The cultural representation of disability that I chose is Lenny from John Steinbeck’s, Of Mice and Men. Lenny is a large man that seems to have some sort of intellectual disability. He’s slow to think, and doesn’t really have a “filter” for his actions or words, which tend to get him and his best friend George into trouble. He is characterized by many of the stereotypes ingrained within our culture regarding those with disabilities. He is pitiable, laughable, burdensome, and unable to participate in day-to-day activities.
His presence is also used to support the other protagonist’s development and characterization, which is probably the most prevalent stereotype of all. The obstacles that Lenny must overcome with George seem to change George’s character. On top of this he provides the most important sources of conflict in the book that drive the plot. Comedic relief is also provided by Lenny’s innocence.
I’d also like to bring up a stereotype that can be applied to Lenny that I have also observed recently in other facets of our culture. It has to do with the word “retarded” that I wrote about earlier in my blog posts. It’s very offensive, and I had no idea how it originated. I then realized that it could be applied in Steinbeck’s own, Of Mice and Men. It is the unsavory idea of “retard strength”. Essentially, it’s the idea that a person with an intellectual disability can have superhuman strength. Almost always I’ve heard it referenced directly in a comedic manner, but then I realized that Lenny is a prime example of this, because what he lacks in brains he more than makes up for in brawn. In the novel his disability is assumed rather than directly referred to, but it still has an effect on how people view people with intellectual disabilities.
His presence is also used to support the other protagonist’s development and characterization, which is probably the most prevalent stereotype of all. The obstacles that Lenny must overcome with George seem to change George’s character. On top of this he provides the most important sources of conflict in the book that drive the plot. Comedic relief is also provided by Lenny’s innocence.
I’d also like to bring up a stereotype that can be applied to Lenny that I have also observed recently in other facets of our culture. It has to do with the word “retarded” that I wrote about earlier in my blog posts. It’s very offensive, and I had no idea how it originated. I then realized that it could be applied in Steinbeck’s own, Of Mice and Men. It is the unsavory idea of “retard strength”. Essentially, it’s the idea that a person with an intellectual disability can have superhuman strength. Almost always I’ve heard it referenced directly in a comedic manner, but then I realized that Lenny is a prime example of this, because what he lacks in brains he more than makes up for in brawn. In the novel his disability is assumed rather than directly referred to, but it still has an effect on how people view people with intellectual disabilities.
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