Alienation, the Next Limitation: Part 2

Lennie, due to his alienation from the ranch hands, is limited to only biased ideas he learns from George, the only person he truly is close to.

     Poor treatment similar to isolation and alienation has been existent throughout the history of civilization. In fact, antisocial actions date back to the 1700s in which mentally retarded persons were perceived as demons and segregated into almshouses (Bierne-Smith, Patton, Ittenbach, 1994). We are seeing this kind of treatment today on a much indirect, yet still significant, level.

     Many studies that have been conducted, have revealed shocking results concerning the avoidance and resultant alienation of mentally retarded citizens. Through an examination done by Stanfield (1973) it was revealed that the majority of individuals who are mentally retarded have no social or recreational life, other than that of their families. Another study conducted, in New York, tested the willingness of New Yorkers to rent their home to a mentally retarded individual. Researchers found that, of the 100 subjects surveyed, only 1 person, that's 1 %, indicated an inclination to rent their apartment to a mentally retarded person!
     The outward rejection of mentally retarded citizens, from society, has affected the mentally retarded individual. Through a lack of social integration, a mentally retarded citizen is deprived of essential role models who may teach the mentally retarded citizen how to act in a social environment. Through rejection, mentally retarded citizens are deprived of the sense of belonging and are denied the chance to be educated in how to act in a sociable environment.
     This issue is exemplified in Of Mice and Men. The character Lennie Small is seen to be isolated from the sociable community of the ranch hands due to his mental disability. In many cases in the story the ranch hands fear Lennie's incapability to control his impulsive actions, thus causing him to be isolated from the community. For example, after Lennie crushes Curley's hand, Slim reacts by saying: "Christ awmighty, I hate to have you mad at me." Because of this isolation, and rejection from the instructive community, Lennie is prevented from learning how truly to act in a sociable environment- he is limited to only the biased teachings from George Milton.
     Such an issue is another factor which affects the turnout of this novella. Had alienation not played a major role in Lennie's life, the ranch hands would not avoid Lennie- he would know how properly to act because of gained experience from the fellow ranch hands, like Slim, who provide the opportunity to educate Lennie.
      In conclusion, alienation through societal rejection is highly prevalent in the judgemental western society of today. Isolation limits the mentally retarded individual. Once again, alienation is another deprivation towards those with a mental disability.




Stay tuned for my final few posts.  (: