Of Mice and Men (Beyond the LIne)

Compare how do we as a society treat mental challenge people differently than in the novel Of Mice and Men?

Isn’t it funny how things can change and be so different? Back in the 20’s people would shoot mental retarded people for sport and now we can’t even look at them the wrong with getting ridicule or punish. In the novel of Mice and Men, Lennie a mental challenge person, travels with his companion George. Together they face many tribulations but only one makes out alive. Throughout the book, Lennie had to keep his mouth shut because George didn’t want any unnecessary attention draw to Lennie. George was afraid, that people would hurt Lennie because he was different. I began to think how much we have grown as a society. Today, we have the upmost respect for the mentally retarded, they get special treatment, special teacher and made jokes about mental retarded people are looked down upon.
Mentally retarded children walk and talk later, are slightly shorter and are usually more susceptible to physical problems and illnesses than other children. They also generally score lower on tests of motor ability and physical fitness, although this is more due to neglect and lack of opportunity to improve than their disability. Teachers have a website that gives pointers on how to teach a mentally retarded child. For example, never underestimate students' abilities. Give lots of praise. Let a child repeat a success several times so they can enjoy their sense of accomplishment. Provide prompt feedback. In the story of Mice and Men, Lennie only got praise when he was doing labor. George verbally abused him.
George always made jokes about Lennie, he called “him crazy bastard” and more. Now many Celebrities can’t even make a joke about mentally ill people, without having to apologize for it later. Let’s take a look at President Obama. Towards the end of a 40mintues appearance on a show, the president talked about how he’s gotten better at bowling and has been practicing in the White House bowling alley. He bowled a 129, the president said. “That’s very good Mr. President,” Leno said sarcastically. “It’s like the special Olympics or something,” the president. Many people got offend by this comment. Sarah Palin is "outraged" over his comment. She had this to say “I was shocked to learn of the comment made by President Obama about Special Olympics. This was a degrading remark about our world's most precious and unique people, coming from the most powerful position in the world."
Congress raised hundreds of millions of dollars from two voter-approved programs for the mentally ill and poor children. Mentally retard Children can get money from the government. They have their own scholarship and they even get special classrooms and teachers.
Furthermore, look at how far we have come as a nation. We no longer torment and harass the mentally impaired. We as a society value every mind and we try our best to support and provide the disadvantage people with help and care. There are numerous programs out there to look after and care for mental ill people. People that have a great influence in our country are highly advised not to make jokes about the mentally challenge. Not only do we provide programs but teacher are train a special way to teach them. I find myself wondering, what if Lennie lived in this time period? Maybe he wouldn’t have been shot. What do you think?