Why Was Crooks so mean to Lennie at the start? Why did he come to be friends with Lennie?

In the start of part 4 we were introduced to Crooks. Crooks is a shy African-American who is discriminated against due to the color of his skin. When he first meets Lennie he is very protective over himself and his belongings. Lennie starts to tell him about George and their American dream. My first reason is that Crooks is Jealous. Since the work on the ranch is long and hard having a place where Crooks could work happily is crucial for him. Another positive is that Crooks wouldn't be racially discriminated. I believe that since Crooks has seen everybody want to live this dream it has made it hard for him to envision it happening. It is especially hard when he is getting this information from a person with an intellectual disability. Crooks goes so far as to say "'Jus' nuts... I don't blame the guy you travel with for keepin' you outta sight'" (69). Crooks tries to scare Lennie by telling him that George won't come back from the city. This gives Lennie anxiety, eventually he starts to doubt that George will return and that their dreams are crushed. Although as the book carries on Crooks starts to get to know Lennie. He realizes that Lennie isn't a crazy lunatic that likes rabbits but rather as a kind hearted man hoping for the American dream. Crooks gets to know Lennie because Lennie has good intentions and has so much passion to pursue his dream. When Curley's wife comes in Crooks stands up for Lennie and defends him as a normal person.  Just like everybody who has met Lennie they think he is a crazy man but get to know him as a kind person.


Why do you think Crooks is mean to Lennie?  Is there another reason Crooks gets to know Lennie?