OMAM Discrimination

4 key examples of discrimination in OMAM

Crooks

Curleys wife

Candy

Lennie

“They play cards in there, but i cant plat because im black”

Crooks’s casual statements revels the normalisation of racial segregation on the ranch, showing how discrimination isolated him

In 1930s america, Jim Crow laws and widespread racism meant black Americans were routinely excluded from social and economic opportunities

“You got no right to come in my room”

Crooks fiercely defends his small place, the only domain where he can exert control in a society that otherwise denies him dignity

Due to racial discrimination, African Americans often had to cling fiercely to any shred of autonomy they could find

“I never got to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely”

Despite her privileged statues as the boss’s daughter in law, curleys wife suffers deep social isolation becuase of her gender

In the 1930s, women were often confined to domestic roles and seen as untrustworthy or dangerous when stepping outside them

“You bindle bums think you’re so damn good”

Her anger shows how she uses her slight power over the ranch workers to lash out, reflecting her own experience of being marginalised as a woman

Gender discrimination left women in the 1930s feeling powerless, leading to bitterness and internalised frustration

“I Ain’t much good with only one hand”

Candy acknowledges that his injury marks him as ‘lesser than’ in the eyes of others, illustrating how physical weakness leads to marginalisation

In 1930s america, workers who were seen as unproductive were often treated as worthless, with ni legal protections or sympathy

“Theyll can me pretty soon”

Candys fear of losing his job shows hoe those with disabilities were seen as disposable commodities in the labour marker

During the GD, mass unemployment meant taht any perceived weakness was ruthlessly punished by society

“He’s just like a kid”

Lennies mental disability makes other patronise him, stripping him of agency and painting him as less than fully adult

In 1930s america, there was little understanding or support for mental disabilities, often leading to ridicule or violence

“I wasn’t gonna hurt him”

Lennies innocent defence after harming Curley shows that he is judged not by intent but by consequences, society gives no allowances for his limitations

Disabled individuals during this period were often criminalised or institutionalised rather than helped or protected