Discrimination In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Words: 909
Pages: 4

Discrimination of other people has always been apparent in our society, and is even present today. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck takes place during the great depression, a difficult time in America where desperate times turn into desperate situations. Lenny and George, being shunned from many places they called home, are desperate for places to work. However, they have trouble finding a place to stay because of the lack of understanding, and being victimized for things Lennie had no control over, bringing them to a small ranch that can portray realistic human behavior of the time. Of Mice and Men exposes the social injustice of the time period, be it of mental capability, race, or gender, diverse human qualities truly impact how people look upon you.

Lennie, the companion of George, has mental disabilities. He thinks, and acts, as a child, which turns people away from being his friend. It
…show more content…
Crooks is the only African-American on the facility, calling for a lot of unwanted racial tensions between fellow co-workers. First off, Crooks is shunned by the others on the ranch, no one ever talks to him or interacts with him on a regular basis. Racism was a very relevant issue in America, Crooks being a victim of the time period was never able to make friends just for society's interpretation of him. Next, he has to sleep in the barn away from the other workers. This is just inhumane, treating a person as if he were an animal, an infectious disease, just because of traits that he was born with. Thirdly, when talking with some others in his room, he is given a lynch threat by Curley’s wife. Being a woman, Curley’s wife is already looked down upon, so for her to give a threat shows the absolute distaste for African-Americans, even from others who are oppressed. Being a black man is very burdensome, Crooks was treated like an animal, sent into civil isolated, and threatened just for having darker