. Randy asks to speak with Ponyboy and commends him for saving the children trapped in the building. Randy proceeds to lament about Bob Sheldon's unfortunate death and gives Ponyboy insight into his background. Randy then says that he is sick of all the violence and will not participate in the upcoming rumble between the gangs. Randy is depicted as a sensitive, confused adolescent, and Ponyboy tells Randy that he would help him if he could. After Randy leaves, Two-Bit refers to Randy as "Mr. Super-Soc," and Ponyboy responds by telling Two-Bit that Randy is "just a guy." Pony then thinks to himself,

Socs were just guys after all. Things were rough all over, but it was better that way. That way you could tell the other guy was human too (Curtis, 100).

Pony is one of the most insightful, perceptive characters throughout the novel and is beginning to realize that Socs and Greasers have many similarities and both experience struggle throughout their lives. For Ponyboy, it is easier to view Randy and his gang members as "just guys" instead of Socs because it humanizes them, making it easier for Ponyboy to sympathize with their situations.