In Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, Lennie is depicted as a grown man with the mentality of a child. Many of the characters presented in the book, such as George, Crooks, and Curly’s wife look down upon him for his disabilities. For example, George told Lennie to jump into a lake when he was young to take advantage of the power he had over him; however, Lennie nearly drowned and George recognized the danger of holding such power over him. John Steinbeck also showcases Crooks torturing Lennie by saying George will not return from town, and Curly’s wife persuades Lennie to ignore George and talk to her. However, very few times in Of Mice and Men, is Lennie empowered or set as an equal to the other characters. Steinbeck seems to suggest that mentally handicapped individuals cannot function on their own, or are inferior to those who do not have disabilities. This is especially evident in the parallel between the death of Candy’s dog and the death of Lennie.
I personally do not share this perspective, and believe that those who have disabilities are no less valuable than those who do not. Just because someone is diagnosed with a mental handicap does not mean that they are inferior or less capable to be intelligent; ADHD is an excellent example of this.
Since the time period of this novel, advances have been made to diagnose and treat mental disabilities, and to ensure that these individuals are treated equally. Mentally handicapped people are not treated in cruel ways, or experimented on in insane asylums. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities cannot be discriminated against in the workplace or in transportation. While research is still ongoing, symptoms of mental handicaps can be treated or improved.
Megan Sheridan
Megan, I do agree with you that George did take advantage of Lennie sometimes like when he made him jump off the bridge knowing he would do it. It was very wrong of George too take part in that incident or too support that when Lennie was his friend. You make a great point about the disabilities I agree complete that just because someone has a disability doesn't make them any less of a person. In the book Lennie did have one but he still could be bright at the same time even with his disability. I like how in your blog you put many details and proven facts too go with you blog. Such as the American Disabilities Act was a great point that goes with the topic I agree that no one that has a problem can be discriminated from or have any mis treated actions in anyway. Everyone should be treated equally and this Act says it all.
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