Prejudice, a Limitation: Part 3

This picture illustrates the shame and fear associated with prejudice towards mentally retarded citizens.

     The negative affects of prejudice can be significant both directly toward the mentally retarded individual, like the examples provided in Part 2 of this series, or indirectly. The ramifications of indirect prejudicial attitudes usually occur when there is a fear, from loved ones for the mentally retarded individual, of social discrimination. Such can affect many attitudes when it comes to the treatment of the mentally retarded citizen. In his article, Attitudes Towards Mental Retardation: Implications for Medical Practice, Roeher mentions this very effect, saying, "The really crushing problems which engulf new parents stem from the sudden realization and confrontation with societal prejudice and discrimination. This factor...[was] also a major influence in the way parents dealt with their handicapped child." As a result, prejudice may limit the mentally retarded individual as to how he may want to appear in public, due to shame or fear from those close to that person.
     Although he is not a parent of, or related to, Lennie Small, the character George Milton exemplifies such an occurrence through his fraternal relationship with Lennie. Throughout the book George is constantly taking into consideration how Lennie may appear to the other characters. In many cases, George decides Lennie's mental disability may prove to be a great disadvantage when it comes to social appearance. In one part in the book, George warns Lennie:

"We're gonna go in an' see the boss. Now, look- I'll give him the work tickets, but you ain't gonna say a word. You jus' stand there and don't say nothing. If he finds out what a crazy bastard you are, we won't get no job," (pg.18)

George fears that Lennie's mental disability may generate a poor appearance towards their employer, thus, he limits Lennie's freedom of speech. In conclusion, prejudice in an indirect form limits the mentally retarded individual's freedom of choice. Once again we prove that prejudice, associated with mental limitations, limit the lives of a mentally retarded citizen.


     This concludes my three part series discussing the affect of prejudice on the mentally retarded. Prejudice is an evident example of the negative limitations placed on those who are mentally retarded. Through direct prejudicial attitudes, such things as self image are negatively affected. Through indirect prejudicial attitudes, such things as the treatment towards the mentally retarded citizen are affected. Please, stay tuned for more of my posts discussing the limitations caused by mental retardation in both the real world and in the fictional, yet relative, world of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.