Whuy do the patients refuse to support McMurphys vote to watch the World series? What theme does this develop?

At one of the group meetings, he chastises the patients for acting too cagey, for being “chicken-shit.” McMurphy wanted to change the schedule around so the men could watch the World Series during the day and do the cleaning work at night. McMurphy expects the nurses to oppose him and his fellows to support him. But when McMurphy attempts to round up a vote for the schedule change, the Acutes fail to see the purpose in doing any such thing. He confronts Harding, whose failure of support suggests to McMurphy that he is afraid of Nurse Ratched. THis supports the theme of Ratched's unflinching control over these men despite McMurphy's charisma and liberating "wisdom".