Discrimination in "Of Mice and Men"

Context and Society in 1930s America

• Steinbeck's Critique:

  • Critical of industrial capitalism and social Darwinism.

  • Society driven by the belief in survival of the fittest.

• Impact on Society:

  • Justifies imperialism, racism, and social inequality.

  • Leaves no compassion for the weakest members like Crooks, Candy, Curly's wife, and Lennie.

Discrimination Against Crooks

• Racist Society:

  • Crooks faces derogatory terms and dehumanization.

  • Referred to as the stable buck and the N-word.

• Vulnerability:

  • Back injury symbolizes the impact of prejudice.

  • Curly's wife threatens and reduces him to nothing, highlighting his position at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Crooks' Disillusionment and the American Dream

• Disillusionment:

  • Reflects on the harsh reality of life and discrimination.

  • Dismisses the American Dream due to his experiences.

• Impact of Discrimination:

  • Unable to mentally escape the brutal reality of his life.

  • Robbed of dreams and faith in a better future.

Contextual Relevance

• Racist Society:

  • Placed at the bottom due to living in a racist society.

  • Threat of lynching by the Ku Klux Klan and high unemployment rates for black Americans during the Great Depression.

• Economic Hardships:

  • Black community faced discrimination in employment and access to basic resources like soup kitchens.

  • Emphasizes the harsh reality of discrimination during the 1930s in America.

Candy's Discrimination

• Candy's Age and Disability

  • Discriminated against for being old and disabled

  • Memories of his past skills contrasted with his current state

• Lack of Compassion

  • Carlson pushing for the killing of Candy's dog

  • Symbolizes the lack of compassion for the vulnerable

• Powerlessness

  • Disability from a work injury (missing hand)

  • Symbolizes his powerlessness and limits his work opportunities

• Discrimination Due to Age

  • Elderly hit hard during the Great Depression

  • Lack of government aid and support for the elderly

• Discrimination Due to Disability

  • High unemployment rate among the disabled community

  • Links to poverty and lack of compassion for the vulnerable

Curley's Wife's Discrimination

• Gender Discrimination

  • Objectified as Curley's possession

  • Prejudiced opinions from Candy and George

• Marginalization

  • Not welcomed by men due to being a woman

  • Symbolized by never entering a room

• Sexualization and Prejudice

  • Described as dangerous and sexualized

  • Femme fatale stock character with little substance

• Normalization of Violence

  • Blamed for Lenny's actions even in death

  • Highlighting the normalization of violence towards women

• Trivialization of Her Death

  • Contrast in the presentation of her death compared to Lenny's

  • Raises questions about sexism and the overlooking of women's struggles

Context of 1930s Patriarchal Society

• Patriarchal society objectified women and expected them to stay at home.

• Annoyance towards married women in the workplace due to societal norms.

• Pressure on women to present themselves glamorously like Hollywood actresses.

• Double standards faced by women in society.

Discrimination Against Lenny

• Lenny faces discrimination due to his mental disability.

• Lack of understanding and compassion towards mental illnesses in the 1930s.

• Society views Lenny as a burden, reflected in how he is treated by others.

• Animal-like descriptions of Lenny emphasize his innocence and vulnerability.

Utilitarianism and Lack of Compassion

• Parallels drawn between Candy's dog and Lenny in terms of societal views.

• Utilitarianism principle justifies sacrificing those deemed unproductive.

• Lack of compassion for individuals with mental disabilities in the 1930s.

• Cruel treatments in institutions for the mentally disabled.

Steinbeck's Message

• Steinbeck highlights the cruelty and lack of compassion in society.

• Critiques social Darwinism for justifying prejudice and neglecting the vulnerable.

• Emphasizes the importance of compassion and human treatment for all individuals.

• Warns about the consequences of living in a discriminatory and cruel world.