The negative stereotypes depicting those with mental illness as dangerous, violent, responsible for their illness, or generally incompetent can lead to severe additional problems for those suffering from psychological disorders. According to the Association of Psychological Science, this negative outlook that society has often leads to the development of self-stigma. It states, “People with mental illness may begin to believe the negative thoughts expressed by others and, in turn, think of themselves as unable to recover, undeserving of care, dangerous, or responsible for their illnesses. This can lead them to feel shame, low self-esteem, and inability to accomplish their goals” (Corrigan et. al.). Because of society’s negative views, those
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Lennie understands that his actions are unlawful as he often expresses, “I done a bad thing. I done another bad thing” (Steinbeck 91), but as a result of the sudden panic he frequently experiences, he loses control of his behaviors and is often harmful to those around him. Lennie does not intentionally inflict harm, but as a result of his mental differences he often loses control, resulting in the deaths of those he encounters. Through the actions Lennie performs throughout Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck establishes a clear illustration of a mentally disabled man whose actions cause those around to fear …show more content…
Lennie’s companion, George, often verbally abuses Lennie, and he is often hurt by his words. For example, when Lennie believes he has lost his work card and bus ticket, George responds, “You never had none, you crazy bastard. I got both of ‘em here. Think I’d let you carry your own work card?” (Steinbeck 5). Throughout the novel, George commonly refers to Lennie as a “crazy bastard” which is an insensitive term to label anyone with. Although Lennie may lack intelligence, George’s hostile words could be spared. Before arriving to their new place of work on the ranch, George tells Lennie that he “ain’t gonna say nothin” (Steinbeck 6), because often when Lennie speaks, he causes trouble. Upon arriving to the ranch, George explains to the boss that Lennie and George were cousins, but when Lennie questions it after the boss leaves, George responds, “Well, that was a lie. An’ I’m damn glad it was. If I was a relative of yours I’d shoot myself” (Steinbeck 24). Through George’s hurtful commentary, it is demonstrated that because Lennie is psychologically different, others feel they are permitted to verbally mistreat him. Lennie loves George, and although he would never stand up for himself, George’s words often leave him hurt and
Lennie understands that his actions are unlawful as he often expresses, “I done a bad thing. I done another bad thing” (Steinbeck 91), but as a result of the sudden panic he frequently experiences, he loses control of his behaviors and is often harmful to those around him. Lennie does not intentionally inflict harm, but as a result of his mental differences he often loses control, resulting in the deaths of those he encounters. Through the actions Lennie performs throughout Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck establishes a clear illustration of a mentally disabled man whose actions cause those around to fear …show more content…
Lennie’s companion, George, often verbally abuses Lennie, and he is often hurt by his words. For example, when Lennie believes he has lost his work card and bus ticket, George responds, “You never had none, you crazy bastard. I got both of ‘em here. Think I’d let you carry your own work card?” (Steinbeck 5). Throughout the novel, George commonly refers to Lennie as a “crazy bastard” which is an insensitive term to label anyone with. Although Lennie may lack intelligence, George’s hostile words could be spared. Before arriving to their new place of work on the ranch, George tells Lennie that he “ain’t gonna say nothin” (Steinbeck 6), because often when Lennie speaks, he causes trouble. Upon arriving to the ranch, George explains to the boss that Lennie and George were cousins, but when Lennie questions it after the boss leaves, George responds, “Well, that was a lie. An’ I’m damn glad it was. If I was a relative of yours I’d shoot myself” (Steinbeck 24). Through George’s hurtful commentary, it is demonstrated that because Lennie is psychologically different, others feel they are permitted to verbally mistreat him. Lennie loves George, and although he would never stand up for himself, George’s words often leave him hurt and