Racism in of Mice and Men

“Of Mice and Men” portrays the harsh realities of the Great Depression and the struggles faced by individuals looking for work during that time. One of the prevalent themes in the book is racism, which is depicted through the treatment of characters such as Crooks, an African American stable hand. This essay will explore the theme of racism in “Of Mice and Men” and analyze how it reflects the societal attitudes of the time.

Firstly, it is important to understand the historical context in which the novel is set. The Great Depression of the 1930s was a period of economic downturn in the United States, leading to high unemployment rates and widespread poverty. During this time, racial tensions were high, and discrimination against African Americans was rampant. This is evident in the way Crooks is treated on the ranch where the novel takes place. Despite being a skilled worker, he is isolated and mistreated by the other ranch hands because of his race. This reflects the deeply ingrained racism of the time, as African Americans were often viewed as inferior and were subjected to segregation and discrimination.

Furthermore, the character of Crooks serves as a microcosm for the broader societal attitudes towards race at the time. He is forced to live in a separate quarters away from the other workers, highlighting the segregation and isolation experienced by African Americans during that period. Steinbeck portrays the dehumanizing effects of racism through the character of Crooks, who is denied basic human rights and dignity simply because of his race.

Moreover, the language used to describe Crooks in the novel also reflects the racist attitudes of the time. He is referred to using derogatory terms such as “n****r”, which was commonly used to demean and dehumanize African Americans. This language serves to emphasize the pervasive racism of the era and the degrading treatment faced by African Americans in all aspects of life.

It is important to note that while “Of Mice and Men” is a work of fiction, it is based on the real experiences of individuals during the Great Depression. Steinbeck drew inspiration from the people he encountered while working as a laborer, and the characters and events in the novel are reflective of the social and economic conditions of the time. Therefore, the racism depicted in the novel is a reflection of the broader societal attitudes and prejudices of the era.

Additionally, the character of Crooks also represents the resilience and strength of African Americans in the face of adversity. Despite the discrimination and mistreatment he faces, Crooks maintains his dignity and pride. This serves as a testament to the resilience of the African American community in the face of systemic racism and oppression.

The theme of racism in “Of Mice and Men” serves as a powerful commentary on the societal attitudes and prejudices of the Great Depression era. Through the character of Crooks, Steinbeck portrays the dehumanizing effects of racism and the resilience of the African American community. The novel sheds light on the harsh realities faced by individuals of color during that time and serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of racism on society.