Sexism In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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Sexism is a widely debated topic in today's society. In John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, many characters are affected by some type of discrimination. Sexism created conflict in the plot of Of Mice and Men through the isolation and mistreatment of Curley's wife, which also reflects the mistreatment some people still experience today. Sexism is the prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination on the basis of sex. In Of Mice and Men, Curley's wife was seen to be flirtatious and unfaithful to Curley. Because Curley was so possessive, everyone was afraid to talk to his wife forcing her to parade herself around seeking attention. Everyone just saw her as Curley's property and didn't stop to realize that she is not an object but, in fact, a human who was feeling isolated. The objectification was so prevalent that the men on the ranch didn't even bother to learn her name. If the men had just talked to her, she would not have had to flirt for company. Today many people still face sexism. Women are more likely to be victims of sexual assault and rape because they are thought to be weaker than men. They are also paid less because …show more content…

Curley's wife was just misunderstood by the characters in the book and even most of the readers. Because she represents sexism and many people are judging her without looking at the bigger picture or thinking about why she might have did what she did just goes to show how quick we are to discriminate. Just like in today's society people still think we're in the 1950's when in reality it's 2016 and times are changing. Women don't "belong" in the kitchen and men don't have to fit the picture perfect image of "manliness". If you don't continue to move forward, you will be left behind, people need to learn how to have an open mind or it will stop our society from growing as a

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