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Racism in 1930s America
The link to Crooks in Of Mice and Men The link to Crooks - Book quotes / references Racism in 1930s America:
1930s life for black people was difficult due to racism. Racial discrimination was not illegal in 1930s America, therefore racism was still rampant at the time. Whites and blacks were segregated in 1930s America and blacks were considered as 2nd class citizens. Black people were paid less than their white counterparts and they had to work harder than everyone else, often given the more 'dirty work'. The lynching (hanging) of black people was common in 1930s America and The Ku Klux Klan still had a lot of power. Black people wanted to change the way they were treated but it was very difficult for them to do this as a result of the Jim Crow Laws, these were a number of laws in America enforced between 1876 and 1965 that provided a legal basis for segregating and discriminating against African-Americans. Read the related theme of the treatment of people with mental/physical disabilities in 1930s America.
The link to Crooks in Of Mice and MenCrooks' situation powerfully reflects the racial discrimination in 1930s America. The other ranch workers evidently have little respect for Crooks. We can see this through the nickname given to him, 'Crooks' is a derogatory term referring to Crooks' crooked back. Crooks wasn't wasn't allowed to play cards with the other ranch workers, or even enter their bunker because of his skin colour and the other ranch workers say that Crooks stinks. The fact that Crooks was also disabled as well as being black, classed him as the lowest in the hierarchical system, resulting in him being paid less than others. The context of Racism can be contrasted with the context of the treatment of the elderly in 1930's America.
Curley's wife threatened to have Crooks lynched because he wasn't being polite to he when he ordered her to leave his room. She made him scared and obedient because she fiercely said "you know what I could do" , making fear for his life. This made Crooks reply to Curley's wife as if she was a higher status than him and all he replies is "yes ma'am". |
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Of Mice and Men Crooks' Book Quote References on Racism
Pg. 98 - Chapter Four: 'Crooks, the negro stable buck, had his bunk in the harness; a little shed that leaned off the wall of the barn. On one side of the little room there was a square four-paned window, and on the other, a narrow plank door leading into the barn.'
Pg. 100 - Chapter Four 'Crooks retaliates "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'
Pg. 100 - Chapter Four 'Crooks retaliates "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'
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- Context: Disabilities in 1930s America
- Context: Elderly in 1930s America
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