Prejudice In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

In a 2012, a survey done by The Huffington Post found that fifty-one percent of Americans harbor anti-black beliefs, and fifty-seven percent discriminate against Hispanics. To this day, various misconceptions arise about certain groups of people despite efforts of prevention. These prejudgments date back far into history, but a particular novel set in the early twentieth century can be further examined. John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men provides evidence to support the fact that many forms of prejudice were displayed during this time period. In this novel, ample exhibits of sexism, racism, and discrimination of the mentally disabled exhibited in a meaningful and instructive manner. Of Mice and Men clearly outlines four major types of prejudice …show more content…
Life on the ranch can be filled with harsh attitudes and behaviors. Both Lennie and George observe racism when a fellow worker describes the boss’s mistreatment towards the stable buck. Every day on the ranch “the boss gives [Crooks] hell when he's mad” solely because of his skin color (20). One can infer that the boss’s conduct regarding this man of color reflects his internal, racist sentiments. Segregation is additionally displayed through the demeanor of the white workers. Frequently, the other men disclude Crooks when they “play cards in [their rooms], but [Crooks] can’t play because [he is] black” which is often a common practice (98). Crooks cannot sleep, play cards, or interact with the other men for there is an underlying hatred of his race. Even as a child, Crooks was exposed to racism. At the time he did not comprehend racial differences, but now he does. During his childhood “the white kids [would come] to play at [Crooks’s] place, an’ sometimes [he would] play with them” but unfortunately everything has changed since (70). Few people live in the areas surrounding the ranch that share his ethnicity which subjects Crooks to racism because of a lack of cultural similarity. In a different circumstance, Curley’s wife threatens Crooks with his life; he responds in complete terror and puts layers of …show more content…
Lennie, the mentally challenged protagonist, faces discrimination from his fellow workers and even his companion, George. Frequently, George torments Lennie with cruel comments about his stupidity. George notes that if Lennie was thirsty he would “ drink water out of a gutter” without hesitation (3). Without properly understanding Lennie’s internal issues, George mistakenly teases him in an inconsiderate manner. In other situations, George insults and simultaneously asserts control over Lennie by clearly revealing that he is in charge. Lennie is far too dumb to be in charge and George would never “let [him]carry [his] own card” for work because Lennie would most likely lose it (5). Lennie also provides a cumbersome factor in George's life; every one of Lennie’s actions is held accountable for by George. This is not Lennie’s intention nor fault, but he is mistreated because of it. George guilts Lennie into thinking that without him, George “could get along so easy and so nice if [he] didn't have [Lennie] on his tail” requiring him to take care of Lennie (7). George cannot settle down, acquire a stable job, or form a family because Lennie is constantly judged. In light of Lennie being bullied, George and Crooks also join in and exploit Lennie’s disability to make themselves feel better. They disregarded Lennie’s feelings and made him do and think about dangerous and