Of Mice And Men Essay

Of Mice and Men Essay By Mariah Neuhauser Racism dismembers the human bonds that keep our society stable. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck demonstrates the conditions that were experienced by African Americans during the Great Depression. Racism has existed in our society ever since humans have unveiled cultural discrepancies. In today’s world, racism still exists. The novel Of Mice and Men depicts the effects of racism in the 1930’s. Indeed, racism still remains and the novel portrays discrimination expressed in early twentieth century society. Candy stated, “Ya see, the stable buck’s a nigger.” It was normal to use words such as “nigger” due to our ignorance. Derogative terms were often used to identify people of color. Steinbeck shows that ignorance is commonplace. Blacks were often restricted from facilities used by whites. Crooks was rarely allowed to enter the white rancher’s bunkhouses. Crooks got angry when white folks entered his room without invitation since he was not allowed in their bunkhouses. Blacks did not have as many rights as whites because blacks were viewed as being inferior to whites. Crooks was often ridiculed in a discriminating manner. One Christmas when the ranchers got drunk, they set up a fight with Crooks for fun. Crooks was not respected as an important figure on the ranch, despite the fact he was a hard and invaluable worker. Curley’s wife threatened Crooks, implying that she had the ability to get Crooks lynched when he forgot his “place” in society. Crooks had to cope with racism constantly in Soledad. In conclusion, John Steinbeck authentically exposes racism during the Great Depression. Racism has had a presence in our world ever since humans have feared diversity. African Americans still face racism today. On many occasions, blacks were denied most rights and amenities. Brooks, a black stable buck in Of Mice and Men, was discriminated due to his race. There is no excuse for ignorance. No race has more prerogative than another. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck illustrates ignorance by displaying the unethical treatment of Crooks.