Racism in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Essay Example

📌Category: Books, Of Mice and Men, Racism, Social Issues
📌Words: 506
📌Pages: 2
📌Published: 22 February 2022

Throughout the history of American, racism has been an ongoing issue. Although the overall idea of race has changed over time, the foundation of how non-white people treat people of color. In Of Mice and Men, which takes place during the Great Depression, racism is exceptionally apparent. In Of Mice and Men, Racism is used to expand the idea of marginalization further. 

Crooks, the only non-white worker on the farm, specifically a ‘stable buck,’ continuously faces extreme inequalities in the novella. Throughout the boss’s description of Crooks, he uses multiple examples of inhumane language to create a clear line of inequality. Swamper describes Crooks as “The stable bucks [n-word]’ (Steinbeck 20). He follows up by stating that, “They let the [n-word] in that night. Little skinner name of Smitty took after the [n-word]. Done pretty good too. The guys wouldn’t let him use his feet, so the [n-word] got him” (20). Throughout the scene, Swamper uses multiple slurs to diminish Crooks’ humanity. In terms of statistics, Black Americans were hit significantly harder during the Great Depression.

During the Great Depression, 25.9 percent of white Americans faced unemployment. However, minority groups, such as Black and Asian Americans, meet unemployment rates ranging from 50-75 percent. Unemployment ranged higher in lower-income communities. “They were often denied employment in public works programs supposedly available to all needy citizens. They were sometimes threatened at relief centers when applying for work or assistance. Some charities refused to provide food to needy minorities, particularly to blacks in the South” (Encyclopedia) Towards the end of the novel, Crooks states that he would like to join Lennie and George when they purchase there property, offering so much as to work free of charge. Yet moments later, takes back his statement. Due to minority unemployment rates being so high, Crooks did not want to risk loosing his job and his salary. 

Crooks lives in a small shack near the barn to further expand upon the racial divide, seperate from the other workers. Due to his race, his co-workers are frightened to enter the shack. Throughout the novella, Crooks, is shown to be excluded from multiple events and holidays, such as game nights and religious holidays. During one of the gamenights, Lennie is left behind to play with his ‘pup.’  When approached, Crooks becomes defensive, for, in the eyes of society, it is forbidden for a white man to enter a black man’s chambers. Candy’s wife, who was also left behind, follows, looking for her husband. Crooks, annoyed, snaps back, stating that, “you got no rights comin’ in a colored man’s room. You got no right’s messing around here at all. Now you jus’ get out, an’ get out quick. If you don’t, I’m gonna ast the boss not to ever let you come in the barn no more” (80). To this, Candy’s wife scorns, saying that, “Listen [n-word]... You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?... You keep your place [n-word]. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny” (80-81). To this, Crooks back down like a scared dog, knowing the privilege she holds. Crooks, seen as inhuman, realizes the power Candy’s wife has. Candy’s wife abuses her white privilege and uses it to her advantage.

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