During the Great Depression, the hardest time for Americans, this nation was ravaged heavily in many aspects, including economic and political. As a consequence, there used to be many social problems having a negative influence on Americans. In "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, the author indicated to readers one of the most serious issues in American society - discrimination. It really brings about a bad impact on the thoughts and actions of Lennie, Crook, and Candy, as well as other characters towards them.
The most recognizable discrimination is the racism. Throughout the story, people disparage Crook by calling him "n_____" and the way they treat him is so terrible. Therefore, he needs his own room to separate him from other characters, which also denies him the opportunity to make friends. As a result, when Lennie approaches Crook's room, Crook becomes annoyed and tells Lennie, "Cause I'm black. They play cards in there, but I can't play because I'm black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you all of you stink to me" (Steinbeck 68). This example proves that in this period, black people could not have the same human rights to live and enjoy their lives as white people. Crook is seen as a slave rather than a person, so he cannot have any friends to express his loneliness and misery. In addition, the way Curley's wife treats Crooks is reprehensible. When Crooks requires her to come out of his room, she shouts at him and threatens, "Well, you keep your place then, n_____. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny" (Steinbeck 81). Although killing is a serious crime, and criminals can be under sentence of death, Curley's wife can murder Crook whenever she wants.
In addition to racism, the author also referred to the discrimination against elders - ageism, and the victim in this case is Candy. He makes a living as a swamper on the ranch, and in spite of the fact that he is the oldest person in the bunkhouse, no one has reverence for him.
