Examples Of Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird

Eeny meeny miny moe, catch a nigger by it’s toe, if it squeals let it go, eeny meeny miny mo. This well known nursery rhyme would never have raised an eyebrow in the 1930s, but would cause complete mayhem today!!! Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird” set in Maycomb county is arguably one of the most thought-provoking books of the century. Throughout the book, the wide range of characters experience different prejudices that haunt them in their everyday existence. These discriminations are brought to life through the thoughts and actions of Jean Louise Finch (also known as Scout), the main ones being socioeconomic and racial. We learn that while standing up against prejudice can lead to persecution in the short term, the long term effects

The county of Maycomb is a prime example of a town which was ruled by racial prejudice. The white folks of the town automatically assumed the worst of any black person, disregarding facts and evidence. This is highlighted throughout the court case of Tom Robinson on trial for raping a white girl but is obvious in everyday life as well. Whilst talking to Jem and Scout about the outcome of the case, Atticus admits “In our courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins.” Inclusive language has been used in this bold statement to emphasize how a white man is superior no matter what circumstance. This amplifies prejudice based on skin colour, which was also carried into the courtroom “but people have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box."-Atticus. This racial bias overshadowed all decisions and views held by the Maycomb society resulting in

The short term effects of taking a moral stance and listening to one's conscience may seem small, but the long term outcome could be far reaching. Take Atticus for example, he stood up and built a strong case for a black man in a society which was filled with prejudice towards negroes. Generally in the case of a black man, the jury’s decision would have been made in minutes. Instead Atticus’s statement made them deliberate for hours. Although he knew he wasn’t going to win the case, this outcome was still a step in the right direction. He faced criticism and hatred, yet he still proved a black man's innocence in the eyes of most of the town. Nelson Mandela is another classic example of a man who took initiative and stood out against racial prejudice towards blacks in the 1900s. He fought against the South African government to stop racial prejudice and bring racial harmony to South Africa. Yet he got sentenced to 27 years in jail for doing so. After serving his time Mandela became president of South Africa and established the ‘Truth and reconciliation commission of South Africa’ for the victims of racism and racial prejudice. We learn from these two individuals that any one brave person can make a significant difference to society. Sometimes all it takes is a seed to be planted in people's minds for change to begin. Although at times efforts to speak out seem futile, the