Discrimination Flashcards
Candy (about Crooks) → Highlights the violent racism Crooks is subject to; even speaking could be dangerous.
“A n** got hurt if he opened his mouth.”*
Curley’s wife (to Crooks) → Uses his race to assert dominance, showing how even an oppressed woman can wield racial power.
“I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny.”
Crooks → Crooks internalizes racism, devaluing his own voice and opinion.
“This is just a n** talkin’, an’ a busted-back n***. So it don’t mean nothing, see?”
Curley’s wife → She mocks Candy (old), Crooks (Black), and Lennie (mentally disabled), showing layered discrimination.
“They left all the weak ones here.”
Candy → Fears being fired for being old and disabled, seen as disposable labor.
“They’ll can me purty soon. Jus’ as soon as I can’t swamp out no bunkhouses.”
Crooks → Shows racial segregation and social exclusion on the ranch.
“They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m Black.”
Narrator (about Crooks) → Crooks has built emotional walls because of years of racist treatment.
“A proud, aloof man… He kept his distance and demanded that others keep theirs.”
Curley’s wife (about her own life) → While not direct discrimination, her lost dream reflects limited opportunities for women, especially in rural America.
“I coulda been in the movies.”
George (about Lennie) → Lennie is discriminated against due to his mental disability, which must be hidden for survival.
“If he finds out what a crazy bastard you are, we won’t get no job.”
