Mental Retardation Summary

     Most people take the ability to do everyday normal actions such as getting ready in the morning for granted. When there are some people in the world who struggle to do just that. Some of these people have Mental Retardation (MR). Mental Retardation is a condition that is commonly diagnosed before the age of 18 (usually in infancy) and it is diagnosed to people who have a below average intellectual function ability. If you obtain MR after 18, it is known as Dementia. Most people who have MR have received it genetically from their parents. Thankfully, "the population of people with this condition is only 1% to 3%." Therefore due to it's uncommonness, many people that have it are considered "weird" or "stupid" which causes them to stick out like a sore thumb in a societal world. People with MR, would get picked on or judged because their IQ level is below 70 by kids who have an average of 115-129, which leads us to believe that's why Lennie was an easy target for Curly and George didn't believe Lennie would make it on his own. Therefore, people who have mental retardation don't have it easy and can't function well in life.

     Someone with MR isn't the only one affected, they affect everyone around them too.  Their families are affected and so are the people at school and work places. "People with MR have involuntary extroverted emotions such as aggression, dependency, impulsivity, passivity, self-injury, stubbornness, low self-esteem, and low frustration tolerance." Families have to learn to endure the frustrations that an MR patient can bring, 24/7 watching their back like George must do for Lennie in "Of Mice and Men". He couldn't leave Lennie for a second, knowing he would find trouble somewhere. "Someone who has an intellectual disability will have trouble learning and functioning in everyday life. This person could be 10 years old, but might not talk or write as well as a typical 10-year-old. He or she also is usually slower to learn other skills, like how to get dressed or how to act around other people." Such as Lennie's love for soft furry animals like rabbits, mice and puppies.  Most grown men usually prefer a game of football as opposed to cuddly animals.  Another example is George speaking for Lennie with the fear that Lennie would say something he shouldn't resulting in them getting fired.  In conclusion, people with Mental Retardation (MR) require constant attention, extra care, and support from loved ones.  

Sources:
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/birth_defect/mental_retardation.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/mental-retardation