Gender, Race and Disabilities in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men Essay Example

The three underlying issues that have evolved with time such as gender, race, and people with disabilities. Since 1936 when Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck was published, the treatment of people has changed. Men and women are now treated more equally, people of color can work, buy land, and have the same amount of opportunities as everyone else. Women now have the choice to stay at home or work and have a career for themselves. People with disabilities can receive treatment and are more cared for. Throughout the years, these topics have had jurassic changes to make things more equal for everyone. 

The social status in the 1930’s was men first, who made all the money and was in control of everything. Some white men in particular felt superior to all else. Secondly, there were stay-at-home women who did traditional wife duties such as having children, tending to the husband, and taking care of the home. Lastly, there were people of color who were discriminated against and dealt with racism. One example of this hierarchy was when curly’s wife showed discrimination towards Crooks with the little amount of power she had. “She turned on him with scorn. "Listen, Nigger," she said. "You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?" Crooks stared hopelessly at her, and then he sat down on his bunk and drew into himself. She closed on him. "You know what I could do?" Crooks seemed to grow smaller, and he pressed himself against the wall. "Yes, ma'am.” (Steinbeck 81)  This shows that Curley's wife, a stay-at-home white woman, had more power over Crooks, the educated black stable hand. Crooks had a separate room beside the barn, because of the color of his skin, he was not welcomed in the bunkhouse where all the other farm men slept. This shows the social hierarchy in the 1930’s where white men were above all else. 

During this time, women faced discrimination as well. They were told to stay at home, attend to the children, wash the dishes, and that their jobs belong in the kitchen. They were also taught to do whatever their husbands told them to do. They were raised with no education, only taught how to take care of their homes, cook, and have proper etiquette. However, Curley's wife was often lonely and would try conversing with the farm men. "why'n't you tell her to stay the hell home where she belongs?" said Carlson. "You let her hang around bunkhouses and pretty soon you're gonna have som'pin on your hands and you won't be able to do nothing about it.” (Steinbeck 63) Today, women have many options for their life choices, such as the work field, can provide for themselves, and getting an education. 

The treatment of mentally disabled people has changed throughout the years from the 1930’s to now. People with strange behavior who did not meet up to social standards were considered a ¨burden to society¨. Many were unsympathetic towards the mentally disabled and would be abusive, place them in asylums, and neglect them. Today there are many accommodations for the mentally disabled such as care homes, various methods of therapy, and they are accepted in society, not frowned upon. In chapter 1, Of Mice And Men, the text states, ¨“God, you're in a lot of trouble,” said George. “I could get along so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail. I could live so easy and maybe have a girl.” This shows that George has to take care of Lennie and clean up his messes. Due to Lennie’s disability, he often forgets his tasks and what he has been told, still acts like a child, and did not mature as he grew into an adult.

Over the years, men and women have become more equal however in my opinion we have not reached total equality. Although times have changed, unfortunately, you still hear about instances where black women and men are still being discriminated against.