Nikhita Arun
2nd Period
Mr. D
Crook’s Unachievable Dream
Racial discrimination or 'is currently a major issue that humanity has been battling since
civilization’s creation. Racial discrimination is defined as when a person is treated less favorably
than another person in a similar situation because of their race. During the Great Depression,
many Black workers were forced to live under dehumanizing conditions and received lesser pay
than most White workers. 50% of African Americans were unemployed, a significant jump from
the 30% unemployment rate for whites. While some African Americans managed to retain their
jobs throughout the Great Depression, they were forced to face additional challenges such as
segregation and discriminatory situations. This level of inequality inhibited many Black citizens’
dreams and aspirations as well as isolated them from their communities. In John Steinbeck’s
historical fiction novel Of Mice and Men, the Black stable buck named Crooks dreams of finding
companionship with the workers on ranch, but cannot obtain this dream because of racial
discrimination and his separation from the Black community.
In his small dwelling, Crooks shares with Lennie some examples of the daily
discrimination he faces as a Black man. Crooks says, “Cause I’m black. They play cards in there,
but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink.” Cooks is referring to the ranch workers’
attitudes, and implying that this discrimination prevents him from befriending them. The ranch
workers specifically identify Crook’s skin color as the reason why he should not be allowed to
socialize with them. Crooks will likely face discriminatory situations throughout his entire life
which means that he will never be able to befriend, socialize, or approach any of these White
Nikhita Arun
2nd Period
Mr....
