They didn't mind so much when I was a dumb logger and got into a hassle; that's excusable, they say, that's a hard-workin' feller blowing off steam, they say. But if you're a gambler, if they know you to get up a back-room game now and then, all you have to do is spit slantwise and you're a goddamned criminal.
The quote from Ken Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" reflects societal perceptions of different types of male behavior, particularly within the working class. The speaker suggests that physical labor and occasional outbursts of frustration may be tolerated, as they are seen as the actions of a hardworking individual. This leniency is afforded to those who fit into a certain mold of masculinity associated with labor.
However, the narrative shifts when it comes to gambling, illustrating a stark judgment against individuals who partake in games of chance. Those who gamble are quickly labeled as criminals, revealing a double standard in societal views. The speaker highlights how minor infractions are often excused for laborers, while vices such as gambling lead to harsh condemnation, emphasizing the hypocrisy within moral judgments based on social identity.
