Atticus's Racism

Racism is something that most people would claim they do not believe in or support; however, as clearly shown in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, racism is a disease that spreads through a region and worsens as time goes on. Racism is an issue that is still prevalent in the American society today, and Harper Lee’s timeless novel continues to teach the lesson that one needs to look beyond the color of another man’s skin and see them for who they truly are. Mr. Raymond’s conversation with Dill after Tom Robinson’s testimony initially shows that racism is better comprehended with age. He says, “Let him get a little older and he won’t get sick and cry… Cry about the hell white people give to colored folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people too” (Lee, 1960, p. 269). Here, it becomes clear that children can be naive to racism and the evil in the world, but as they continue to grow up in an area that feels so strongly about white supremacy, they become immune to the injustice and prejudice. Further, Mr. Raymond’s words allow the reader to better understand the severity of the racism in Maycomb and the entirety of the country. It also unveils a crucial theme in the novel, namely that one must consider a person of color to be no different from oneself, as all humans are equal. Additionally, racism is repeatedly referred to as a disease in the novel, which is explained when Atticus is talking to Uncle Jack about the trial and he says “‘... I hope and pray I can get

Racism is both an ideology and a system of domination. To be racist is not just a misuse of derogatory slurs and whatnot. Only certain communities have the power and the privilege to be racist. In Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird racism was one of the most recurring themes. Communities as well as specific characters were impacted by racism. Tom Robinson, Calpurnia, Bob Ewell and Dolphus Raymond were characters that suffered from Racism.

Racism is a horrible thing. Saying different nationalities are better than the other, saying colored people do not deserve the same rights as we white people is so degrading and just mean.

During the Great Depression, racism and prejudice were the cause of suffering for many people who were greatly affected by discriminating thoughts. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, Maycomb County is a town also filled with the evils of racism of prejudice, but that immorality is often hidden by certain of acts of courage and goodness enacted by the citizens of Maycomb. In her novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee portrays the importance of courage through characters Atticus, Mrs. Dubose, and Jean Louise (Scout) Finch, who all persevere through the path of rightness in the face of prejudiced and disapproving opinions, without worrying about the consequences of their actions. Atticus’ decision to defend Tom Robinson brings many disapprovals from others but he still continues to fight for him, although he knows that there is a high chance of Tom Robinson being doomed because of his race. Mrs. Dubose exemplifies courage because even though it costs her life and invited bad thoughts from others, she stays determined to get free of her addiction. Scout, an innocent, young girl, shows courage by defending what she thinks is right, although the consequences may not be good for her.

“The unemployment rate among blacks is about double among whites, as it has been for more than six decades” (Desilver). Some say that prejudice can still be seen in the modern world today. Prejudice is when a negative assumption is made about a person because they have a different opinion, race, or religion than others. In the modern world many people still have negative viewpoints towards people with no reasoning. Prejudice are not only seen today but also seen in 1933 in Maycomb, Alabama.

The story “To Kill a Mockingbird”, racial stereotyping played a significant part in society. In the Tom Robinson case, even though there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove guilt, many supported to action of calling the defendant guilty due to his race. One of the main characters; Atticus Finch, decided to act as attorney to the defendant of this case, well aware that this action would have a negative effect on his family’s reputation. Despite this, one could argue that Atticus was wise to defend Tom Robinson for a number of reasons.

To start off, I’d just like to say that I respect Atticus for defending Tom, despite knowing that he’d be dealin’ with some crude feedbacks just because he’s protecting a negro. The people around my neighborhood felt thankful to Atticus seeing that he was the only one who actually had the courage to represent Tom Robinson. I know for a fact that this is not just cuz he’s black, but because Tom’s as innocent as he looks and doesn’t deserve any of this. At least this time we got someone with authority who could at least back him up.

Scout then hears Atticus respond saying, “Right. But do you think I could face my children otherwise? You know what’s going to happen as well as I do, Jack, and I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all,

Scout is very confused about the case and is asking Atticus why he is doing this. She tells him that people and very controversial about it and doesn't understand why he would risk losing friends and other people in his life. In the novel, Lee stated, “but before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself.” (Lee 142). Atticus did not care about who he would and wouldn't keep as friends. He knew that this was the right thing to do if he wanted to follow what he believes in. Atticus was sure that the people that supported him as a person even if he was supporting Tom and they didn't agree with the case would stay as very loyal friends and family. The town of Maycomb for the most part did not support the case and that meant that their views on Atticus changed, but he didn't care. After the case had been settled and Tom was found “guilty”, the kids and Atticus headed home. After they got their, Jem confronted Aunty about the case and why Atticus was having such a hard time dealing with Tom loosing. Aunt Alexandra says that the case took Atticus by surprise and was “a little too strong” for him. Atticus was having a hard time dealing with the fact that he wasn't able to win the case. He knew he had a very good argument, but he was feeling a lot of doubt

Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb County, Alabama, during the 1930’s. A black man is falsely convicted of raping a young white woman. During the trial the town of Maycomb displays racial prejudice, sexism, and class discrimination.

names’s Tom Robinson”. Discuss the effects of racism on Maycomb citizens such as Tom and Helen Robinson,

After reading Go Set A Watchman, readers may change their opinion on Atticus Finch. In go set a watchman he seems like a much different man than he was before in to kill a mockingbird. Though some readers may for the opinion that Atticus is now a racist, I do not completely agree. I don't believe that Atticus is a racist person. I think that he just made racist comments and actions, and that is where he was at fault.

Many people in the town of Maycomb think that Atticus doesn’t have a chance at winning the case because he’s defending a black person who everyone is racist against. Numerous people in Maycomb disliked Tom, and when Tom was being accused for something he hadn’t done, Atticus stepped in to help him. This caused the people to disliked Atticus too. The news eventually spread around town to the fact that basically everyone hated him. In the text, Francis states, “He’s nothin’ but a nigger-lover.”(110) This quote shows that Francis is averse to what Atticus is doing for Tom. He called Atticus a “nigger-lover” to Scout which caused her to punch him in the face. Things like this also made people dislike him and his family for acting so aberrant.

Atticus is a gentleman to the folks in Maycomb; he respect others and goes for what 's right no matter what. For example, Scout questions Atticus of being a nigger lover and said “I certainly am.I do my best to love everybody” and “it 's never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is bad name.” (pg. 144-145) Showing that he did admit that he do like black people but there’s nothing wrong about liking blacks. He was also threaten and was spit in the face by Bob Ewell after the Tom Robinson case; but Atticus explained that getting spitted in the face and threatened probably saved Mayella from a beating (pg. 292-293)

Go Set a Watchman is the sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird and follows on the story of Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, now 26 years old and living in New York, goes back home to Maycomb, Alabama, to visit her 72 year-old father, Atticus Finch. This time in the story of Go Set a Watchman, Atticus is racist to the blacks, all for the reason for a better cause.