In today’s society, racism is still a prevalent issue, where large groups of people still believe in the idea of inequality by expressing it through racial slurs, the media, and crime. In One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Ken Kesey sheds light on racist outlooks of society during the 1960’s. Kesey establishes society's common assumptions through Chief Bromden and the black boys with descriptions of discrimination within the hospital. Many African Americans were deprived of civil rights and society viewed them as unequal because of traditional beliefs regarding skin color. In addition, Native American and African Americans have faced oppression for generations; therefore, the idea of having both Chief Bromden and the black boys act like servants
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For example, Nurse Ratched forces the black boys to do the dirty work such as cleaning the new patients and inserting a rectal thermometer within the patients. Although the black boys obediently follow Nurse Ratched’s orders, they still despise her, as Chief Bromden recalls that they walk in with hate for “her and her chalk doll whiteness” (26 Kesey). The quotation illustrates that Nurse Ratched controls every action of the black boys and dictates their every move. The emphasis on her physical appearance creates a harsh relationship between the black boys and Nurse Ratched. During the time, many whites believed themselves to be the superior race, especially over African Americans. Kesey exhibits the oppression African Americans faced during the 1960’s with a white female at the top of the ladder overseeing the ward. Likewise, many stigmas are attached to genders. For example, in the 1960’s women were considered inferior and less of a person because society believed they lacked the strength to accomplish tasks that men were able to do. However, the novel breaks theses stigmas, as the leader of the hospital is a woman. Kesey demonstrates the common belief that white people are the superior race through Nurse Ratched while she controls the actions of those below …show more content…
Chief Bromden, the black boys, and Nurse Ratched play a significant role in establishing society's beliefs and moral values. During the time, a vast amount of people believed that African Americans were unfit to be a part of society and have the same rights as whites, while women were viewed as inferior and weak as well. Kesey illustrates society's ideas on such controversial topics in his novel by giving a white female greater power over those beneath her such as the black boys and Chief Bromden. Although society’s viewpoints and values have changed in the 21st century, many extremists faithfully believe that certain groups and people of other ethnicities do not belong in the United States. For example, the neo-Nazis emerged in Charlottesville attacking innocent civilians because of their strong beliefs against a particular group. One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey, demonstrates how certain people in society degrade others in order to feel more important than the rest of the
For example, Nurse Ratched forces the black boys to do the dirty work such as cleaning the new patients and inserting a rectal thermometer within the patients. Although the black boys obediently follow Nurse Ratched’s orders, they still despise her, as Chief Bromden recalls that they walk in with hate for “her and her chalk doll whiteness” (26 Kesey). The quotation illustrates that Nurse Ratched controls every action of the black boys and dictates their every move. The emphasis on her physical appearance creates a harsh relationship between the black boys and Nurse Ratched. During the time, many whites believed themselves to be the superior race, especially over African Americans. Kesey exhibits the oppression African Americans faced during the 1960’s with a white female at the top of the ladder overseeing the ward. Likewise, many stigmas are attached to genders. For example, in the 1960’s women were considered inferior and less of a person because society believed they lacked the strength to accomplish tasks that men were able to do. However, the novel breaks theses stigmas, as the leader of the hospital is a woman. Kesey demonstrates the common belief that white people are the superior race through Nurse Ratched while she controls the actions of those below …show more content…
Chief Bromden, the black boys, and Nurse Ratched play a significant role in establishing society's beliefs and moral values. During the time, a vast amount of people believed that African Americans were unfit to be a part of society and have the same rights as whites, while women were viewed as inferior and weak as well. Kesey illustrates society's ideas on such controversial topics in his novel by giving a white female greater power over those beneath her such as the black boys and Chief Bromden. Although society’s viewpoints and values have changed in the 21st century, many extremists faithfully believe that certain groups and people of other ethnicities do not belong in the United States. For example, the neo-Nazis emerged in Charlottesville attacking innocent civilians because of their strong beliefs against a particular group. One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey, demonstrates how certain people in society degrade others in order to feel more important than the rest of the