Kids who don't play sports aren't outcasts anymore?
Not in the same way they used to be. Several factors at work.
Larger schools. Not everyone can "make the team." Also, the groups of kids who do other things (theater, band, debate, forensics, scouts, video games, whatever) are much larger, so the herd protects them.
More diverse populations. I grew up in North Topeka. Our idea of diversity was whether you were Protestant or Catholic. Zero other colors or languages. This forces acceptance of differences much earlier in life.
Better educated parents. Where I grew up, the majority of parents did not have college degrees. Now, parents are more savvy, and can better understand that one should not have the goal of their life peaking at the high school homecoming parade, if you want improve your opportunities in life.
Geek cultural revolution. Never before in modern history has "smart geek" been celebrated as they are in current times. From "Big Bang theory," to Silicon Valley dot.com wealth anecdotes, geeks "win" now.
